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!

1)  Heard Museum

The Heard Museum is unique not only in the exhibits that are displayed but also the style and grace with which it displays them.  The museum boasts more than 32,000 pieces of cultural and fine art.  There are permanent exhibits, like the famous Barry Goldwater collection of Kachina Dolls, as well as special exhibits year-round.  Some of the special annual events include the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest which is held each February, and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market each March.  The museum also includes 11 exhibition galleries, free guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, a renowned café, art gallery, trading-post style shopping and more!  For more information call:  602-252-8848.

2)  Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix has one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants.  It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums.  At the Desert Botanical Garden you will find 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits.  Home to 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species from around the world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than the Desert Botanical Garden.  The Garden is located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.  For more details contact:  480-941-1225.

3)  Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum brings together plants from the Earth’s many and varied deserts and dry lands.  Approximately 3,200 different desert plants can be found within the arboretum, and most of them can be seen along the 1.5 mile main trail. During wildflower season, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is especially beautiful, displaying all the wonderful colors of the desert. Are you a bird lover?  More than 250 species of birds have been recorded at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  You can also attend classes, nature walks, and guided tours.  There is fun for everyone!  For more details call:  520-689-2723.

 4)  The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo in Arizona is one of the younger zoos in the country.  Not only is it a successful zoo, but it is a privately owned, nonprofit zoo.  That means that it operates strictly without any government funding – the Phoenix Zoo is totally supported by donors and private organizations. Recognizing the important role that zoos must play, the Phoenix Zoo has been very active in wildlife conservation programs.  The Phoenix Zoo is open every single day of the year, including December 25th.  In the summer it is advisable to get there as early as possible, since many animals head for shade and hide during the heat of the day.  The zoo offers a camel rides, a giraffe encounter, a petting zoo, pedal boat rides and much, much more!  For more information call:  602-273-1341.

5)  Phoenix Children’s Museum

Acting on the principle that learning is a joy, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix’s mission is to engage the minds, muscles and imaginations of children and the grown-ups who care about them.  With hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the Museum focuses on learning through play, with emphasis on early childhood education and school-readiness.  The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is located at 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona.  For more information call:  602-253-0501.

6)  Childsplay

Childsplay theater sets out to create theater so strikingly original in form, content or both, that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, those hallmarks of childhood which are the keys to the future.  There is a wide variety of performances and events that can be found on the link above.  For more information call:  480-921-5700.

7)  Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center offers hands-on, eye-opening fun with more than 300 interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, and traveling exhibitions.  Explore 350 hands-on exhibits, a five-story theater and a planetarium in a unique setting.  Group rates and facility rentals available.  For more information, call 602-716-2000.

8)  Musical Instrument Museum

Metropolitan Phoenix’s newest museum opened in spring 2010, billing itself as the first in the world dedicated to the celebration of global instruments.  Upon entering the airy, acoustically thoughtful building, you’re issued a wireless headset.  When you approach a displayed instrument, voila—its sound plays clearly in your ears.  The museum emphasizes instruments that have been used for folk and tribal occasions, and the collection includes instruments from over 200 different countries and territories.  Unless you’re the world’s expert on this subject, we figure you’ll be seeing and hearing instruments you’ve never even thought of before. Musicians will especially dig the Experience Gallery, where you can touch and play exotic instruments.  For more information call:  480-478-6000.

9)  Tovrea Castle

Tovrea Castle was built about 70 years ago by Italian immigrant Alessio Carraro as a grand hotel, intended as the centerpiece of an upscale housing developement. Tovrea Castle was built without working plans, and the final structure bears little resemblance to the intended design.  Construction of the castle was interrupted frequently, sometimes for long periods of time, due to the extensive landscaping taking place in the 277 acres surrounding the building.  Hundreds of cacti were transplanted along with 2,600 truckloads of river stones, which were whitewashed and used for retaining walls, terraces, and edging for the roads and trails.  Mr. Carraro’s dreams were ended by the stock market crash of 1929, and he sold the castle to Edward Tovrea, a business man who owned a meat packing plant on adjoining acreage.  The castle was lived in by the Tovreas until Mrs. Tovreas’ death in 1969.  The house was opened to the public only once, for one weekend in 1984.  In 1993, the City of Phoenix bought the castle along with 40 acres, and is planning to restore the castle for use as a visitors center.  For more information call:  602-262-6412.

10)  Mystery Castle

This unusual piece of architecture, built from recycled bottles, granite and bricks in 1930, is a tribute from a father to his daughter. Located near South Mountain, you may take tours through the castle. Largely constructed of native stone, the 8,000-square-foot castle contains 13 fireplaces, 18 rooms and various features of interest. Southwestern antiques furnish this unique facility.  For more information call:  602-268-1581.

Image Credits

• Mystery Castle: MediaFury
• Musical Instrument Museum: Deb
• Boyce Thompson Arboretum: JFPescatore
• Heard Museum: Nick Bastian

1)  Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company

Just Roughin’ It Adventure Company is a full service backpacking and hiking guide company, leading tours in Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Olympic National Parks, as well as Paria Canyon and the Superstition Mountains in Phoenix, AZ.  Guests are provided with top of the line backpacking and hiking gear.  And the food is NOT what you would expect on a camping trip.  Quality meals are prepared by an experienced and certified guide in the middle of the wilderness!  For more information call:  480-857-2477.

 2)  Chandler Center For The Arts

The Center is equipped with three theaters and a 2,000 square foot exhibition gallery.  With a total seating capacity of 1,500, the unique design of the Center allows for two rear sections of the main auditorium to rotate 180 degrees to become two more intimate performance spaces:  The 350-seat Hal Bogle Theatre and the 250-seat Recital Hall.  Patrons and artists alike have hailed the Center’s acoustics as being among the best in the country and the world.  The walls between the separate performance areas prevent sound interference, thus allowing up to three productions to run simultaneously.  You can enjoy music, dance, comedy, you name it!  For more information and events call:  480-782-2680.

3)  Jumpstreet

We have all seen kids and families jump on a trampoline just about everywhere, but have you seen them bounce from the walls?  Newly opened, jumpstreet is a family fun center  where kids and adults can jump on a trampoline, and then bounce off a WALL of trampolines!  Take in a great game of dodgeball or just some time to bounce off the walls and be a kid again.  You have to see it and try it for yourself!  For more information call:  480-270-8008.

4)  MVP Zone

MVP Zone is a premier indoor baseball/softball practice facility with batting cages in Chandler.  Featuring over 8,500 square feet of state-of-the-art training equipment, professional instruction and a wide variety of programs, The MVP Zone has something for every age group and skill level.  For more information call:  480-857-6000.

5)  Sweeties Candy of Arizona

Have a sweet tooth?  Looking for a tasty treat from the good old days?  Housing over 75,000 pounds of candy and over 3,000 different types, visitors of all ages will enjoy the newly opened sweet shop for a trip down memory lane or to discover a new favorite at Arizona’s largest and most comprehensive candy store.  There are sugar-free treats as well.  Family owned and operated for over 60 years, Sweeties Candy is not only inviting to children but allows adults to be a “kid in a candy store” once again!  For more information call:  480-899-4245.

6)  Xtreme Air Jump ‘N Skate Park

Xtreme Air is Arizona’s largest one-of-a-kind indoor entertainment park, featuring over 30,000 sq. ft. of air-conditioned space for families and kids of all ages.  This spectacular indoor entertainment center includes an indoor skate park for street style skate boarding and BMX bikes, 10,000 continuous feet of interconnected trampolines, with separate dodge ball/basketball bounce areas for youth and adult teams, one insanely large Velcro wall, and a fully-equipped arcade with video games and prizes.  The facility also features a coffee bar, parents lounge with WI-FI access, and clothing boutique.  For more information call:  480-409-4555. 

Located in the northern part of Phoenix, there is a multitude of things to do near Stetson Valley.  Following is a list of 5 things you may enjoy:

1)  Arizona Desert Tours

For more than twenty years, Arizona Desert Tours has been guiding visitors through Arizona‘s back country.  Trained guides will teach you survival techniques while relating the lore of the area.  Enjoy the enchanting desert colors and scenery while touring. Services offered are 4×4 tours, cowboy cookouts, horse trail rides, gold panning, rafting, eco tours and corporate team building.  For more information call:  (602) 867-8162.

2)  Castles ‘N Coasters

Castles N’ Coasters is Arizona’s finest family fun and thrill park.  There’s roller coasters, miniature golf, go-carts, bumper boats, and much, much more.  Fun for the whole family!  The park is located at 9445 Metro Parkway East, Phoenix.  For more information call:  (602) 997-7575.

3) Arizona Science Center

Spend the day in the fantastic Planetarium, or enjoy the spectacular, informative IMAX films on a five-story screen, view enriching exhibits, or test out one of the over 300 hands on activities.  There are also special events to enjoy all year.  Whatever you choose, there is something for every member of your family.  For more information contact:  602-716-2000.

4)  Cave Buttes Recreation Area

As a designated City District Park site, the Cave Buttes Recreation Area will most likely provide a combination of passive and active recreation opportunities to residents within a five-mile radius or service area. Ball fields, swimming pools, and golf courses are some examples of active recreation facilities. Passive facilities could include multi-use trails, group picnic areas, playgrounds, or educational centers.  For more information call:  (602) 262-7901.

5)  North Mountain Park

At 2,104 feet and 2,149 feet in elevation respectively, North Mountain and Shaw Butte are landmark Phoenix peaks in their own right. This area offers more than summit climbs; an array of trails of all levels of difficulty offers something for everybody. At it’s highest point, North Mountain elevation is 2,104 feet.  Shaw Butte tops out at 2,149 feet.  The major plant species found in the park are typical of those found in the lower Sonoran Desert and include bursage, brittlebush, creosote bush, palo verde trees and saguaro cactus.  Overall, more than 300 species of plant life are found in the area.  For more information call:  602 262-7901.

Communities Near Stetson Valley

• Stetson Hills
• Rovey Farm Estates
• Sonoran Mountain Ranch
• All Stetson Valley homes for sale: click here

1)  Heard Museum

Every major city, and most minor ones, have museums.  The Heard Museum is unique, however, not only in the exhibits that are displayed, but the style and grace with which they are displayed.  Heard museum has more than 32,000 pieces of cultural and fine art.  There are permanent exhibits, like the famous Barry Goldwater collection of Kachina Dolls, as well as special exhibits year-round.  Some of the special annual events include the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest which is held each February, and the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market each March.  The museum is located at 2301 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix.  For further information contact:  602.252.8848.

2)  Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden has one of the world’s finest collections of desert plants.  It is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums.  At the Desert Botanical Garden you will find 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits.  Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, there is no finer place to enjoy desert beauty than the Desert Botanical Garden.  The Garden is located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.  For further information contact:  480 941.1225.

3)  Boyce Thompson Arboretum

The Boyce Thompson Arboretum brings together plants from the Earth’s many and varied deserts and dry lands.  Approximately 3,200 different desert plants can be found within the arboretum, and most of them can be seen along the 1.5 mile main trail. During wildflower season, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is especially beautiful, displaying all the wonderful colors of the desert. Are you a bird lover?  More than 250 species of birds have been recorded at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum.  For more information contact:  520.689.2811.

4)  The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo has more than 1,000 animals on exhibit.  Because the Zoo makes a special effort to provide the animals with appropriate habitats, some of them may be a challenge to see.  Keep looking!  The zoo also offers many attractions such as the Safari Train, the Endangered Species Carousel, and pedal boat rentals.  The zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.  For further information contact:  602.273.1341.

5)  The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art focuses on modern and contemporary art, architecture and design.  There are five galleries that showcase changing exhibitions and works from the Museum’s growing permanent collection.  The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art features an outdoor sculpture garden.  The Museum presents a variety of educational programs and special events for adults and families, including lectures, docent-led tours, workshops and classes.  For further information contact:  480-499-8587. 

6)  South Mountain Park

At over 16,000 acres, South Mountain Park and Preserve often is considered the largest municipal park in the country.  There are more than 50 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking.  Dobbins Lookout, at 2,330 feet, is the highest point in the park accessible by trail.  If you aren’t into hiking, biking or riding, you can simply drive to Dobbins Point to get a fantastic view of the Valley of the Sun.  It’s just over 5 miles from Central Avenue to Dobbins Lookout.  The park is located at 10919 S. Central Avenue in Phoenix.

7)  Phoenix International Raceway

In 1964, when Phoenix International Raceway was carved out of the foothills of the Estrella Mountains, it was intended to be a new jewel in the crown of American open-wheel racing.  Today, PIR has a tradition that is unmatched in the world of racing.  If you love the excitement of racing cars then be sure and include the Raceway in your vacation plans.  For further information contact:  866-408-7223.

8)  Arizona Science Center

Spend the day in the fantastic Planetarium, or enjoy the spectacular, informative IMAX films on a five-story screen, view enriching exhibits, or test out one of the over 300 hands on activities.  There are also special events to enjoy all year.  Whatever you choose, there is something for every member of your family.  For further information contact:  602-716-2000.

9)  Out Of Africa Wildlife Park

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is an opportunity to see animals from all over the world, especially Africa.  Visitors enjoy an authentic replica of a real African Bush Safari.  Out of Africa is home to hundreds of wild-by-nature, animals.  Sit back and ride the tram while you enjoy a Safari experience.  Watch the giraffes, zebras, antelope and more in their natural setting.  The Park is open Monday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm year-round.  For further information contact:   928.567.2840.

1)  Desert Botanical Garden

Nestled amid the buttes of Papago Park, the Garden is home to the world’s largest and most diverse collection of succulent plants, including rare and endangered species from around the Southwest.  There are often special events such as the Las Noches de las Luminarias displayed during the holiday season each year and musical shows in the gardens.  The gardens are located on Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.  For further information, call:  (480) 941-1225.

2)  Dolly Steamboat

Enjoy a 90-minute “nature cruise” or “twilight dinner cruise” aboard the Dolly.  You’ll step back in time to America’s riverboat days.  The captain will share interesting facts about the historic Apache Trail, Canyon Lake, and the legend and lore of the Lost Dutchman’s gold.  The company is located in Apache Junction.  For more information, call:  (480) 827-9144.

3)  Arizona Museum of Natural History

One of the premier museums in the state!  “Dinosaur Mountain” is the largest dinosaur exhibit west of the Mississippi River.  See a constantly flowing 50-foot-high indoor waterfall and hear the thrilling roar of life-size, animated dinosaurs, including a saber-tooth cat and a Columbian Mammoth.  A mini-environment re-creates the Petrified Forest featuring a Cretaceous aquarium with live descendants of prehistoric creatures such as sturgeon and turtles who haven’t changed in 65 million years.  And much, much more!  The museum is located in Mesa.  For more information, call:  (480) 644-2230.

4)  Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum

The Arizona Wing is the home of Sentimental Journey, the most authentically restored B-17 Flying today. Warbirds from WWII through Vietnam are also on display. Memorabilia from WWII can also be viewed. Warbird flights available or shop at our gift shop.  The museum is open daily.  For more information, call:  (480) 924-1940.

5)  The Phoenix Zoo

Whether you want to see the wide variety of animals, visit the petting zoo, do the “wild walk,” ride the Safari Train or the endangered species carousal, the Phoenix Zoo has it all.  There are also caverns, lagoons, and a discovery farm.  The Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, Arizona.  The entrance to the Zoo is off Galvin Parkway in the heart of Papago Park, between McDowell and Van Buren.  For further information, call:  (602) 273-1341.

6)  Golf!

Mesa is a golfer’s paradise with outstanding rates and all-inclusive or ala carte golf and vacation packages offered all year round.  Mesa is home to some of Arizona’s most renowned golf offerings designed by the best including Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye.  With more than 40 golf courses within a half-hour drive of downtown Mesa, the choices are endless.

7)  Mesa Arizona Temple

Since its dedication in 1927, the Mesa Arizona Temple for Latter Day Saints has greeted millions of visitors of all faiths from across the world.  This universal gathering place, which is set on 20 acres in central Mesa, hosts two nationally-recognized events each year including the World’s Largest Easter Pageant every spring and the Christmas Lights Display every winter, touted by Good Morning America as one of the best light displays in the country with more than 600,000 lights.

Communities Near Las Sendas

• Cachet at Las Sendas
• Red Mountain Ranch
• Madrid
• Map of Las Sendas homes for sale in Mesa, click here

1)  Buckeye Valley Museum

The Buckeye Valley Museum was etablished in 1954 and run by volunteers until 2007 when the Town of Buckeye took over operations of the local museum.  The Museum is a great place to learn about Buckeye and its early beginnings.  Special Collections and Exhibits – Historic photographs, family histories, Hohokam pottery, artifacts from the early establishment of the Town of Buckeye, Arizona, Buckeye High School year books dating back to 1928.  The museum is located on 116 East Hwy. 85 (10th Street and Monroe).  Admission is free and contact information and hours are as follows:

Open September through June
Wednesday & Thursday 12:00 – 4:00
Friday & Saturday 10:00 – 4:00
Phone (623) 349-6315

2)  The Desert Skydiving Center

The Desert Skydving Center is located in Buckeye at 3000 S. Palo Verde Rd.  Whether you are an advanced skydiver or looking to make your first jump, the center provides an experienced and friendly staff on hand to assist you.  There are three types of jumps: 

Static Line
After only 5 hours of hands on training you’re in command of your first skydive.  As you jump from 3,500 feet or 5,500 feet, the parachute is automatically pulled open by a static line.  You will enjoy a 5-7 minute ride under your modern ram air parachute.

Tandem
You will need only 30 minutes of training because you’re harnessed together with an expert.  Jumping from over 2 miles high, you will freefall for 40 seconds, pull your own ripcord and enjoy an exhilarating 5-7 minute parachute ride.  You’re learning as you go on this low-pressure high-thrill skydive.  It’s a perfect first jump for those wanting a quick adrenaline adventure

Accelerated Freefall 
During the 8 hours of training, you will learn all of the important points of skydiving for the first time.  Using the real equipment you will practice exits, freefall, canopy control, and landings.  Then, with 2 instructors at your side, you will leave the airplane from over 2 miles high, freefall for 50 seconds, pull your own ripcord and then enjoy a breathtaking parachute ride.  You will feel a real sense of accomplishment as you land with our state of the art equipment.

3)  Buckeye Town Park

Town Park boasts a brand new X-Wave play element for ages 2-12 years old.  There is a fully staffed pool in the summer months as well as a Skate Park.  You can picnic, swim, play and just enjoy the outdoors.  You may contact park staff at:  480-350-8625.  The park is located at 207 N 9th Street in Buckeye.

4)  Raven Golf Club

Raven Golf Club offers golfers experiences unique to their environments with superior course conditioning and exemplary guest service.  Each Raven golf course must pass a comprehensive annual 136-point inspection, which evaluates every aspect of the golf operation.  This ensures a consistent level of excellence and quality throughout the network of Raven branded golf courses.  Raven Golf Clubs have become some of the most highly acclaimed daily-fee golf courses in the world. 

Phone:  623-215-3443
Located at 4242 North Golf Drive in Buckeye

5)  K1 Indoor Go Cart Racing

Arrive and Drive allows individuals, be they seasoned pros or novices, to come in any time (except in the event of a private party rental) and feel the rush of adrenaline from the green, eco-friendly electric karts.  If you feel the need for speed, you can visit one of the public indoor karting centers to see firsthand what K1 Speed has to offer.  Battle it out with friends and family and see who can set the fast lap!  There are two locations in Glendale and Phoenix.  Phone: (602) 275-5278

6)  Katydid Insect Museum

The Insect Museum is a tiny strip-mall museum affiliated with an exterminating company, but has an astonishing collection of live and mounted bugs!  It’s a hands-on place!  Lizard and bearded dragons are on leashes.  The majority of the bugs tend to not play well with others.  There are 20,000 specimens in all to get your fill of reptiles, turtles, tortoises, beetles, roaches, millipedes, and scorpions. 

Hours:  Monday through Friday from 11am to 4pm
Admission is under $5 for adults and even less expensive for children
Phone:  623-931-8718
Located at:  5060 W Bethany Home Rd # 7 in Glendale

Following are 10 things to do within 10 minutes of this wonderful southwestern town:

1)  Hamilton Aquatic Center

The Hamilton Aquatic Center was named the “2001 Outstanding Facility” by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association!  Enjoy a variety of amenities including a zero depth play pool, current river, two water slides and an eight-lane competition pool.  The pool is located at Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo.  This large aquatics center is jam packed with swim lessons and other water programs for young and old alike.  You can reserve the center for swimming parties, take advantage of the lap pool (which has designated hours specially for lap swimmers), join a swim team and more.  Or just come out and enjoy some time in the water with your family.

2)  Chandler Center For The Arts

The Chandler Center For The Arts is jointly owned and operated by the City of Chandler and the Chandler Unified School District, and programmed by the Chandler Cultural Foundation, a separate non-profit corporation.  In addition to providing big-name entertainment, the Center hosts nearly 40 performing arts groups in the Phoenix metropolitan area, and prides itself on community education and outreach.  Tickets for events can be purchased online at Ticketmaster online or onsite at the Chandler Center for the Arts Box Office located at 250 North Arizona Avenue in Chandler.  The box office is open Monday through Saturday.  You can call 480-782-2680 for hours of operation.

3)  Chandler Skate Park

The mild Phoenix climate makes this a perfect area, all year long, for outdoor skating.  Whether you have inline skates, roller skates or a skateboard, it is likely that there will be a skate park near you where you can skate on a great surface and get the most of your skating experience.  Since the day it opened to the public, the Chandler Skate Park has earned a reputation that attracts some of the best skateboarders in the world to south Chandler. This spacious, 35,000-square-foot facility has been designed for all skaters no matter how skilled.  It is a free, non-supervised facility for use by skateboarders and in-line skaters.  The Skate Park is located at 4500 S. Basha Rd.  Amenities include concrete bowls, decks, blocks, and metal rails, as well as a ramada and playground adjacent to the Skate Park.

4)  Chandler Museum

Take a step back in time at the Chandler Historical Museum.  The facility, located at 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, displays artifacts from Chandler’s long and storied past.  New exhibits are displayed regularly.  Entrance is FREE and the museum is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., holidays excluded.

5)  Chandler Fashion Center

Right off the Loop 101 Price Freeway at Chandler Blvd., shoppers from Chandler, Gilbert, and south Tempe find this mall very conveniently located.  The Chandler Fashion Center offers an indoor/outdoor shopping experience and boasts over 180 stores including all the big names like Ann Taylor, Eddie Bauer, Abercrombrie and much, much more.  Very near the mall you’ll find a wide variety of eateries as well including Kona Grill, Chipotle Mexican Restaurant, Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, Rockfish, and Dave’s Barbecue just to name a few.  There is also a 20 theater Harkins movie complex at the Fashion Center. (Image courtesy of Dean Ouellette)

6)  Rawhide At Wildhorse Pass

Rawhide is an authentic frontier town, and is considered Arizona’s largest western-themed attraction.  Located off I-10 in Chandler, Arizona on the Gila River Indian Community, activities at Rawhide include gunfights and stunt shows, mechanical bull rides, gold panning, real blacksmiths and live country music.  You can take an old fashioned western photo with your family in authentic old west garb.  You can shop for clothes, hats, toys, and gifts.  You can also enjoy the Rawhide Steakhouse and Saloon with live entertainment and a full, sit-down western meal.  If you want to visit an attraction or go on a ride, prices are posted and tickets are available at several ticket booths on Main Street.  The “Town Pass” entitles the holder to enjoy all the shows and attractions as many times as they’d like in one day and only costs $15 per person.  The Town Pass may not be offered during the summer months.  Parking is free at Rawhide.

7)  Bear Creek Golf Complex

Bear Creek Golf Complex is a 36-hole inland links golf facility consisting of both a long and short course.  The Bear Championship Course stretches to 6,825 yards from the back tees and plays to a par 71, The Cub Executive Course is a fun, sporty par 59, 3,501-yard course.  Bear Creek is a unique and exciting place.  In addition to two golf courses they have a full Practice and Learning Center, staffed by PGA Professionals who are available for both individual and group lessons.  Bear Creek Golf Complex is located at 500 East Riggs Road in south Chandler, 1/4 mile east of Arizona Avenue.

8)  Historic Downtown Chandler

Recently designated a National Register Historic District, Historic Downtown Chandler offers a unique collection of eclectic art galleries, trendy shops, a micro-brewery, the Arizona winery and award-winning, independent restaurants making Downtown Chandler a favorite stop on your Arizona itinerary.  While the area has the unique distinction of being the only downtown area in Arizona to feature both a micro-brewery and Arizona winery, this is also a great place to spend an afternoon, wandering through the one-of-a-kind shops, taking in a festival, breaking for a delicious lunch, and perhaps spend some time in the park.  You can visit the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership website for more information.

9)  Festivals

The Chandler area around Sun River hosts many festivals at different times of the year.  The annual Jazz Festival offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy a fine selection of jazz musicians.  The weekend long event takes place in the spring each year.  Another popular festival is the Ostrich festival which is a community family event featuring live ostrich races and ostrich-themed activities, national and regional entertainment, a Saturday morning parade, a carnival, food, interactive activities for children, and much more.  The City of Chandler has a colorful and long standing tradition of Ostrich Ranching.  Chandler and Maricopa County led the nation in raising ostriches for their stylish and expensive plumes.  A complete list of festivals by month can be found on the Chandler Festivals and Special events website.

10)  Veterans Oasis Park

Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler is more than simply a recreational area with grass, paths and a pond.  This is actually an important part of Chandler’s reclaimed water processing where treated waste water is redistributed to recharge basins in the area.  That gave the city the opportunity to develop the park as a riparian and wetland habitat to share with the community.  The entire park covers about 113 acres, 78 acres of which are designed for groundwater recharge and wetlands.  The park can be found at 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Chandler, AZ and their phone number is 480-782-2890.

Arrowhead Towne Center

If you want to shop or eat or go to a movie, this is the place for you.  One of the newer malls in the greater Phoenix area, it is located in northern Glendale at 75th Avenue and Bell Road.

Thunderbird Park

There are about 1,000 acres of desert preserve here, the only mountain preserve in Glendale.  Major jogging trails and bike trails are here, along with horseback riding and picnicking opportunities.

Glendale Xeriscape Botanical Garden

Considered one of the best demonstration gardens in the state, the garden has over 1,000 varieties of desert plants on about 4 acres.  The walking paths of the garden are open every day, and there is no charge.  Want some ideas for your yard?  This is the place to go!

University of Phoenix Stadium (formerly Cardinals Stadium)

Home of the Arizona Cardinals, the Fiesta Bowl, and the BCS Championship Game, as well as many conventions and trade shows. The public can even take a guided tour of the stadium on non-game days.

Westgate City Center

Westgate City Center is a shopping and entertainment destination adjacent to Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium.  Although there are several stores there, it is known more for the restaurants and bars, as well as for the fountains and entertainment events.

Historic Sahuaro Ranch

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Sahuaro Ranch is just north of downtown Glendale.  Built in 1885, there are 17 ranch buildings available to be toured on this 17 acre property which also includes a rose garden.  Many special events are held at the Sahuaro Ranch, including the popular Antique Tractor and Engine Show each February.

Cerreta Candy Company

Take a special guided tour of this family-owned hometown candy factory.  They’ll show you how a sea of caramel becomes wrapped, tempting, tasty treats.  Learn how cream centers are enrobed in luscious chocolate.  These tours are about 30 minutes long and are offered Monday through Friday.

The Bead Museum

The Bead Museum got its start in 1984 in Prescott, Arizona.  Now it thrives in the heart of Historic Downtown Glendale, Arizona, just a few minutes west of Phoenix.  Here you’ll discover a fun and unique small museum dedicated to the art of beads and beading.

Cabela’s

Half huge retailer and half tourist attraction, this store for the hunting and fishing folks has a museum, an aquarium, and other attractions inside.  Cabela’s is located within walking distance from the Glendale Arena, and within about a mile of Cardinals Stadium.

And Just For Golfers

• Desert Mirage Golf Course, Desert Mirage Course
  9 holes over 2,095 yards with a par of 31 (Public)
  8710 W Maryland Ave
  Glendale, AZ 85305-2467
  (623) 772-0110
  2 miles from the center of Glendale
• Glen Lakes Golf Course, Glen Lakes Course
  9 holes over 2,403 yards with a par of 33 (Public)
  5450 W Northern Ave
  Glendale, AZ 85301-1406
  (623) 939-7541
  3 miles from the center of Glendale
• Bellaire Golf Club, Bellaire Course
  18 holes over 3,493 yards with a par of 59 (Public)
  17233 N 45th Ave
  Glendale, AZ 85308-3551
  (602) 978-0330
• The Legend At Arrowhead, Legend Course
  18 holes over 7,005 yards with a par of 72 (Public)
  21027 N 67th Ave
  Glendale, AZ 85308-6401
  (623) 561-1902
  11 miles from the center of Glendale
• The 500 Club at Adobe Dam, Futures Course
  9 holes over 1,620 yards with a par of 28 (Public)
  4707 W Pinnacle Peak Rd
  Glendale, AZ 85310-3825
  (623) 492-9500
  13 miles from the center of Glendale
• Adobe Dam Family Golf Center
  9 holes over 1,757 yards with a par of 31 (Public)
  3847 W Pinnacle Peak Rd
  Glendale, AZ 85310-4101
  (623) 581-2800
  13 miles from the center of Glendale

18 AZ Neighborhoods for Hockey and Football Fans

• Boardwalk
• Cobblefield
• Country Meadows
• Desert Silhouette
• Eagle Pass
• Emerald Point
• Larissa
• Missouri Estates
• Missouri Ranch
• Missouri Park
• Morningstar Estates
• Provence
• Quarter Condos
• Rovey Farm
• Rovey Farm Estates
• Rovey Farm Estates South
• Tessera
• The Estates at 73rd