Chandler, Arizona, is a remarkable family-friendly destination that offers a wide range of activities for kids throughout the year. While this Phoenix suburb boasts plenty of outdoor options, it’s essential to be aware of the extreme summer heat, often soaring into the mid-90s or higher. Fortunately, there are numerous indoor attractions to explore, alongside refreshing waterparks and splash pads to ensure everyone stays comfortable. Here’s a guide to some of the best family-friendly activities in Chandler.
Cool Off with Fun Water Attractions
Given the high temperatures, you might find your kids feeling a bit cranky at times. Luckily, Chandler has various ways to beat the heat. For a small fee, you can enjoy the city’s numerous pools, splash pads, and aquatic centers. The Desert Oasis Aquatic Center features a pool, waterslide, kiddie slide, and even a sand playground. Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center offers a lazy river, family play pool, and thrilling waterslides, while the Hamilton Aquatic Center has diving boards and interactive water features.
For a bigger splash, you can venture to Golfland Sunsplash in nearby Mesa, where multiple waterslides and attractions await. Kids can enjoy a toddler pool designed for children under 7, complete with soft slides. Plus, there are mini-golf courses, go-karts, bumper boats, and a plethora of arcade games to keep the fun going.
Indoor Attractions for Adventurous Kids
If you prefer indoor fun, check out Makutu’s Island, a jungle-themed indoor play center. Here, your little ones can climb, zip line, and navigate tunnels in a giant indoor tree. The newly opened Crayola Experience provides 19 interactive activities that encourage creativity and imagination for the whole family.
Gravity Extreme Zone is another fantastic indoor venue where kids can bounce, climb, and bungee jump. For those aged 12 and under, Bounce-a-Rama is an inflatable-themed indoor park that features replicas of famous landmarks like the Roman Colosseum and the Eiffel Tower, alongside an arcade and delicious food options.
For toddlers and preschoolers, Giggles offers a wooden indoor playground with slides, trampolines, and a dedicated space for the little ones. You can bring your own snacks and enjoy free coffee and Wi-Fi while the kids play. Don’t forget to check out Swingin’ Safari Mini Golf, an exciting glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course that’s wheelchair accessible.
Dining Options for Families in Chandler
Chandler boasts a variety of kid-friendly restaurants. Wildflower, an artisanal restaurant and bakery, offers a delicious kids menu along with a tasty selection of lunch and dinner options. Black Bear Diner serves generous portions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including its famous bear claws. For Southwestern cuisine, Z’Tejas has a diverse menu that appeals to even the pickiest eaters.
American Way Market features a wide selection of smokehouse meats and sandwiches, while Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is perfect for homemade comfort food, offering a sizeable kids menu and gluten-free choices.
Comfortable Stays for Families
When it comes to accommodations, the Crown Plaza Chandler, a historic Mission Revival-style hotel, offers an outdoor pool and several on-site dining options. Staybridge Suites boasts full kitchen amenities and free internet, making it ideal for families. Element Chandler is conveniently located near the Chandler Fashion Center and offers bike rentals for local exploration.
Outdoor Adventures for Active Families
For those willing to embrace the Arizona heat, hiking at South Mountain Park and Preserve offers 51 miles of scenic trails. Tumbleweed Park features a themed playground called Playtopia!, where kids can explore various play structures inspired by Chandler’s history.
If you’re visiting in early March, the annual Ostrich Festival is a must-see, celebrating the city’s ostrich ranching heritage with parades, live music, and exciting rides. Additionally, the Arizona Railway Museum allows kids to explore vintage trains and learn about rail history. For a leisurely day, take a ride on the vintage Desert Breeze Railroad or catch a Cactus League baseball game during spring training.
In Chandler, family fun awaits, whether you’re seeking indoor entertainment or outdoor adventures.
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Summary
Chandler, Arizona, offers a wealth of family-friendly activities ranging from waterparks and indoor play centers to outdoor adventures and delicious dining options. With its numerous attractions, families can enjoy year-round fun while staying cool during the hot summer months.