Drive through one of the largest parks in the United States that covers over 16,000 acres (6474 hectares). With many lookout points, South Mountain Park, offers fantastic views of Phoenix and the surrounding valley. Summit Lookout is at 2,330 feet (710.18 meters) and highlights the enormity of this sprawling desert area. For visitors, the Interpretive Center takes you through the heritage of the area including mining and botanical history. If you prefer an experience out of the car, hike by the marked trails and study the preserved petroglyphs. Carry lunch and enjoy the park's picnic areas with kids in tow. Remember your sunscreen, hat and drinking water when visiting Arizona's best park.
This massive park located within the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt is also home to the Wedge Skate Park. It is every skater's dream complete with ramps, curbs and rails making it an awesome place to pick up new tricks. The park also offers other facilities like an outdoor amphitheater, swimming pool, lakes, and children's playgrounds. The softball, soccer, basketball and sand volleyball courts make it a great place to come and work out. Get the family together, make some lunch and head over to the picnic area for a great family day in the outdoors.
Want to go fishing while the kids enjoy a game of soccer? Then head to this 100-acre (40.46-hectare) park and have a lovely day out with family or friends. The gym and exercise courts at the community center include various fitness options. An uncluttered pathway at Chaparral Park lets you choose between taking a walk or rollerblading. The ever-popular Mighty Mud Mania takes place every June, where kids can enjoy going through a tube and falling into a muddy pocket. With ballfields, basketball and volleyball courts, a swimming pool, and relaxing ramadas, there's something for everyone at this park.
Tempe Beach Park is the recreational lifeblood of Downtown Tempe, where locals come for recreation around the massive Tempe Town Lake. There are many attractions nearby, like pontoon bridges, the Tempe Center for the Arts and the Boat Marina. At the marina, you can rent a boat and take a tour of the lake or if you prefer more manual efforts, rent a paddle-boat for two. There is also a special water splash playground that is designed for kids so they can get soaked during the dog-days of summer.
Spread across 3648 acres (1476.30 hectares), Usery Mountain Regional Park is nestled on the edge of the Goldfield Mountains western end and near to the Tonto National Forest. Comprising of more than 29 miles (46.67 kilometers) of trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking, it offers an easy to difficult range for rider, bikers and hikers of all skills. Don't miss the stunning wind caves made from volcanic rock and granite. The caves offer awe-inspiring vistas that are not to be missed. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the thriving flora and fauna of the lower Sonaran Desert in this area. There is an archery range, considered to be the best in the state for six different courses. With 73 camp-sites, you can enjoy camping with your family in the great outdoors. Stargazing, picnicking, R/C model air-plane flying and outdoor fitness are some of the other activities that are popular at this huge parkland. Check out their various programs that will take you through the diverse landscape of this place.