Chandler, Arizona is a beautiful suburban city located just southeast of Phoenix with plenty of fun family-friendly attractions and activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, interactive museums, or relaxed leisure activities, Chandler offers something for everyone.
This guide will provide you with 10 of the top things to do with family in Chandler to make the most of your visit. From parks and nature spots to entertainment venues, you’re sure to find memorable experiences that will be enjoyed by kids and parents alike.
West Chandler Park and Recreation Campus
The West Chandler Park and Recreation Campus is a huge 350-acre park with extensive amenities that make it a one-stop destination for families. There are multiple playgrounds with equipment designed for different age ranges, ensuring kids of all ages can burn off energy. For older children and teens, there is a skate park, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and baseball/softball fields.
Families can also enjoy picnics at the many shaded tables throughout the park. Nature lovers will be happy exploring the two miles of walking trails that wind through grassy open spaces and provide scenic views. Be sure to check the facility’s event calendar, as the park often hosts community activities like movie nights and concerts. With so much to offer in one location, you could easily spend the whole day enjoying everything West Chandler Park has to offer.
Tumbleweed Park
For an interactive experience the whole family can bond over, Tumbleweed Park is an excellent choice. This unique park introduces kids to the skills and techniques of cowboy life through hands-on exhibits and activities. Young visitors can practice their roping and groom horses at the livestock area. The chuckwagon camp area teaches about cooking over an open fire and camping in the old west.
History buffs will learn about what life was like for settlers through recreated sod houses and wagon trails. Be sure to catch one of the daily staged gunfights where “outlaws” are chased out of town. The park does an impressive job bringing Arizona’s cowboy heritage to life in an engaging way for all ages. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours exploring everything this park has to offer.
Downtown Chandler
For culture, entertainment, and dining all in one vibrant downtown area, head to historic downtown Chandler. Stroll along San Marcos Place in the evening when shops, restaurants, and galleries come alive. Stop in local boutiques to find unique gifts or treats from Arizona artisans. Then fuel up with pizza, burgers, or desserts from the many acclaimed eateries downtown.
Be sure to check the event schedule, as downtown often hosts community events like concerts, car shows, and art walks. Kids and families will also enjoy the interactive play area at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, complete with splash pad, climbing structures, and swings. On Fridays during the summer, catch a movie under the stars at “Flicks in the Sticks” held in the park. A visit to downtown Chandler offers the perfect blend of activity and relaxation for all ages.
OdySea Aquarium
For a educational and entertaining experience under one roof, OdySea Aquarium is not to be missed. Walk through transparent tunnels to be surrounded by sharks and other predators of the deep blue. Stop in interactive exhibits like the touch tanks to get up close with sea creatures great and small. Don’t forget to check out creatures like jellyfish that glow spectacularly under black lights.
The aquarium does an excellent job recreating distinct ocean habitats from around the world through themed exhibits and informative displays. With over 2,000 species of sea life represented, there is always something new to discover during each visit. The aquarium also offers opportunities for deeper exploration through daily feedings, animal encounters, and educational presentations. Plan for at least 2-3 hours at OdySea to fully take advantage of everything it has to offer inquisitive families.
Dolphinaris Arizona
For an up-close encounter with dolphins, plan a visit to Dolphinaris Arizona. Guests can watch dolphin presentations from the stadium bleachers or upgrade to a private “dolphin experience” where visitors swim or snorkel with the dolphins. During these interactions, trainers are on hand to help answer questions and provide interesting facts about dolphin behaviors, communication, and conservation.
Other experiences like “Trainer for a Day” allow guests to assist the trainers with enrichment activities and training demonstrations. In addition to interacting with the dolphins, the facility provides educational opportunities through exhibits, presentations, and activities focused on ocean habitats, rescue efforts, and related marine science topics. A visit to Dolphinaris offers an once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience for the whole family to learn about and play with these incredibly intelligent marine mammals.
Tumbleweed Park and Recreation Center
For recreation combined with stunning Sonoran Desert scenery, Tumbleweed Park and Recreation Center can’t be beat. Spread across 150 acres in North Chandler, the park offers basketball courts, volleyball courts, playgrounds, and paved walking trails crisscrossing the desert landscape. Families can throw Frisbees, kick around soccer balls, or just explore the cacti and wildlife on the multi-use paths.
On select Saturdays, the park hosts themed events like outdoor movies, holiday celebrations, and live music performances in the grassy areas. The recreation center attached to the park adds air-conditioned amenities like an aquatic center with lap pools, waterslides, and a splash pad perfect for cooling off on hot days. With its ideal location and variety of activities, Tumbleweed Park offers opportunities for families to be active in Chandler’s beautiful scenic desert surroundings.
Food Truck Fridays
For a unique dining experience, families should check out Food Truck Fridays held weekly at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown. Every Friday evening from spring to fall, over a dozen local food trucks converge to serve up an array of global cuisines. Wander from truck to truck to sample sandwiches, tacos, crepes, ice cream, and more. It’s the perfect low-key way to try new foods and flavors.
Tables and seating are provided in the park’s festive atmosphere. Many trucks cater to kids with mini meals, candy apples, and slushies. Live music often plays while families picnic and socialize. It’s a fun evening tradition in downtown Chandler supported by the whole community. Pack a blanket and go with an empty stomach ready to indulge in this eclectic mobile feast!
Tumbleweed Park Zoo
For an outdoor adventure and animal encounters, make a trip to Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park Zoo. Walk among native birds, turtles, reptiles and small mammals as they roam free through recreated desert landscapes. For an added experience, book a guided behind-the-scenes animal tour to get up-close with foxes, snakes, owls and more. Kids can participate in daily zookeeper talks and feeding presentations.
Other activities include a fossil digging area, nature play trail, and barnyard animal corral with goats and chickens. The Zoo puts an emphasis on conservation and the connections between Arizona’s wildlife and ecosystems. With its scenic desert setting and emphasis on education, Tumbleweed Park Zoo offers an enjoyable respite for families in nature within the city limits.
Conclusion
As you can see, Chandler has no shortage of activities perfect for creating memories with family. From outdoor recreational spaces to interactive museums and attractions, there is truly something for every interest. Be sure to check event calendars for the city and individual venues to catch special performances, festivals or classes going on during your visit.
With top attractions like Tumbleweed Park, OdySea Aquarium, and Food Truck Fridays, Chandler delivers unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the Valley. I hope this guide has provided you with plenty of inspiration for making the most of your family time exploring all this charming suburban city has to offer.