Chandler, Arizona is a vibrant city located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. With its sunny weather, diverse attractions, and lively downtown, Chandler has something to offer every type of traveler.
| No. | Attraction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tumbleweed Park | A large park with trails, lake, playground, and beach volleyball, ideal for outdoor activities. |
| 2 | Chandler Museum | Museum highlighting Chandler’s history, from its agricultural roots to becoming a tech hub. |
| 3 | Eccentric and Cheap Activities | Offers unique and affordable activities including a quirky bookstore, food trails, and coffee shops. |
| 4 | SanTan Sunrise Trail | A scenic trail for hiking and biking, offering views of the Sonoran Desert and nearby mountains. |
| 5 | Arizona Railway Museum | Features vintage train rides and exhibits about Arizona’s railroad history. |
| 6 | Downtown Chandler | The city’s vibrant center with shops, cafes, art walks, and a farmers market. |
| 7 | Chandler Fashion Center | A large shopping mall with a variety of stores, eateries, and family activities. |
| 8 | Entertainment Options | Includes music venues, theaters, and sports arenas for concerts, shows, and games. |
| 9 | Innings Festival | A music and baseball festival featuring performances from various bands and baseball-themed activities. |
| 10 | Nozomi Aquarium | An aquarium inside a mall, showcasing a variety of aquatic life. |
| 11 | Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off | An event featuring 1800s style cowboy camps and traditional cooking. |
| 12 | Sun Lakes State Park | A nature park with trails, wildlife, and recreational activities like swimming and fishing. |
From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, family fun to nightlife, here are the top 12 things to do in Chandler, Arizona.
Tumbleweed Park
Name and Location: Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S McQueen Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286
History and Significance: This large regional park opened in 1989, offering many recreational facilities and programming for Chandler residents.
What to Expect: Enjoy playgrounds, sports fields, ramadas, a skate park, batting cages, walking paths, and an off-leash dog area.
Visitor Information: Open daily 5am-11pm. Free entry and parking. Restrooms available.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Tumbleweed Park is a must-visit. This large regional park contains over 100 acres of beautiful desert landscape, along with a man-made lake. Walk, jog or bike along the park’s trails, which wind through the natural habitat of saguaros, cholla cacti and palo verde trees. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lakefront, or cast your fishing pole to try and snag one of the bass, bluegill or catfish that reside in the waters.
There is also a playground and beach volleyball courts where you can play a game with friends or family. With its peaceful setting and abundance of activities, Tumbleweed Park is an ideal place to bask in the warm Arizona climate.
Chandler Museum
Name and Location: Chandler Museum, 300 S Chandler Village Dr, Chandler, AZ 85226
History and Significance: Located in the 1912 City Hall building, this museum preserves Chandler’s history since opening in 1996.
What to Expect: View exhibits on the area’s indigenous cultures, pioneer settlements, agriculture, and more. See artifacts, photos, and dioramas.
Visitor Information: Free entry. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm. Metered street parking available.
Gain insight into Chandler’s unique history and culture with a visit to the Chandler Museum. Located in the heart of downtown, this museum contains exhibits that highlight Chandler’s beginnings as a small agricultural community to its growth into a thriving technology hub.
Permanent exhibits include an interactive 1912 Chandler farmstead replica, the Chandler aviation gallery detailing the city’s aircraft manufacturing history, and displays on notable residents like award-winning athlete Ryan Bader. Special rotating exhibits also cover various aspects of Chandler life, from social organizations to school days.
Don’t miss the 1894 McCroskey House next to the museum for a glimpse of an authentic 19th century home. After exploring the museum, you’ll have a greater appreciation for this dynamic city.
Eccentric and Cheap Things to Do in Chandler
Name and Location: Various locations around Chandler, AZ
History and Significance: Chandler offers quirky attractions and free activities for budget travelers.
What to Expect: Visit an ostrich ranch, see quirky roadside attractions, browse a unique local market, enjoy free live music and events.
Visitor Information: Research free and cheap things to do on sites like Tripadvisor. Flexible timing and transportation required.
Chandler has eccentric and cheap things for you to do:
- For book lovers old and new, make your way to the quirky Bookmans Entertainment Exchange store. Here you can browse and buy used books, music, movies and games all in one place. Don’t miss the unique decor like the hanging typewriters and ceiling bicycles.
- The Fresh Foodie Trail features locally owned eateries that specialize in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Try the authentic falafel at Noca or the acai bowls at Premium Sweets Bakery. With each stop you’ll get a stamp, and 4 stamps earns you a fun freebie!
- For some retro vibes, stop by the Sip Coffee & Beer Garage which is part coffee shop and part classic car showroom. Enjoy a craft coffee while admiring the vintage hot rods.
- Kids and adults alike will love Golfland Sunsplash, which features water slides, go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, arcade games and more. With affordable unlimited passes, it’s hours of affordable family fun.
So explore the quirky, affordable activities that make Chandler unique. You’re sure to make fun memories without breaking the bank!
SanTan Sunrise Trail
Name and Location: SanTan Sunrise Trail, 1920 E SanTan Village Pkwy, Chandler, AZ 85286
History and Significance: This paved 3-mile loop trail encircles SanTan Village Mall, providing a recreation spot.
What to Expect: Walk, jog or bike the trail with views of the mall, parking lots, retention basins, trees and desert landscaping. Benches available.
Visitor Information: Access trail from mall parking lots. No facilities along route. Open daily sunrise to sunset.
For an invigorating morning hike or bike ride, hit the SanTan Sunrise Trail in south Chandler. As the name implies, it’s best to go early to take in the brilliant Arizona sunrise and avoid the midday heat. This relatively flat trail runs for just over 5 miles one-way, with the turnaround point at SanTan Regional Park.
Along the path you’ll be surrounded by the natural Sonoran Desert landscape, including scenic views of the SanTan Mountains. The trailhead can be accessed from several parks, including Folley Park, Sunset Park, and Tumbleweed Park. Reward yourself after your workout with a tasty treat from the SanTan Brewing Company taproom located right by the trailhead.
Arizona Railway Museum
Name and Location: Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249
History and Significance: This railroad museum opened in 1983 to preserve Arizona’s railroad history and artifacts.
What to Expect: See locomotives, railcars, model trains and more. Ride a vintage passenger car pulled by a diesel engine on weekends.
Visitor Information: Open Sat-Sun 10am-3pm for self-guided tours. Admission $10 adults. Train rides extra fee.
All aboard! The Arizona Railway Museum offers a delight for train enthusiasts of all ages. Here you can take a narrated 20-minute ride on a vintage 1917 Baldwin steam train or 1950s diesel train while learning about Arizona’s railroad history.
Other highlights include getting up close to locomotives like a massive 86-ton diesel engine, touring the on-site railway depot, and exploring the model train exhibits. Be sure to browse the gift shop for one-of-a-kind railroad-themed gifts. Special events like Trains and Trick-or-Treat and Polar Express rides make this museum a year-round destination.
Downtown Chandler
Name and Location: Downtown Chandler, bordered by Chandler Blvd, Arizona Ave, Frye Rd, and Basha Ave.
History and Significance: Chandler’s historic downtown district features shops, restaurants, art, and community events.
What to Expect: Stroll and shop locally owned boutiques, dine al fresco, admire public art, enjoy farmers markets and parades.
Visitor Information: Free to visit. Street parking. Second Friday Art Walks held monthly.
The heart of Chandler is its charming, vibrant downtown area. Stroll through the quiet tree-lined neighborhoods anchored by the historic San Marcos Hotel, now transformed into luxury residences. There are plenty of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants to discover like the Hidden House Coffee Bar and family-owned artisanal gelato cafe, Nami.
Visit on a 2nd Friday of the month for the San Marcos Second Friday Night Out art walk, with live music, artisan vendors, and extended restaurant hours. The weekly Downtown Chandler Farmers Market is also a must-visit for fresh produce, baked goods, and handicrafts. With its small-town feel and community spirit, downtown Chandler offers sights and tastes you can’t find anywhere else.
Chandler Fashion Center
Name and Location: Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226
History and Significance: This major 1.3 million square foot mall offers over 170 stores since opening in 2001.
What to Expect: Shop department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s plus specialty retailers. Enjoy dining and entertainment options.
Visitor Information: Open Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm. Website lists stores and events. Free wifi and parking.
When you need some retail therapy, head to the Chandler Fashion Center. This expansive indoor shopping mall contains over 180 stores ranging from high-end boutiques to major department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s. Popular clothing stores include H&M, Express, and Urban Outfitters. Grab a personal-sized pizza for lunch at Blaze Pizza or build your own bowl at P.F. Chang’s.
Let the kids burn off energy in the air conditioned play area while you enjoy a latte from Starbucks. With plenty to keep every member of the family occupied, as well as convenient accessibility right off the 101 freeway, the Chandler Fashion Center is a prime destination for shopping in Chandler.
Catch a Show or Game
Name and Location: Venues like Chandler Center for the Arts, Selland Arena, Arizona Coyotes Arena
History and Significance: Chandler has venues hosting concerts, theatre, sports, and other lively events.
What to Expect: See talented musicians, hilarious comedians, entertaining plays, pro hockey games, and other local events.
Visitor Information: Check event calendars online. Ticket prices vary. Advance purchase recommended.
Chandler has options when you’re seeking entertainment, from musical concerts to professional sports:
- For live music, Rawhide Event Center hosts major touring acts covering various genres, from country stars like Tim McGraw to rock bands such as Blink-182.
- For Broadway musicals and comedy shows, head to the Chandler Center for the Arts. Past performances have included Chicago, Jersey Boys, and Howie Mandel.
- Baseball fans can catch spring training action with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Sloan Park. Games against Cactus League opponents run from late February through March.
- During WNBA season from May to September, watch the Phoenix Mercury play at the Footprint Center arena in downtown Phoenix.
With this diverse entertainment scene, Chandler delivers great options for date nights or family outings.
Innings Festival
Name and Location: Tempe Beach Park, 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281
History and Significance: This annual music and baseball festival founded in 2018 is hosted nearby in Tempe.
What to Expect: Enjoy live music from major rock, indie, and country acts plus appearances by star MLB players. Try baseball-themed activities.
Visitor Information: Takes place in late February. 1 or 2 day tickets $99+. Free parking and shuttles provided.
Each February, Chandler hosts the Innings Festival, a massive two-day music event partnered with the Diamondbacks’ Spring Training season. Spread out across four stages at Tempe Beach Park and Tempe Diablo Stadium, you can enjoy performances from 40+ bands covering rock, indie, pop and folk. Past lineups have included music icons like FooFighters, Eagles, and Dave Matthews Band.
Aside from the concerts, you can take part in games like cornhole and ping pong, sample beers from local breweries, and try ballpark food like hot dogs and nachos. Part music festival, part baseball fever, Innings Festival is an unforgettable Chandler tradition.
Nozomi Aquarium
Name and Location: Nozomi Aquarium, 250 S Arizona Ave #110, Chandler, AZ 85225
History and Significance: Opened in 2021, this small interactive aquarium aims to educate about marine life conservation.
What to Expect: Observe colorful fish, stingrays, seahorses, and invertebrates. Touch tide pool creatures. Listen to ocean soundscapes.
Visitor Information: Tickets $22 adults. Open Thu-Sun 10am-6pm. Closed Monday-Wednesday.
For family-friendly aquatic fun, visit Nozomi Aquarium located inside Chandler Fashion Center mall. This compact aquarium packs a visual punch, with exhibits showcasing sharks, stingrays, seahorses and a variety of reptiles and arthropods.
Learn about moon jellies in the Science of Jellies gallery, and get up close to species like boa constrictors in the Reptile Adventures area. Don’t miss the Shark Tunnel, where you can view Sand Tiger Sharks and Brown Sharks swimming overhead. Nozomi Aquarium also hosts fun events like Mermaid Mondays. An affordable attraction you can enjoy for just a couple hours, it’s an ideal indoor outing with kids.
Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off
Name and Location: Dr. AJ Chandler Park-Stagecoach Pass, 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85225
History and Significance: This annual event celebrates Chandler’s Western heritage with chuckwagon cooking teams since 1986.
What to Expect: Sample chili cook-off entries. Enjoy live music, cowboy mounted shooting, vendors, beer, and family fun.
Visitor Information: Takes place in late February. Free entry. Parking fee $5.
A taste of the Old West comes to life at Chandler’s annual Chuck Wagon Cook-Off held every March. This four-day event turns Dr. A.J. Chandler Park into an 1800s style cowboy camp, with chuck wagons serving up authentic dishes like brisket, beans, and biscuits cooked over open fires. In addition to food, you can experience cook-offs, cowboy poetry, and Western music and dances.
With hands-on activities like rope making, butter churning, and cowboy story time with the trail wranglers, it’s a rollicking family adventure. Kids will love meeting the horses, cows and chickens too! So mosey on down to this one-of-a-kind festival for a boot-scootin’ good time.
Sun Lakes State Park
Name and Location: Sun Lakes State Park, 15808 N Alabama St, Bancroft, ID 83217
History and Significance: Located near Chandler, this park offers fishing, boating, and camping on five lakes since 1959.
What to Expect: Fish for bass, crappie, and catfish on the lakes. Hike desert trails.
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the trails and desert landscape at Sun Lakes State Park near Chandler. The park contains five wilderness trails ranging from 1 to 4 miles in length, offering hikes of varying difficulties over rugged desert terrain. Along the routes you may spot native animals like desert cottontail, coyote and great horned owl.
After your trek, cool off with a swim at one of the park’s two beaches, equipped with ramadas for picnicking plus volleyball and horseshoe courts for family activities. Anglers can also fish for bass, bluegill and catfish in the park’s spring-fed lake. With its peaceful setting, wealth of wildlife and recreation, Sun Lakes State Park is the perfect spot to renew your spirit.
Ostrich Festival
Name and Location:
The Ostrich Festival is an annual event typically held in Chandler, Arizona. This festival celebrates the city’s historical ostrich farms and usually takes place at Tumbleweed Park or a similar large venue suitable for festivals.
History and Significance:
The Ostrich Festival began in the late 1980s and commemorates Chandler’s ostrich ranching history, which dates back to the early 20th century when ostrich feathers were a luxury item for fashion accessories. The festival has since become a significant cultural event, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
What to Expect:
Visitors can expect a variety of attractions including ostrich races, carnival rides, live entertainment, and food vendors. The festival is family-friendly and offers activities and entertainment suitable for all ages, including concerts, parades, and educational exhibits about ostriches and local history.
Visitor Information:
The festival typically occurs over a weekend in the spring. Visitors should check the exact dates, ticket prices, and event schedule. It’s advisable to arrive early, wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor weather, and be prepared for large crowds. Parking options are usually available near the festival grounds.
For over three decades, Chandler has hosted its annual Ostrich Festival each March. Originally started to celebrate ostrich ranching which played an important role in the city’s early agricultural days, this fun family event now draws over 65,000 attendees. The festival features ostrich-themed activities like riding the large birds, feeding them, or getting up close in the petting zoo.
Other highlights include ostrich races, a cook-off with ostrich dishes, arts and crafts, amusement rides and an ostrich egg display. With wacky ostrich-inspired fun, the Ostrich Festival showcases a signature part of Chandler’s heritage.
Circle G Ranch
Name and Location:
Circle G Ranch is likely a ranch or farm, possibly offering visitor experiences or tours. The specific location would depend on the region it is situated in. Ranches named Circle G can be found in various places, each with its unique offerings.
History and Significance:
The history of Circle G Ranch would likely involve its establishment as an agricultural or livestock farm. Many such ranches have historical significance in their regions, often connected to local agricultural practices, rural heritage, and community development.
What to Expect:
Visitors to Circle G Ranch might expect experiences like guided farm tours, animal interactions, and possibly educational programs about ranching and agriculture. Depending on the ranch’s focus, there might also be opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Visitor Information:
If the ranch is open to the public, it’s advisable to check in advance for visiting hours, tour schedules, and any necessary reservations. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing for outdoor and farm activities. Inquiring about any age restrictions, especially for activities like horseback riding, is also recommended.
Just over the border in Gilbert, Circle G Ranch provides an authentic experience of the American Southwest. This historic ranch founded in 1926 offers horseback riding adventures that take you through desert canyons, along meadows and into saguaro forests with amazing mountain views.
The knowledgeable wranglers teach riding skills for all levels, ensuring a memorable experience whether it’s your first time in the saddle or thousandth. You can opt for private rides or small groups. The ranch also hosts events like cowboy cookouts, during which you can sample cowboy fare around a campfire. For a true taste of the Wild West just minutes from Chandler, Circle G Ranch is a perfect choice.
Conclusion
With its diverse landscape and wealth of activities, Chandler truly offers something for every interest. Outdoor lovers can hike through desert scenery, while families will find plenty of one-of-a-kind experiences from ostrich festivals to model train displays. The lively downtown provides great shopping, dining and entertainment.
Sports fans will appreciate opportunities to see the Diamondbacks during Spring Training or catch a Mercury game. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, family fun or cultural enrichment, Chandler’s vibrant atmosphere and welcoming spirit make it a delightful place to explore and discover new sights. With so many possibilities, Chandler is sure to create wonderful memories for any visitor.