There’s no better way to get out of the house than to enjoy fresh air at one of the area parks. Chandler, Arizona, has plenty to choose from, with over 60 different parks. Parks are entertaining for the whole family, affordable, and a good way to get out into nature. Here are just a few of the best area parks to try the next time your family is ready to get out of the house.

Paseo Vista Recreation Area

It’s always nice to take your dog along with you when you hit the parks, and when you go to Paseo Vista Recreation Area, you can enjoy the dog park and walking trails along with your furry friend. Have the kids bring their Frisbees and they can take part in the 18 hole disc golf course for a real challenge. The area also offers archery classes for those who want to learn a new skill. 

This park was a working landfill for almost 30 years until the city decided to give it a makeover and create one of the most popular parks in the city. Visitors can enjoy the incredible 360-degree views of the East Valley from the looking point 40 feet up. And with picnic shelters all around the park, there’s no reason not to make a day of it.

Veterans Oasis Park

This park is great for hikers, cyclists, and even horseback riders with its striking trails. Veterans Oasis Park is also equipped with a 5-acre lake that is roughly 12 to 14 feet deep. Visitors can attempt to catch channel catfish, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and other assorted fish with the right license.

The park also has an Education Center with meeting rooms, a reptile exhibit, reading materials, and a visitor’s shop. You can learn about environmental preservation, the history of the area, the desert, and biology while you enjoy the beautiful scenery in the park. In the spring, don’t miss the Butterfly and Hummingbird Habitat, and check the calendar of events for shows at the outdoor amphitheater in the summer.

Desert Breeze Park

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Desert Breeze Park was designed in 1995 and features the Desert Breeze Hummingbird Habitat. This lovely, shady garden has 50 different species of native plants that attract both hummingbirds and other wildlife. Visitors may notice the iron sculptures in the garden at the entrance of the park, one of a tree and another of an archway with hummingbirds featured. You can learn about desert plants on tours that are offered throughout the year.

Kids love Desert Breeze Park as well since they can cool off at the splash pad and enjoy the carousel and train as they ride around the park on a nice day.

Espee Park

This is one of the top-rated parks in Chandler, and it’s in an urban setting! Espee Park has over 33 acres of parkland and 4 miles of bike courses that are varied in difficulty, depending on the biker in question. There are lighted baseball fields and covered seating for those who just like to watch. There are even shower and ground sprays for when you need to cool off.

While Espee Park has a lot of events throughout the year, it is also known for its waterfalls, skateboarding spots, open green spaces, swimming pool, and hiking trails. Any family member can find something to do here.

Tumbleweed Park

Kids and adults both adore Tumbleweed Park, where there’s lots of shade and plenty of places to run and play. The jogging, hiking, and biking paths are well-maintained and the tennis courts lie nearby in the recreation center.

The picnic section, Playtopia!, is one of the highlights of the area as kids can have their lunches and learn about the heritage of Chandler at the same time. Seating can be reserved or on a first come first serve basis.

Shawnee Dog Park

For families who prioritize their furry friends, the Shawnee Dog Park is a great off-leash dog park where the pups can run free and socialize with new friends. The park has obstacles like tunnels, balance beams, and seesaws to give the dogs something new and different to do. With the doggy drinking fountains, you never have to worry about your pet getting dehydrated while you are there. With all the shade in the park and benches all around, you and your family can relax while you watch the dogs run and play the afternoon away. The 6-foot high chain-link fence keeps dogs in and safe while they play.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park

This park, named for the city’s founder, is located in downtown Chandler and doesn’t have the normal grills, playgrounds, and nature trails. Instead, the park is surrounded by galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park is touted as one of the best picnic spots in the city since there are benches, shaded areas, and green spaces right in the heart of chandler.

Whether you pack a picnic or pick something up from a local restaurant nearby, there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the fresh air. You can also take part in some of the unique events held in the park throughout the year, like the weekly farmers market on Saturdays from October through May.

Gilbert Regional Park

In nearby Gilbert, there are sparkling sports courts available on a first-come, first-served basis. The pickleball courts are a big draw, as are the sand volleyball and tennis courts. Gilbert Regional Park also has an amphitheater with views of the San Tan Mountains and food truck alley, a unique area to grab a variety of different foods.

Now that the professionals at Crème de la Crème in Chandler have shared some of the best area parks with you, you can look forward to spending time with your family on weekends, after school, and on breaks. Did we miss out on a favorite location of yours? Contact us, and we’ll be sure to add it!