A List of the Best Parks in Phoenix

0

Moms, March is primed for us! The kiddos are either on spring break or about to be and, oh my, is the valley weather ever in our favor! Heading to a park is a great way to spend the day outdoors, and there’s always the chance that you’ll wear them out just enough that they’ll fall asleep in the car so you can roll through the drive-thru and grab an iced latte to sip in sweet silence on the way home. With that, we’ve gathered up a quick list of our mom-tested parks around the entire valley.

best parks in phoenixAltadena Park
3711 E. Altadena Ave., Phoenix
(602) 262-6696
Tucked into a quiet neighborhood, this little gem has a playground and a seasonal splash pad (May through mid-October) that even makes trekking there in the dead-middle of July worth it. Only downside? No potties.

Cashman Park
22222 N. 44th St., Phoenix
(602) 262-6696
Near the Desert Ridge area, Cashman Park has a shaded playground, fitness course, ramadas with grills, and plenty of room to run.

Chaparral Park
5401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
(480) 312-2353
With no shortage of amenities, one of the fun things to do here is toss a line in the lake and hope for a bite! 

Desert Horizon Park
16002 N. 56th St., Phoenix                                         
(602) 262-6696 
Often called “policemen’s park,” this location features ramadas, large and small playground equipment, volleyball, basketball and softball fields, and the all-important bathrooms.

Encanto Park
2605 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix                         
(602) 261-8991
There is endless fun here because beyond just a playground, Encanto has pedal boat rentals, fishing in the lagoon, picnic areas and it’s also home to the Enchanted Island Amusement Park with age-appropriate roller coasters for young ones, a train ride and concessions.

George “Doc” Cavalliere Park
27775 N. Alma School Pkwy., Scottsdale
(480) 312-7275
Off the beaten path in north Scottsdale, this park is a favorite among our park-hopping experts because it’s super-clean and in excellent condition, has faux grass and a giant shade structure over the playground!

Granada Park
6505 N. 20th St., Phoenix
(602) 262-6696 
Recommended by lots of our moms, Granada features a lagoon, art sculptures, picnic areas and tennis courts in addition to the playground.

Margaret T. Hance Park
67 W. Culver St., Phoenix 
(602) 534-2406
Up for a day of culture? This park has it all — playground, ramadas, picnic areas, and restrooms — along with proximity to the Japanese Friendship Garden, Irish Cultural Center, and Phoenix Center for the Arts.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
7301 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale
480-312-2312
A favorite for birthday parties, due to the grassy knolls and ramadas (that book up quickly this time of year, might we add!), this is an ever-popular choice. Between the train and carousel rides, a journey through the Scottsdale Railroad Museum, 10,000 square feet of model-train masterpieces in action, and let’s not forget a stop for ice cream and a souvenir, you can spend a full day here and want to come back for more. Side note: This is a must-do at the holidays, when the entire park is lit up and the train ride becomes even more magical when the sun goes down.

Moon Valley Park
502 W. Coral Gables Dr., Phoenix                                                 
(602) 262-6696 
Lighted basketball, volleyball tennis courts, a gazebo, playground, shade structure, ramada area, restrooms and a soccer field give this park a thumb’s up in our mom playbook.

Mountain View Community Center Park
1104 E. Grovers Ave., Phoenix                                                        
​(602) 262-6696 
Another favorite for the playground area at the park itself, the Mountain View Community Center also houses a full-scale rec complex with a teen center, tennis center, pool and weight room/fitness center.

Reach 11 Sports Complex Recreation Area
2425 E. Deer Valley Rd., Phoenix
(602) 262-4536
Reach 11 is huge, and definitely designed as a sports complex, but it has a great playground, and again… bonus points for bathrooms!

Roadrunner Park
3502 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix
(623) 848-1234
This one gets brownie points since it serves as the backdrop of my fondest childhood memories, plus the playground area has wood chips versus sand. Opportunities to feed the ducks and geese (watch out… they can be aggressive!) at the pond and stroll through the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays make this park a solid choice.

Royal Palm Park
8405 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix                    
(602) 262-6575 
This neighborhood park has an exercise course, volleyball court on grass, playground and picnic area tucked among lots of trees and palms.

Sereno Park
5702 E. Sweetwater Ave., Scottsdale       
(602) 262-6696 
With a great playground area that’s close to the restrooms, this park has expansive grassy fields, and you may spot horses taking their owners for a ride. 

One thing’s for sure, Phoenix has no shortage of wonderful parks loaded with amazing playgrounds. From Anthem Community Park (also featuring a train as well as adaptive equipment for children with special needs), to Tempe Beach Park, to Mesa Riverview, and even as far east as Fountain Hills Park (with an amazing splash pad), no matter what area of the city you find yourself in, you’re certain to find a great park to enjoy!

Tell us — if you had to pick your “best parks in Phoenix,” what would they be? 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here