Best parks in Chandler: A train ride, splash pads, playgrounds and more fun things to do
Whether you want to go for a stroll or a run, play a sport, do some birdwatching or fishing, cool your kids off at a splash pad or find a scenic spot for a photo op, Chandler city parks are full of options.
With over 60 parks to choose from, your biggest challenge might be making a selection.
We narrowed our choices down to these favorites because they have a wide variety of amenities and attractions, as well as ample shade to make them appealing even in summer.
Here are five of the most fun parks in Chandler.
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Desert Breeze Park
The name of Desert Breeze Park certainly fits. The park is filled with tall palms and shady mesquite trees that offer a gentle respite from the heat, even in the height of summer.
Kids and adults can enjoy a splash pad, three playgrounds, sports fields, a fishing lake and a train and other amusement rides. There are fees for some rides and activities.
The park also has numerous picnic ramadas, including three spacious pavilions available for rent.
Details: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. Desert Breeze Park, 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. East, Chandler. 480-782-2752, https://www.chandleraz.gov.
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Chuparosa Park
Need to take the kids out to burn off some energy? Chuparosa Park is known for its spray and splash area with a candy cane-shaped shower and four spray areas. This 28-acre park also has walking and biking trails, multipurpose fields, basketball, volleyball and plenty of picnic areas. You can rent picnic areas for larger groups.
Details: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. 2400 S. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-782-2727, https://www.chandleraz.gov.
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Veterans Oasis Park and Chandler Nature Center
Veterans Oasis Park is a sprawling 113 acres of lush wetlands, desert spaces, a scale model of the solar system and various wildlife habitats. Over 70 acres of the park serve as a water recharge facility, which is the reason for the wetlands. Visitors can spot many species of birds and animals.
Other amenities include 4.5 miles of paved trails, a 5-acre lake for fishing and an educational solar system walk. Veterans Oasis Park is also a popular spot to take family photos.
Details: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. Environmental Education Center hours are 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. 480-782-2890, https://www.chandleraz.gov.
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Tumbleweed Park
Tumbleweed Park has much to offer for all ages. There are jogging, hiking and cycling paths; shaded ramadas; a festival field; and multipurpose fields. It's also the location of the city's annual Ostrich Festival.
The highlight of Tumbleweed Park is Playtopia, a 2.5-acre children's play area comprising themed areas that celebrate Chandler's history and heritage, including farm land, city land and critter land.
Details: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler. 480-782-2752, https://www.chandleraz.gov.
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Shawnee Dog Park
Looking for an outdoor area where your furry friend can roam free and get some exercise? Shawnee Dog Park has balance beams, tunnels, doggy drinking fountains and even a fake fire hydrant. Large trees provide shady spots where you can sit and watch your dogs play and mingle with the other canines.
Details: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. 1400 W. Mesquite St., Chandler, 480-782-2752, https://www.chandleraz.gov.
You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter @ShantiLerner.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best parks in Chandler AZ: Desert Breeze, Tumbleweed
