Parks can be such wonderful places. I’ve been to my fair share of questionable parks, but I’ve also been blessed to grow up in this park of Phoenix where many parks are stuffed full of fun amenities and activities. I grew up going to all these parks, with some more heavily visited in the childhood while others were better for a sports-minded teen. If you’re new to the area or are wanting to switch up your routine, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite places to go.
As you’ll see, there’s a wide variety of offerings between all these locations. No matter what you’re target activity is or the age group needing entertainment, at least one of these parks is sure to deliver. I hope you take the time to go visit them and make your own wonderful memories!
Paradise Valley
Chapparal Park:
This park is far and away the most loaded with activities. For those who prefer family bike rides or nice walks, the park is the northern end of miles of interconnected parks and paved paths, all part of the Scottsdale Greenbelt. For those who enjoy nature, this park features a large body of water stocked with fish, along with an island meant to harbor migratory birds. If you have a sports family, soccer and baseball fields are within sight of the parking lot, with two sand volleyball courts available as well. There’s a public pool next to the primary parking lot. Oh, there’s also a playground that will keep little kids entertained on its own for hours.
Basically, if you’re not sure what your kids want to do or must target multiple interests, this is your one-stop-shop. The only downside is that the park is rather thin and long, meaning you might have to do some walking to get to the various amenities.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park:
This was a childhood favorite of mine even before they made extensive improvements to this park. Expansive grass areas, multiple playground areas spread around, plenty of pavilions, and above all, a tiny train ride for a minimal cost. It’s a kid’s dream! There are two train rides available – the standard one that runs year-round every day and the Arboretum Train that runs October-May on the weekends. The standard train takes guests around the entire park, while the Arboretum Trian takes guests through the 2-acre desert arboretum also in the park.
In addition to those offerings, the park recently opened two new amenities. One is an indoor play area designed for kids of all ages. It’s set at $6 per person, per hour. It’s a great option if you find yourself there on a warmer day. There’s also a 5,000 square-foot splash pad for your kids to enjoy! This would’ve been a welcome attraction when I played there as a kid, but I’m glad my kids can at least enjoy the park a little easier during the summer.
Biltmore
Granada Park:
My wife discovered this one a couple years ago. I say discover because despite its impressive size, this park is discreetly tucked away in northwest Biltmore, close to the 51. If you’re not looking at Google Maps you might have a hard time finding it (also because of all the foliage on the perimeter of the park) but once you’re there, you’ll find it’s a neighborhood hotspot. The playground equipment is fantastic, and your kids will have tons of grass fields to run around in. Plus, there are some lakes in the park stocked with fish! Mature trees are all over this park as well, providing shade when needed.
Arcadia
Arcadia Park:
This is easily the larger of the two Arcadia parks, with huge grass fields that often hosts soccer practices. Located next to Ingleside Middle School on 56th St and Indian School, it’s an easy destination for any Arcadia resident. The playground was updated 10-15 years ago and there’s a sand volleyball court as well. While not part of the park itself, there’s a small strip mall on the corner that hosts a smoothie shop, a Starbucks, and a frozen yogurt store – something to keep in mind if you have hot and grumpy kids (or adults) at the end of your park adventure.
Kachina Park:
My old stomping grounds. Kachina Park is quietly tucked away on the edge of Arcadia and Arcadia Lite. The park is far and away the smallest on the list, but that doesn’t deter the locals from filling it up with birthday parties and energetic dogs. The playground equipment was refreshed in 2022, which was probably for the better since the previous equipment had been there since at least the early 90s. Close to La Grande Orange and several other boutique restaurants, this park is great for immersing yourself in the community. The only downside is that there isn’t a dedicated parking area – just a wide shoulder on the roads to the West and South of the park.