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I have lived in Avondale, Arizona for two years now in Rancho Santa Fe, a nice little community near Luke Air Force Base.  I also lived here about eight years ago for three years.  I am amazed at the growth of this area since then!  Adjacent to Phoenix, Avondale has grown to over 76,000 people!  There are shopping centers and things to do everywhere now.  Before, you had to commute into the city for the good stuff, but not so anymore.  Following is a list of 10 things to do near Rancho Santa Fe for you and your family to enjoy:

Katydid Insect Museum

The Katydid Insect Museum is just a short ride to Glendale from Avondale.  This museum contains a wide assortment of insects, arachnids, reptiles and other fascinating creatures.  Katydid’s insect museum is a great place for bug-loving kids and the adults who tolerate their obsession.  The museum houses thousands of insect specimens, mounted in display cases and labeled, as well as lizards, spiders, and snakes.  The more adventurous (or crazy) visitors can even interact with some of the residents LIVE.  It only costs a dollar for admittance for children and those under six years old are free.  For more information, call 623-931-8718.

Arizona Fairgrounds

The Arizona fairgrounds are home of the annual Arizona State Fair.  The fairgrounds are located only a short 12 miles from Avondale.  The State Fair has attractions and vendors to please everyone.  Some of the attractions include a rodeo, a demolition derby and various types of racing.  There is a wide variety of food vendors and all kinds of exciting rides.  The fair runs from October 12th to November 4th and is open everyday except Mondays and Tuesdays.  For more information, click on the link above.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Located immediately north of Goodyear in Litchfield Park, the Wildlife World Zoo has Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals with over 2,400 individual animals representing more than 400 exotic and endangered species.  The state’s first Aquarium has now opened at the Zoo – 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park.  For more information, their phone number is 623-935-WILD.

Goodyear Ballpark

While the Goodyear ballpark may not be quite the same as the University of Phoenix Cardinals Stadium, it’s still a fun place to visit with lots of events all year round.  The Right Field Pavilion has a picnic style atmosphere for the best views of the park and can accommodate up to 500 people.  Or you can enjoy a game from The Terrace, a private, covered area located on the third level behind Home Plate.  The Terrace provides a more casual atmosphere for groups up to 90 people.  Terrace packages include food and non-alcoholic beverages, cash bar service and private rest­rooms.  In addition to ball games, the park has a variety of events hosted by businesses around the valley such as Kids Run The Bases, every Saturday and Sunday where children are allowed to run the same bases their favorite ball players have run.  Check out the link above for more information on events at the Goodyear Ballpark.

Parks And Recreation

Avondale offers a variety of parks and hiking opportunities such as the hiking and mountain biking trails in the Estrella Mountain Regional Park that sits at the northern tip of the Sierra Estrella mountain range.  The park offers many trails that crisscross the foothills and plains.  You can also hike in White Mountain Park.  White Mountain Park has nearly 30,000 acres making it the largest regional park in Maricopa County.  Most of the park is made up of the rugged and beautiful White Tank Mountains on the Valley’s west side.  You can check out all of the parks in the Avondale area by clicking on the link above.

K1 Speed Indoor Go Cart Racing

K1 Speed Phoenix brings electric indoor go kart racing to the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and Peoria areas.  Whether you’re a diehard racing enthusiast or are interested in trying authentic, European-style kart racing for the first time, K1 Speed has it all.  The facility provides a genuine racing experience with 20hp electric karts that can reach speeds approaching 45mph and high-grip racing surfaces that allow drivers to push the limit through high-speed corners!  Needless to say, don’t be surprised if the adrenaline is flowing after your race.  For more information, click on the link above.

I hope this short list gives you some insight into just how much there is to see and do near Rancho Santa Fe in Avondale, Arizona.  Not to mention, Avondale is very close to many other active communities and to downtown Phoenix and Luke Air Force Base, home of the Thunderbolts, the Air Force’s primary F-16 pilot and maintenance training base.  The base often welcomes civilians to enjoy air shows and other festivities and meet the nation’s finest.

Enjoy Avondale!