Known as the “Oasis of the Valley”, Chandler offers scenic parks, vibrant art scenes, unique museums, and exciting attractions to explore. Located in the southeastern Phoenix metro area, Chandler provides plenty of interesting things to do for visitors and residents alike.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Chandler Museum | Museum showcasing Chandler’s history and culture. |
| Tumbleweed Ranch | Reconstructed 1888 ranch with live demonstrations. |
| Veterans Oasis Park | Scenic park with wildlife, water activities. |
| Chandler Center for the Arts | Venue for concerts, theater, art classes. |
| Asian District | Area with diverse Asian restaurants and markets. |
| Chandler Fashion Center | Large mall with a variety of stores and eateries. |
| Environmental Education Center | Center for ecology, sustainability education. |
| IX Indoor Amusement Park | Indoor amusement park with various attractions. |
| Rawhide Western Town | 1880s style frontier town with events and shows. |
| West Alley | Pedestrian district with shops, dining, music. |
| Snedigar Sportsplex | Multi-sport facility with various activities. |
| Nozomi Aquarium | Aquarium with interactive marine experiences. |
Here are 12 of the top attractions and activities in Chandler, Arizona that are not to be missed.
Chandler Museum
Name and Location: The Chandler Museum is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Founded in 1991, this museum explores the history and culture of Chandler and the surrounding area through exhibits and programs.
What to Expect: Permanent and rotating exhibits on Chandler’s agriculture roots, Native American heritage, pioneer days, and more. Historic buildings to tour plus a sculpture garden.
Visitor Information: Open Tues-Sat, free admission. Public parking available. Guided tours offered on Saturdays. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.
To learn about the history and culture of Chandler, spend some time at the Chandler Museum. Exhibits profile the city’s beginnings as a farming community, its cotton and ostrich ranching heritage, and more contemporary developments.
Historic artifacts, photos, clothing, and interactive elements bring the Chandler story to life. Special programs like walking tours and school field trips further share local history. The museum also contains a gift shop with unique souvenirs.
Tumbleweed Ranch
Name and Location: Tumbleweed Ranch is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: This ranch was built in the late 1800s and now serves as a living history museum showcasing life in the old west era.
What to Expect: Historical buildings, antique exhibits, farm animals to visit, wagon rides, folk art demos, and living history presentations. Very kid-friendly.
Visitor Information: Open daily for self-guided tours. Free admission. Parking on site. Guided tours available for groups by reservation.
Step back in time with a visit to Tumbleweed Ranch, a reconstructed 1888 ranch town. Costumed interpreters lead you through the blacksmith shop, historical homes, post office, and schoolhouse. Live demonstrations showcase traditional skills like quilting, roping, and washing clothes with a washboard.
Special events occur throughout the year like vintage baseball games, holiday evenings, and an old west rodeo. Kids can pan for gold, play classic games, and ride a pony.
Veterans Oasis Park
Name and Location: Veterans Oasis Park is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened on Veterans Day in 2011, this park was built to honor and remember all American veterans.
What to Expect: Memorial plaques, statues, gardens, and monuments that pay tribute to veterans. There are also walking paths, a pond, and open green space.
Visitor Information: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free. Public parking available on site.
This scenic urban park contains 30 acres of grassy areas, lakes, wetlands, and walking trails that attract wildlife like great egrets, cormorants, and blue heron. Rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard to explore the tranquil waters.
There is an off-leash dog area, sensory garden, and playground for kids. Relax under a ramada with views of the peaceful lake. The park also contains plenty of spots to lay down a blanket for a picnic.
Chandler Center for the Arts
Name and Location: The Chandler Center for the Arts is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 1989, this premier performing arts venue offers a diverse season of music, dance, theater, and more.
What to Expect: Performances by acclaimed national and international artists as well as emerging local talent across genres.
Visitor Information: Ticket prices vary by show. Parking garage on site. Tours available on select Mondays by reservation.
As the premier performing arts venue in Chandler, the Chandler Center for the Arts hosts concerts, theater performances, dance recitals, comedy shows, and more.
National touring acts and local performance groups take the stage in the state-of-the-art facility. Beyond performances, the center provides fine arts classes in music, dance, and visual arts for all ages and skill levels. The center also contains an art gallery with rotating exhibits.
Asian District
Name and Location: The Asian District is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Chandler’s Asian District celebrates the cuisine and culture of China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
What to Expect: Authentic Asian restaurants, groceries, shops, and cultural attractions. Events like Chinese New Year and Night Market Festivals.
Visitor Information: Located along Chandler Blvd west of Dobson Rd. Free parking at businesses. Best times to visit are festivals and evenings.
In Chandler, you can take an international culinary journey without leaving the city. The vibrant Asian District contains an array of authentic Asian restaurants like Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and Thai. Shop at the Asian grocery stores and markets for specialty ingredients and goods.
Cultural events like the Chinese Week celebrations and festivals take place throughout the year. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Pan-Asian culture while enjoying delicious cuisine.
Chandler Fashion Center
Name and Location: Chandler Fashion Center is a shopping mall located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 2001, it is the largest shopping center in Arizona with over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment.
What to Expect: Department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s along with H&M, Apple, and an IMAX movie theater. Also has dining and event space.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Ample free parking. Community events and extended holiday hours.
The premier shopping destination in Chandler, the Chandler Fashion Center contains over 150 stores and restaurants. Department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s and Nordstrom serve as anchor tenants. Retailers run the gamut from formal wear to athleisure.
Take a break at the expansive food court to refuel for more shopping. Dining options range from quick bites to sit-down restaurants. With 1.3 million square feet of retail space, you can find almost anything your heart desires at this expansive indoor mall.
Environmental Education Center
Name and Location: The Chandler Environmental Education Center is located inside Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 2016 to promote environmental stewardship through hands-on learning for all ages.
What to Expect: Interactive exhibits on water conservation, recycling, energy, and nature. Also walking trails and wildlife viewing areas.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Open Tuesday-Saturday. Onsite parking. Program and tour reservations recommended.
Managed by the City of Chandler, the Environmental Education Center provides exhibits and classes exploring ecology, sustainability and conservation. Visitors can tour exhibits to learn about alternative energy, recycling, water ecosystems, pollution, solar energy, and more.
A hands-on lab lets kids conduct science experiments like testing pH levels. Outside, walking trails wind through 29 acres of natural desert landscapes containing native plants and wildlife. Programs like hawk walks, bat chats and campfires are offered.
IX Indoor Amusement Park
Name and Location: IX Indoor Amusement Park is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 2019, IX is Arizona’s largest indoor entertainment center with rides, games, climbing walls, mini golf, and more.
What to Expect: Indoor amusements for all ages. Unlimited ride passes available. Arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, indoor roller coaster, and 12-story ropes course.
Visitor Information: Open daily; hours vary. Admission fees vary by activity. Food court on site. Free parking.
For family fun, IX Indoor Amusement Park features roller coasters, laser tag, arcade games, mini bowling, thrill rides, and more under one roof. When the Arizona weather is too hot, you can enjoy rides, carnival games, trampolines, rock climbing, and bumper cars in their air conditioned facility.
Private event rooms are available for birthday parties and corporate functions. They also hold theme events like adults-only date nights. Buying a wristband gives you unlimited access to all attractions.
Rawhide Western Town
Name and Location: Rawhide Western Town is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 2006, Rawhide recreates an 1880s frontier town with attractions, shows, rides, and more.
What to Expect: Steakhouse, saloon, burger barn, train rides, stunt shows, gunfight reenactments, gold panning, and other activities. Very family-friendly.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission free, fees for activities. Summer hours vary. Free parking onsite.
Channel your inner cowboy or cowgirl at this 1880s style frontier town. Catch a stunt show, ride a mechanical bull, pan for gold, interact with farm animals or tour the replica buildings. Signature events include PRCA rodeos, train rides with Santa, haunted houses, and holiday festivals.
Enjoy cookout style meals and live country music at the Steakhouse Saloon. The town also hosts corporate events in their indoor and outdoor event venues accented with western decor. Kids will especially enjoy exploring this Old West themed attraction.
West Alley
Name and Location: West Alley is an entertainment district in downtown Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 2014 in Chandler’s historic area, West Alley has a variety of dining, nightlife, and events.
What to Expect: Trendy restaurants and bars, live music venues, boutique shops in repurposed spaces with a modern warehouse vibe.
Visitor Information: Free admission. Metered street parking available. Gets lively on weekends and for events. Closed most businesses Mondays.
Located in downtown Chandler, West Alley provides a vibrant pedestrian-only district lined with locally owned boutiques, salons, cafes and restaurants. You can spend hours browsing the shops featuring gifts, clothing, jewelry and art.
When you need a break, choose from the variety of dining options like sushi, pizza, tapas, gastropubs and dessert shops. In the evening, live music fills the alley and restaurants set up lively patios. It’s the perfect place for strolling on a nice day or night.
Snedigar Sportsplex
Name and Location: Snedigar Sportsplex is located in Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 2018, this large multi-sport complex was created through a partnership between the Arizona Coyotes and City of Chandler.
What to Expect: Ice rinks, turf fields, basketball courts, volleyball, batting cages, concession stands, and pro shop. Hosts leagues, tournaments, and public skate.
Visitor Information: Open daily; hours vary by activity. Use fees vary. Check website for schedule. Ample free parking onsite.
This large multi-sport recreational facility operated by Chandler contains 5 softball fields, 7 baseball fields, a soccer stadium, 4 basketball courts, a roller hockey rink, locker rooms, and concession stands. Leagues from little league to adult use the fields year-round.
There are also indoor activities like basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, dance classes, and summer camps. Visit the pro shop to gear up with team merchandise. As a premier sports complex, Snedigar Sportsplex hosts regional tournaments that attract thousands.
Nozomi Aquarium
Name and Location: Nozomi Aquarium is located in downtown Chandler, Arizona.
History and Significance: Opened in 2021, Nozomi Aquarium is one of the newest and most high-tech aquariums in the Southwest. The name “Nozomi” means hope in Japanese.
What to Expect: State-of-the-art exhibits showcasing aquatic life from Arizona and around the world. Features include a 300,000 gallon shark tank, jellyfish gallery, touch tanks, and an immersive 360 degree underwater tunnel.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fees apply. Advance tickets recommended. Onsite parking garage available. Kid-friendly with hands-on activities. Close to downtown Chandler dining and shopping.
While small in size, Nozomi Aquarium provides an up-close aquatic experience perfect for families. Get eye-to-eye with sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and a giant pacific octopus in the touch tanks. See coral reefs, tropical fish, jellies, seadragons, and a giant anaconda snake.
Hand feeding areas let you directly interact with koi, sharks, and stingrays. Kids will love the immersive aquatic experience while learning about marine ecosystems around the world. The aquarium also hosts events like sleepovers.
Conclusion
From historic parks to modern shopping malls, Chandler offers innovative attractions coupled with respect for its pioneering past. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly activities. Outdoor enthusiasts have miles of parks and trails to explore Chandler’s scenic natural side.
The thriving local arts and culture scene provides Broadway-quality shows and performances. Sports fans can watch a spring training game or catch a tournament. Visitors will also discover diverse dining options from all over the world. With its array of attractions, Chandler provides dynamic and immersive experiences for all interests.