Great — here’s a practical, start-to-finish plan to build a golf + family vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona, with timing, where to stay, what to do (golf and kid-friendly), booking tips, a sample itinerary, packing checklist, and estimated budgets.

Summary — quick facts to anchor planning

• Nearest major airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Driving time to central Scottsdale is typically about 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. (distance-cities.com)
• Scottsdale’s peak season for golf and pleasant weather is roughly October–April (peak Nov–Apr); summer is hot but cheaper with tee-time deals. October can have course overseeding. (experiencescottsdale.com)
• The big golf draw is TPC Scottsdale (home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open in early February). Other top Scottsdale-area courses include Troon North, Grayhawk, We-Ko-Pa and numerous resort courses. (tpc.com)
• Scottsdale is family-friendly with museums, OdySea Aquarium/Butterfly Wonderland area (Scottsdale/Phoenix area), McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park, Desert Botanical Garden, and large resort pools and kids’ programs. Many luxury resorts also offer family activities and golf packages. (cntraveler.com)

Step 1 — pick dates & book early

• If you want perfect golf weather and lively town energy: pick November–April. If you want lower rates and don’t mind heat: try late spring or summer (early tee times recommended). Watch out for course overseeding in October. (experiencescottsdale.com)
• Book your tee times and resort early (especially Dec–Mar and around the Phoenix Open in February). For groups, block tee times well in advance.

Step 2 — choose where to stay (resorts vs. rentals)

• Resort pros: easy access to golf, multiple pools, kids’ clubs, on‑site dining and concierge who can book tee times. Popular family-friendly resorts: The Phoenician, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, JW Marriott Camelback Inn, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale (and several boutique properties in Old Town). These also run golf + family packages. (cntraveler.com)
• Vacation rental pros: more space and kitchen (good for families) — consider a home near Old Town or North Scottsdale depending on desired golf course proximity.
• Tip: If most golfers want early-morning tee times, pick lodging near the courses you’ll play to minimize drive time.

Step 3 — pick golf courses & reserve tee times

• Must-consider: TPC Scottsdale (if you want to play or visit the Phoenix Open atmosphere), Troon North and Grayhawk for signature desert golf experiences, plus many resort courses (Fairmont, Phoenician). Public courses often allow online booking; call pro shops for group rates or twilight options. (tpc.com)
• Tee-time tips: schedule earliest tee times in summer to avoid midday heat; for peak season, reserve as far in advance as possible. Ask about junior rates, cart policies, and dress rules.

Step 4 — plan family activities (mix of “kid wins” and downtime) Kid- and family-friendly options:

• OdySea Aquarium & Butterfly Wonderland (nearby entertainment complex) — big hits for kids.
• McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park — rides and playgrounds for young children.
• Desert Botanical Garden — easy walks and seasonal exhibits.
• Old Town Scottsdale — galleries, shops, family-friendly restaurants and occasional street events.
• Outdoor options: short, easy hikes in McDowell Sonoran Preserve, scenic hot-air balloon rides, or tubing on the Salt River (seasonal). Resort pools and splash areas are also essential downtime. (cntraveler.com)

Step 5 — logistics: getting there & around

• Fly into PHX (Phoenix Sky Harbor); central Scottsdale is typically a 15–30 minute drive depending on exact hotel and traffic. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility (golf bags, family gear). Rideshares work for short trips around town but a rental is more convenient for multiple golf rounds and excursions. (distance-cities.com)
• If you prefer private transfers, many resorts offer shuttles from PHX or can arrange a private car.

Step 6 — budget estimates (very rough per person / per family)

• Flights: depends on origin.
• Resort nightly rates: variable — budget hotels $120–$250/night; mid-range/resorts $300–$700+; luxury $700–$1,500+. (Rates vary by season.)
• Golf green fees: public course fees vary widely — expect roughly $80–$350+ per round at premium courses; resort rates often include options for packages. TPC and signature courses can be at the higher end. (experiencescottsdale.com)
• Meals/activities/transport: plan additional daily costs for food, attractions, and rental cars. For family budgeting, include pool/activities and possible childcare/kids’ club fees.

Sample 5-day family + golf itinerary Day 0 — arrival

• Fly into PHX, pick up rental car, check in to resort in Scottsdale, relax by the pool; quick Old Town stroll and dinner.

Day 1 — Golf morning / family afternoon

• Early tee time at a nearby course (Troon North or Grayhawk).
• Afternoon: kids pool time / resort kids’ club; parents relax at spa or short Old Town outing.

Day 2 — Family day

• Morning: OdySea Aquarium & Butterfly Wonderland or Desert Botanical Garden.
• Afternoon: McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park + ice cream.
• Evening: Old Town dinner, stroll local shops.

Day 3 — Golf + optional nightlife

• Early tee time at TPC Scottsdale (or another bucket-list course).
• Late afternoon: return for family time; dinner at resort or family-friendly restaurant.

Day 4 — Adventure & departure

• Morning: short desert hike in McDowell Sonoran Preserve or hot-air balloon (book in advance).
• Check out, return to PHX.

Variations:

• For multiple golfers, plan 2–3 full days of golf and slot family activities in the afternoons or alternate days so everyone gets time with the kids.
• If visiting during the Phoenix Open (early February), expect heavy crowds and plan tickets/accommodations far in advance. (tempetourism.com)

Practical packing & health tips

• Sunscreen (high SPF) + lip balm, hats, polarized sunglasses.
• Light layers — desert mornings/evenings can be cool; midday warm. Average winter highs are roughly 60s–80s F and summer can exceed 100°F. Bring breathable golf shirts and hydration options. (experiencescottsdale.com)
• Refillable water bottle (many courses and parks have water stations).
• For kids: pool toys, snacks, stroller if you have young ones.
• Golf: clubs (or rent at the course/resort), glove, appropriate shoes, tees, and a small cooler for drinks if allowed.

Booking tips & money-savers

• Look for resort golf packages that bundle rooms + rounds + cart to simplify logistics and sometimes save money.
• Book tee times early for peak season; consider twilight rates for lower prices.
• If traveling in summer, book very early tee times to avoid heat and take afternoon pool breaks.
• Call courses directly if you’re a group — sometimes they’ll give group discounts or flexible start times.

Safety & kid considerations

• Keep kids hydrated and protected from sun.
• Check course policies on children and carts (some clubs restrict cart riders for young kids).
• In summer months, avoid midday outdoor exertion; plan pool and indoor activities midday.

Final checklist to book (two months out suggested for peak season)

• Flights + rental car
• Resort or rental property
• Tee times for your top 2–4 courses
• One or two family attractions (some need reservations)
• Airport transfer or directions from PHX to your lodging (expect 15–30 minute drive to central Scottsdale). (travelmath.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Build a tailored 4- or 7-day itinerary for your dates, family size and golfers’ handicaps.
• Compare 3 resorts in your price range and show which courses are closest to each.
• Find current tee-time availability/prices for specific courses on the exact dates you plan to travel.

Which of those would you like me to do next?