We love parks! It’s a great way to soak up some sunshine, get some exercise and usually, there is no cost involved. Phoenix offers awesome park options, some with shade covers and splashpads too, making them available even during the hot summer months.
If you’re in the mood for different scenery, a place to meet friends, or just want to have nap time in the car after a morning out, here is a list of ten of our favorite parks around the Valley. We feel these are unique and have something of interest for all ages.
Do you have a favorite park? Leave a comment and let us and our readers know!
Parks in Phoenix
Granada Park (6505 N 20th Street, Phoenix) – the playground is great, with lots of sand, and the kids are crazy about the pond (so many ducks!) It also accesses the Arizona Canal Path, if you’re inclined to walk, run or bike. Also, love the view of Squaw Peak. Read our review here.
Riverview Park (2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa) – there’s a huge splashpad! Also the play structures are epic, ranging from a zip line to a climbing tower (teens will love this). We also like that this accesses the Rio Salado Pathway, taking you all the way to Tempe Beach Park. Read our review here.
Kiwanis Lake Park ( 5500 S Mill Ave, Tempe) – the playground is great, and we love the pond with ducks, and paddle boats to rent. Lots of space to run, and paths for littles to practice bike and scooter skills. The nearby Kiwanis Rec Center has an indoor pool as well! A splashpad was added in 2018.
Tumbleweed Park (745 E Germann Road, Chandler) — the kids love that the majority of the playground is under a huge barn. There’s also a zipline, tire swing and a great sand area. Lots of areas to explore, and the Tumbleweed Rec Center has so many options for classes. Read our review here.
Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park (8950 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale) – there’s a couple short nature paths past the restrooms, with gorgeous flower blooms in the spring. Look for wildlife too! We also love the spray pads at the playground, making this a great stop for the summer. Read our review here.
Anthem Community Park (41703 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy, Anthem) – this park, north of Phoenix on I17, is worth the drive. Gorgeous walking paths for littles to explore, a playground, a train ride, a lake — we could have stayed here all day. There’s also a skate park! Read our review here.
Sahuaro Ranch Park (802 N 59th Ave, Glendale) – the playground is so unique, and partially suspended, making it a great challenge for older children. Also, wander the historical buildings, orchards and watch out for peacocks! Read our review here.
Freestone Park (1045 E Juniper Ave, Gilbert) – there are two playgrounds to enjoy here, plus a train ride and mini rides on the weekends. We also loved the lake (what is it about kids and water?) and that is accesses the Heritage Trail for bike riding or walking. Read our review here.
Pioneer Park (526 E Main St, Mesa) – this park recently had a major renovation and is massive! There are slides, climbing structures, a small sandbox (the rest of the park is wood chips), and a splash pad plus much more. Older children will enjoy this as much as younger ones. (Although we will say, this park can get super busy on weekends with big kids, and little ones can be easily “lost”. So consider climbing and exploring with them!) Read our review here.
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park (7301 E. Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale) – this is probably the most popular park in the Phoenix area, and for good reason. Great playgrounds and a train and carousel to ride, plus more. Read our review here.
Bonus park: try the newly opened Gilbert Regional Park!
