Anthem was ranked sixth out of 65 Arizona cities for “Best Places in Arizona to Raise a Family”, and the “Best Master Planned Community for Children” in AZ Foothills’ “Best of Our Valley” list. To experience how family-friendly Anthem is, you must participate in their events and visit their facilities. Anthem organizes at least four annual events in a year and I am sure you can coincide your plan with these happenings! Anthem is built at the base of Daisy Mountain and Gavilan Peak, first developed by Del Webb in 1999 as a master-planned community in the foothills. It is situated approximately 34 miles (34.7 kilometers) north of downtown Phoenix. Daisy Mountain, Gavilan and downtown Phoenix provide the backdrop for your family fun. There are endless things to plan for your family.
1. Annual signature events
There are four annual signature events a year and they are free for residents to participate. Join them and have a fun family time, children are always provided with their space and fun during these events. Food and live concerts are also the common features, there is something throughout the year for everyone!
Annual Signature Events
Website: Annual Signature Events
Anthem Days (March/April)
The annual two-day festival features a Business Expo, craft activities, Salsa Contest, Eggstravaganza or Egg Hunt, live musical entertainment, Frazier Shows Carnival, Food Court and Rotary Beer Garden, Kids Zone and petting zoo and pony rides.
Anthem Days
Address: 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy
Music in May (every Friday in May)
Enjoy the diverse sounds of local Arizona bands at the Community Park Amphitheater.
Music in May(Every Friday)
Address: At Anthem Community Park & Railroad Park, 41703 N Gavilan Peak Pkwy, 85086 Anthem, AZ
Website: Music in May
Independence Day celebration
Find out Anthem’s way of celebrating Independent Day. There is fun, food and fireworks for the whole family and the entire community.
Independence Day Celebration
Address: At Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway
Website: Independence Day Celebration
Autumnfest (October)
This event celebrates the season with arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, pumpkin picking and live entertainment. Sense what autumn is like in Anthem when you participate in Autumnfest in October every year. Find out the exact day before you go and have fun!
Autumnfest
Address: At Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway
Website: Autumnfest
2. Java & Jammin'
Java & Jammin’ happens every second Saturday of each month on the Terrace at the Anthem Civic Center, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. from September through May, it is to provide live musical performances with free coffee and treats for residents or guests. Past performers include Josh Foster, Dusty Titles, Mark Foster, Siren, Josh and Nicki, the Mallie and Gill Duo and 76th Street, you can expect more local performance at Java & Jammin’ Anthem style.
Java & Jammin'
Address: 3701 W Anthem Way, 85086 Anthem, AZ
Website: Java & Jammin’
3. Anthem Veterans Memorial
Anthem Veterans Memorials are the line-up of five crafted marble pillars designed by Anthem resident Palmer-Jones, which allow the eclipses to form The Great Seal of the United States. These eclipses happen every year on November 11 (Veterans Day) at 11:11 a.m. It is a solar spotlight which has a different outlook every year but it will show up without fail when there is sunlight. So, plan your trip around in November if you want to catch the sight. You will be amazed by the new formation.
Anthem Veterans Memorial
Address: 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, 85086 Anthem, AZ (623) 742-6050
Website: Anthem Veterans Memorial
4. Catch-and-Release Fishing Lake
Anthem Community Park is one of these lakes that are included in The Arizona Game & Fish Urban Fishing Program, from which the lake is stocked every two weeks with plenty of fish. This program allows a family-friendly fishing adventure within easy reach, no fishing license required. All just need to show up with your fishing equipment, the fish are waiting for you, everyone in the family can enjoy this fun event! No one will miss out!
Catch-and-Release Fishing Lake
Address: 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem Community Park, 85086 Anthem, AZ
5. Daisy Mountain Railroad
The Daisy Mountain Railroad is a 61-centimeter (24-inch) gauge railroad, a dog bone designed and modified 853-kilometer (2,800 feet) track with a loop on each end. A ride on the track will pass a tiered seating area, cut into a sloping hill, past skateboard ramps, softball and soccer fields, through the tunnel, along the catch and release lakes, by the depot and circles the children’s playground. Be sure to take a ride to see the beautiful landscape!
Daisy Mountain Railroad
Address: 41703 N Gavilan Peak Parkway, 85086 Anthem, AZ
Website: Daisy Mountain Railroade
6. Golf
In the high Sonoran Desert foothills, at the base of Daisy Mountain, Anthem Golf & Country Club (AG&CC) offers 36 holes of championship golf, two full golf practice areas with all-grass driving ranges, short game areas and two large putting greens, hard courts, two fitness clubs and more.
Anthem Golf & Country Club
Address: 2708 W Anthem Club Dr, 85086 Phoenix, AZ
Website: Anthem Golf & Country Club
7. Pioneer Living History Museum
Located in North Phoenix, Pioneer Living History is an old 1800’s town covering an area of over 36,000 square meters (90 acres), you will find authentic buildings and historically accurate reproductions. This site was built to educate the children of Arizona on the rich history and the story that brought about the Arizona State of today.
Pioneer Living History Museum
Address: 3901 W. Pioneer Road, 85086 Phoenix, AZ
Website: Pioneer Living History Museum
Family-friendly Anthem
By now, you know Anthem, Arizona is a friendly place, especially for families. There are many events planned for you and your family. When you visit Anthem, you will never lack things to do in Anthem! Live concerts, fishing, railroad rides, golfing and visiting the historical sites are just some of these to make mention. Find out more from their visitor’s center when you are there!