The city of Chandler sits southeast of famed Phoenix, Arizona. Surrounded by vast plains, parks, and oases in the midst of desert landscapes, Chandler is a city of an all-American culture and lifestyle–easy going and family-friendly. It is also a city that embraces the outdoors and you can find a multitude of events, theatre, music,and art shows, world-class golf facilities, and a downtown area buzzing both day and night. Visitors to the city will enjoy the vintage train rides on the Desert Breeze Railroad, the wetlands of Veterans Oasis Park, and those with children will have endless entertainment activities and options to choose from. Chandler’s history in American agricultural life is a significant one–see the vision of city founder Dr. Alexander John Chandler, who established the city to study the then fairly new science of irrigation in 1891 and who built an early canal system for the city. Do not miss the museums, vibrant shopping, variety of restaurants and other things to do in Chandler, Arizona on your next visit.
1. Survive an interactive scavenger game
Posted by Chandler Lifestyle on Monday, 23 July 2018
The Chandler Scavenger Hunt is a fun group activity which is ideal for a group bonding activity. It is guaranteed to be a day well spent with colleagues, family, or friends. You will venture through several historic buildings, public art, and the beautiful city parks whilst learning about the history of Chandler and what it takes to build a city in the desert–the task of the town’s founder A.J. Chandler. The scavenger hunt takes two hours and begins anytime you and your group are ready to begin.
Chandler Scavenger Hunt
Address: 10 E Chicago St, Chandler, AZ
Website: Chandler Scavenger Hunt
Price: From 11 USD
2. Saddle up at Koli Equestrian Center
An ideal space to spend the day for horseback riding fans, Koli Equestrian Center caters to everyone from beginners to expert riders. With beautiful open landscapes and miles of horseback riding trails, we recommended bringing the whole family to enjoy the space. Schedule a private one-on-one class or just spread out and go on your own leisurely riding adventure. The Koil Equestrian Center is located in the midst of the Gila River Indian Reservation, providing a scenic backdrop to your adventures.
Koli Equestrian Center
Address: 6940 W Broken Ear Road, Chandler, AZ
Website: Koli Equestrian Center
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: From 65 USD per person
3. Explore the Arizona Railway Museum
The Arizona Railway Museum is the ideal way to entertain the children, encompassing a learning experience and an entertaining activity together. Kids can experience travel by rail and the various railroads of the South Western United States. Venture through the old railroad cars to discover the dining car, passenger cars, and even a horse car to experience what life must have been like on the rail road.
Arizona Railway Museum
Address: 330 E Ryan Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Arizona Railway Museum
Opening hours: Re-opens on Aug 31
Price: From 5 USD
4. Shop till you drop at Chandler Fashion Center
Chandler Fashion Center is the second largest mall in the Phoenix metropolitan area and has anchor stores Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Macy’s. An ideal space to shop in local independent stores as well as national chain stores, indulge in some delicious restaurants, visit the beauty salon, or get any of your errands done, Chandler Fashion Center is a one-stop shop for all your needs in town. Visit Harkins Theatres for some movie entertainment, followed by a visit to the Cheesecake Factory for some extra indulgence on their dessert offerings.
Chandler Fashion Center
Address: 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Chandler Fashion Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
5. Go bird watching at Veterans Oasis Park
At Veterans Oasis Park you will find a serene atmosphere with more than four miles of trails, a playground, an outdoor amphitheater and a park with abundant wildlife. Go bird watching early in the mornings or take advantage of golden hour in the evenings where you can walk among rabbits, coyotes, and the numerous varieties of birds that call the park its home. Those interested in topics surrounding wildlife preservation, environmental awareness, and sustainability should visit the Environmental Education Center for its ever-changing exhibitions and learning programs.
Veterans Oasis Park
Address: 4050 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Veterans Oasis Park
Opening hours: 5am - 10pm (daily)
6. Relax after a hectic day at the beautiful Desert Breeze Park
Visit the Desert Breeze Park with family for an ideal day out. Offering entertainment options for the children including a train ride and vast open spaces to run through, the park caters to children of all age groups. Use the splashpad to cool off on warmer days, sit in the shade and enjoy the scenery, and have your own picnic. Or, plan a more active day taking advantage of the baseball fields, tennis courts, or some of the city’s best bike trails.
Desert Breeze Park
Address: 660 North Desert Breeze Blvd E, Chandler, AZ
Website: Desert Breeze Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10:30pm (daily)
7. Enjoy a variety of water amenities at Hamilton Aquatic Center
Posted by Hamilton Aquatic Center on Friday, 3 August 2012
This community water park and aquatic centre has a variety of amenities, including a zero depth play pool, a lazy river, two water slides and multiple recreational areas. For the more serious swimmers, they also host an eight-lane competition pool, two 1-meter (3.28 ft) diving boards, and their own training classroom. For the young and old, professional or recreational swimmers, Hamilton Aquatic Center provides a great reprise in the city of Chandler.
Hamilton Aquatic Center
Address: 3838 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ
Website: Hamilton Aquatic Center
Opening hours: (May 30-July 22) Mon - Thu: 5:30am -7:30am, 10am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 8pm; Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun:12pm - 6pm; (July 27- September 2) Mon - Thu: 5:30am -7:30am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Fri)
Price: From 2.5 USD
8. Catch a live performance at Chandler Center for the Arts
Chandler Center for the Arts in the heart of downtown showcases theatre performances, musical and dance shows, comedy performances and several other types of shows–an ideal space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy local and national performances. The space provides a great view no matter where you are seated and its fantastic acoustics ensure that you will be immersed into the performance. Be sure to check out the latest offerings at the Centre during your stay, for even children’s performances are common and highly recommended.
Chandler Center for the Arts
Address: 250 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ
Website: Chandler Center for the Arts
Opening hours: (Box office) Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)
9. See the works of local artists in Historic Downtown Chandler
Visit Downtown Chandler on the third Friday of every month to browse through the works of local artists and visit the area’s local shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Taking place between 6pm to 10pm, over 50 local artists showcase art through painting, photography, pottery, wood and metal works, jewelry, sculptures, and more within the historic square. With an atmosphere that is inviting, resonating warmth and creativity, the Art Walk provides an opportunity to explore Downtown Chandler in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Historic Downtown Chandler
Address: 3 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ
Website: Historic Downtown Chandler
10. Play golf at Bear Creek Golf Complex
Posted by Bear Creek Golf Complex on Tuesday, 1 August 2017
Bear Creek Golf Complex is a 36-hole golf course catering to players of all ages and abilities, from the beginners to the advanced players. They host an 18-hole championship-length “Bear” course and a second 18-hole “Cub” executive-length course along with a Practice and Learning Center that is staffed by PGA Professionals. Schedule individual or group lessons, sign up for any of the tournaments or events, or just visit for a leisurely game with friends. The restaurant on site boasts a great menu and view of the courses, ideal for kicking back with a drink and delicious meal after your game.
Bear Creek Golf Complex
Address: 500 East Riggs Road, Chandler, AZ
Website: Bear Creek Golf Complex
Opening hours (Winter): 6:30am - sunset (daily); (Summer): 5:45am -sunset (daily)
11. Take part in carnival fun at The Ostrich Festival
The Ostrich Festival is a family festival featuring live ostrich races and ostrich-themed activities, entertaining children and adults alike. Take part in the Saturday morning parade, delight in a vibrant carnival, and enjoy delicious food, all while experiencing a colourful, long standing tradition of Ostrich Ranching. The Ostrich Festival was first held in 1989 and is now an annual festival in Chandler held every March. In 2019, the festival was held in Tumbleweed Park, and the 2020 venue is yet to be announced.
The Ostrich Festival
Address: Tumbleweed Park, Chandler, AZ
Website: The Ostrich Festival
Price:: 15 USD (Adults); 8 USD (Children)
12. Witness the Chandler Jazz Festival
The annual Jazz Festival in the city of Chandler takes place in the Downtown area and offers a great selection of jazz events and musicians for the better part of a weekend. Residents of the city and visitors are afforded with the opportunity to enjoy a stellar lineup of local and national jazz talents, with main stages culminating each evening with an act by must-see musical legends.
Chandler Jazz Festival
Address: 78 E Commonwealth Ave, Chandler, AZ
Website: Chandler Jazz Festival
Opening hours: 2pm - 12am
Price: Free admission
13. Enjoy Western-themed activities in Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Enter the 1880s when you visit Rawhide, a Western-themed town where wild west shootouts and wagon rides are daily occurrences. Take part in age-old Arizona traditions such as gold panning and burro rides, or visit the space when there are concerts, festivals, holidays and large parties that are planned–although you do need to keep an eye out for their event dates, Rawhide is an experience everyone will enjoy.
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Address: 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
14. Go biking with friends along the dreamy Paseo Trail
The Paseo Trail is a great trail to explore regardless if you are walking, running, cycling or pushing a stroller. It spans 6.5-miles (10.4 km) and is part of an interconnected series of trails through Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa. On the western side of the trail, horseback riding is common and on other parts, the trail serves as a transportation route for those commuting from nearby. Regardless of what brings you to Chandler, the Paseo Trail is an enjoyable way to spend a morning or evening either in solitude or with friends and family.
Paseo Trail
Address: Trail begins at Galveston St. and continues through Riggs Rd.
Website: Paseo Trail
15. Have fun at Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park
Children will be thrilled to visit Jumpstreet, a fantastic recreation centre that features trampolines and other experiences for the whole family. Jumpstreet would be a great place to spend an afternoon shielded away when the weather does not cooperate, and the children can jump and play to their hearts’ content. With a separate area for the younger kids to bounce around in as well as a space for a dodge ball game, Jumpstreet caters to kids of all ages.
Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park
Address: 455 E Warner Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Jumpstreet Indoor Trampoline Park
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm
16. Get creative at Burst Of Butterflies Create & Paint Studio
For any creative souls looking to let their inner artist out, visit Burst Of Butterflies Create & Paint Studio for a day (or afternoon) of painting, pottery, glass painting, and more. Those who want to be left to their own devices can dive into their own world, but if you do need help with technique, colour selection, or tips on how to personalise your creation, the owners are around and happy to help. An ideal space for date night, group activities with friends, or corporate team building with colleagues. You can also just visit them during one of their events or schedule an individual time. Visit Burst Of Butterflies in historic downtown Chandler for an unforgettable experience.
Burst Of Butterflies
Address: 141 West Boston Street, Chandler, AZ
Website: Burst Of Butterflies
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 6pm
17. Delve into American Indian history at Huhugam Heritage Center
Check out the fascinating prehistoric and historic artifacts of the Huhugam ancestors through their pottery, jewelry, carved stone bowls, and tools in an exhibit featuring baskets from the Breazeale Basket collection and pottery from Pee Posh collections. Curated by community veterans, the Huhugam Heritage Center features a new community artist every three months and has special events throughout the year. Call ahead of your visit to the centre as they may not be open daily.
Huhugam Heritage Center
Address: 21359 S. Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Huhugam Heritage Center
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: by appointment (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: 6 USD
18. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sweeties Candy of Arizona
Sweeties of Arizona takes you back to a simpler time, a time when you were a child and Jelly Belly jellybeans and Pez’s were commonly found around you. Take a nostalgic dive into candies of your time, introduce your children to classics but also indulge them with contemporary candies and confectionaries. Wrapped, unwrapped, assorted, separated by individual colors, you will find everything you want here to bulk buy and take home to add to your stash.
Sweeties Candy of Arizona
Address: 1986 North Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ
Website: Sweeties Candy of Arizona
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 7pm (closed on Sun)
19. Learn to race at Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Thrill-seekers unite here at Bob Bondurant’s School to learn professional race car skills and then take those skills onto the race track. Take on the Grand Prix Road Racing Course in a Corvette Z06. Professional racing drivers and racing enthusiasts alike will relish the chance to drive on the track and become all the better in skill and technique behind the wheel. The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving aims to make you a more confident, capable driver and offers flexible arrangements of how you can get involved.
Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
Address: 20000 S Maricopa Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
20. Laugh your heart out at improvMANIA Comedy Club
Open mic. Thursday’s at 8PM.
Posted by Improvmania Comedy on Monday, 7 January 2019
Your weekend plans in Chandler are sorted with two shows every Friday and Saturday night–choose from the earlier family-friendly option or opt to leave the kids at home for a night out on the town. Get ready to see the unique comedy acts and be part of the show, no matter your age or interests. If you happen to be out late, the 10pm Standup Comedy Show is also highly recommended. The improvMANIA Comedy Club hosts special events and even youth camps and programs for budding comedians and actors.
ImprovMANIA Comedy Club
Address: 250 S Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ
Website: ImprovMANIA Comedy Club
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 7pm - 11pm (closed Sun - Wed)
Price: From 14 USD
21. Go antique shopping at Merchant Square
Posted by Merchant Square on Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Merchant Square is an indoor marketplace to find all sorts of brilliant antiques and bargain collectibles from cameras and radios, to antique furniture. Look through a variety of goods that appeals to everyone from interesting vintage items to new and handmade items. There are jewelry, clothes, records, signs, and many more. As a place with over 250 merchants located under one roof, Merchant Square is a great boutique to visit for the whole family as a destination for weekend shopping and browsing.
Merchant Square
Address: 1509 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ
Website: Merchant Square
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
22. Relax your body and mind at Hawaiian Experience Spa
Treat yourself to some quality me-time at the Hawaiian Experience Spa and ease away your aches, pains, and stresses with their deep tissue massages, organic facials, and body treatments. The spa treatments come highly recommended by locals and should ensure that you feel like you just returned from a Hawaiian vacation once you are done. Feel relaxed and rejuvenated with every visit to the Hawaiian Experience Spa.
Hawaiian Experience Spa
Address: Boardwalk At Andersen Springs, 1949 W Ray Rd #16, Chandler, AZ
Website: Hawaiian Experience Spa
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
23. Entertain the kids at Makutu's Island
Kids will enjoy the crazy atmosphere and designs at Makutu’s Island, a tropical indoor island with towering trees, mysterious caves, a “bungee jump”, and a zip line for an adventure-filled day. With tunnels, slides, and games at every turn, kids will be endlessly entertained as a way to beat the Arizona heat on any afternoon. The indoor arcade will appeal to some kids, too, and should keep even the less adventurous ones in the group entertained while an indoor toddler play area caters to the younger generation. Lunch at Makutu’s Pizzeria should sort out the whole family and ensure that everyone enjoys their time on the island.
Makutu's Island
Address: 6919 W Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Makutu’s Island
Opening hours summer: Mon - Thu: 9am - 7pm; Fri: 9am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
Price: From 15.99 USD plus tax
24. Unleash your dogs and play with them at Shawnee Bark Park
Hang out with your furry friends at Shawnee Bark Park, one of Chandler’s most well-rounded dog parks. With pooper-scoopers for pick ups, doggy drinking fountains, tunnels and hurdles, your beloved dogs will enjoy their time being unleashed and free to run around. There are plenty of benches for dog owners to sit and relax. The park is also surrounded by a chain link fence so that all of the dogs stay safely in the park area.
Shawnee Bark Park
Address: 1400 W Mesquite St, Chandler, AZ
Website: Shawnee Bark Park
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Sat: 6am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 8pm (closed on Tue)
25. Pay your holy respects at Compass Christian Church
Those looking for a local church and service to attend should consider Compass Christian Church (formerly Chandler Christian Church). The church boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. Regardless of if you are visiting Chandler, just moved to town, or are looking to become involved with the Church, the doors of Compass Christian Church are always open.
Compass Christian Church
Address: 1825 S Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Compass Christian Church
26. Enjoy inventive New American meals at The Brickyard Downtown
Located in an industrial chic space, The Brickyard Downtown restaurant embodies a love for customised and personalised service as well as innovative cuisine. From the craft cocktails and mixing techniques to the tapas-style food sharing experiences, the restaurant emphasises the depth of each ingredient in terms of overall flavour and preparation. Come with friends and family for an experience with delicious and approachable food to keep you entertained throughout your evening.
The Brickyard Downtown
Address: 85 W Boston St, Chandler, AZ
Website: The Brickyard Downtown
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 3pm - 11pm; Thu: 3pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 2am; Sun: 3pm - 11pm (closed on Mon)
27. Try the tap beers and cocktails at Sawtooth Bar & Grill
Have you tried our Sawtooth Bloody Mary? Come make it a Bloody Sunday ?!! Ice cold drinks to cool you off and Hot ?Wings ?to fill you up. Karaoke ? tonight from 7-11pm with DJ Hutch!!
Posted by Sawtooth Bar & Grill on Sunday, 14 July 2019
Visit this casual sports bar for hearty pub fare, beers on tap, and the possibility of entering karaoke night for the perfect laid-back evening in Chandler. Do not miss out on their famed chicken wings and drink specials for that extra dose of fun to keep you going throughout the week. Sawtooth Bar & Grill redefines Sunday Funday with a combination of karaoke, screenings of NASCAR races, and Bloody Mary’s which should ensure your weekend ends right.
Sawtooth Bar & Grill
Address: 4929 W Ray Rd Ste 3, Chandler, AZ
Website: Sawtooth Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Tue: 2pm - 12am; Wed - Sat: 2pm - 2am
28. Watch a blockbuster at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Chandler
Featuring nine screens showing new releases, family movies, and independent films, Alamo Drafthouse is the ideal place to visit solo or with family, friends, or on date night. Grab your movie tickets online to save time at the theatre or you can arrive early to eat and drink in your seat before the movie begins. Choose from a menu that includes burgers, pizzas, and warm and straight-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies. Enjoy the movies on wide screens and projections with the highest quality Sony 4k digital projection and with RealD 3D along with bi-amplified QSC digital audio systems for quality audio servicing.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Chandler
Address: 4955 S Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ
Website: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Chandler
Price: From 11.25 USD
29. Go skating with friends at Chandler Skatepark
A nationally renowned facility, Chandler Skatepark is known as one of the top five skate parks in the country. The expansive 35,000 square-foot (3,251 square metres) skate park attracts the best skateboarders in the world to and yet its designed for skaters both having professional skills and beginners looking to learn and advance. The facility is used by skateboarders and in-line skaters alike and is free for use. The park includes bowls, decks, blocks, and metal rails.
Chandler Skatepark
Address: 4500 S Basha Rd, Chandler, AZ
Website: Chandler Skatepark
Opening hours: (Winter) 8am - 10:30pm (daily); (Summer) 7am - 10:30pm (daily)
30. Learn all about the city at Chandler Museum
Chandler Museum is the city’s unique historical and cultural destination, with engaging, community-focused events, forums, and housing world-class traveling exhibits. Located in a 10,000 square-foot (929 square-metres) building known as the McCullough-Price House, Chandler Museum features outdoor areas and a beautiful courtyard to provide visitors with a shaded gathering place and a space for outdoor programming. An iconic building which has a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, do not miss an opportunity to visit Chandler Museum on your next visit to the city.
Chandler Museum
Address: 300 S Chandler Village Dr, Chandler, AZ
Website: Chandler Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Your compete guide to Chandler, Arizona
There is a lot to see and do in sunny Chandler, where should you start? We’ve put together a great list of must-see attractions, sites, and all those great places you should not miss while in Chandler. From enjoying the great outdoors, savouring great local bites, to taking in an inspiring performance – be sure to work your way through our recommendations to find your own personal favourites and have a blast during your time in the city.
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