Payson Arizona: what to do (Pine, Strawberry: school, camping, restaurants)

[phoenix_new]

I have never been to Payson, I am looking for a 1 day trip, is there anyhting to do over there for kids ?

[Ponderosa]

I'd keep going and go to Pine (go straight at the intersection with 260 in Payson) or over to Woods Canyon Lake (go right at the intersection). Pine has a touristy feel with small shops, little restaurants and cafes. Woods Canyon lake is a place where you can catch trout or just hang out in the woods for a while. The kids can run around and chase squirrels etc. If you go past WC Lake on FR 300 for a while there are awesome views of the valley below at various pullouts and camping spots.

EDIT: Just outside of Payson on the way to pine, you cross the East Fork of the Verde River. There is a pull out there and you can hike down the river below the bridge, play on the rocks, wade a bit, and have a nice "riparian" habitat experience.

You can also go to the Tonto Natural Bridge on the way to Pine. It is a state park. Even the kids will be impressed.

[azdr0710]

if the kids miss school already this summer, you could drop by the historic one-room schoolhouse in Strawberry, near Pine....

or go see the rebuilt Zane Grey Cabin near Kohl's Ranch E of Payson several miles....

pack a picnic and let them run loose in the forest somewhere?....

continue up the rim on 260 for some great views off road 300/Rim Road, as mentioned.....

[keninaz]

There is also a state fish hatchery up in that area and a pond where the kids can feed some big trout and they may like that too.
I sure anyone is the area can tell you how to get there.