Glendale is situated in the county of Maricopa, Arizona. It’s just about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) from Phoenix. It was a desert until the year 1891 when the first settlers came in after William John Murphy completed his project of bringing water, as well as constructing a road leading to the desert. Murphy called the desert ‘Glendale’ to attract potential investors and settlers, and it has retained its name until today. One of the first industries established in Glendale was a sugar beet factory, which helped the growth of this city. There are several attractions in Glendale such as Westgate Entertainment District, Thunderbird Conservation Park, and Wet 'n’ Wild Phoenix. The place is also home to many vacation rentals. For an indulgent stay, you can book any of the Airbnbs with a pool. If you are planning a trip soon, continue reading to learn more about the best things to do in Glendale, Arizona.
1. Glide through the sceneries aboard an electric bike
This activity in Glendale, Arizona, offers an incredibly fun and eco-friendly way to explore the stunning landscapes of the Arizona desert. With an electric bike, you can effortlessly glide through the picturesque desert trails, taking in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying the fresh air. The bike’s electric assistance feature allows you to cover more ground and discover hidden gems along the way.
Feel the wind in your hair as you pedal along serene desert paths, admire the local flora and fauna, and relish the freedom to explore at your own pace. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, get some exercise, and create lasting memories.
Book Tours : 2-Hour Electric Bike Rental in Peoria and Glendale
2. Watch a live football match at University of Phoenix Stadium
If you love all things sports, especially football, going to the University of Phoenix Stadium should be on your list of things to do in Glendale. It is exciting to watch a live football match on TV or online, but it is so much more exciting to watch it live in the stadium itself! Not only does the stadium host football events, but it also hosts other sports, such as basketball, and concerts. So if you’re going to Glendale, watch out for events that will take place at the University of Phoenix Stadium and reserve a seat for yourself, or with friends!
University of Phoenix Stadium
Address: 1 Cardinals Dr, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
Website: University of Phoenix Stadium
Price: Starts at 62 USD
3. Attend a hockey match at the Gila River Arena
If you’re a fan of the Phoenix Coyotes, book a ticker for you and your friends already while you are in Glendale, and have fun watching the famous hockey team in Gila River Arena! Not only do they offer live hockey matches for their guests, but there are also many events going on in the arena every now and then, such as concerts, a circus, and more! In addition, they have plenty of suites and more than 10 party sites, so if you ever happen to want to go to a party with 50 other people, Gila River Arena can accommodate you guys!
Gila River Arena
Address: 9400 West Maryland Avenue, Glendale Arizona
Website: Gila River Arena
4. Catch the candy-making process at Cerreta Candy Company
Have you ever wondered how candies and chocolates are made? If you have, have you considered making one yourself? If yes is the answer to your question, then head on to Cerreta Candy Company, where you’ll learn the process of creating candies of all shapes and sizes! It isn’t a famous thing to do with tourists, but if there’s a chocolate candy factory within the vicinity of the destination that you’re in, why not do something different?
Cerreta Candy Company
Address: 5345 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Website: Cerreta Candy Company
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
5. Go shopping at Westgate Entertainment District
Go on a shopping spree in one of the most famous shopping centers in the city of Glendale, the Westgate Entertainment District. Food, clothes, and accessories, watching movies and a whole lot more! There are a ton of things that this mall has in store for tourists and locals alike, so no one is going to be bored within its four corners. They are also hosting events for special occasions, so you should definitely check their website from time to time to be updated on the events that will take place during your stay in Glendale!
Westgate Entertainment District
Address: 6751 N Sunset Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
Website: Westgate Entertainment District
Opening hours: 9am - 2am (daily)
6. Have fun with the family at Glendale Heroes Regional Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Glendale Heroes Regional Park provides family entertainment in Glendale and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, because of the wide range of fun activities and amenities that it offers. This expansive park features sprawling green spaces perfect for picnics or a leisurely game of catch. Sports enthusiasts can make use of the basketball courts, volleyball courts, and well-maintained soccer fields for a friendly match or workout. Kids will delight in the playgrounds designed for imaginative play, and there are plenty of shaded areas for relaxation and family gatherings.
The park’s well-maintained walking and jogging trails provide an opportunity for a workout amidst nature’s beauty. Moreover, the centerpiece of the park is the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center, boasting a fantastic swimming pool and water play area for all to enjoy.
Glendale Heroes Regional Park
Address: 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Rd, Glendale, AZ 85303, United States
Website: Glendale Heroes Regional Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
7. Take your kids to Tolmachoff Farms
If you are looking for things to do with kids in Glendale, you must visit Tolmachoff Farms. It offers a lot more than their pick-your-own-produce promo! Aside from their freshly picked fruits and vegetables, they also offer rides, petting farm animals, and playing in their corn maze and pumpkin patch! They also accept field trips for children, and even important events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and more! Tolmachoff Farms is an ideal place to bond with your family!
Tolmachoff Farms
Address: 5726 N 75th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85303, USA
Website: Tolmachoff Farms
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 12 USD
8. Have a thrilling experience at Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix
If you want to take your kids coupled with your adult friends to a resort, Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix is your way to go where you can beat the heat of summer in their swimming pools! They have everything for every type of swimmer’s needs, such as family rides, kids rides, and thrill rides. Of course, having so much fun means expending more energy, making you feel hungry! Thankfully, they have a place where you can grab some food to fill the void in your stomachs! They have healthy options, and not so healthy ones, but nevertheless, delicious food, all the same!
Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix
Address: 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310, USA
Website: Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix
Opening hours: 10:30am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 37.99 USD
9. Drop by Glendale Historic District for some antique shopping
If you have a thing for antiques and you’re looking to add some items to your collection, we recommend dropping by Glendale Historic District where you can shop ‘till you drop! From vintage clothing to items from the past, you’ll find them all here! There are restaurants and food stalls in every corner of the Historic Downtown, so it isn’t just antiques that will keep you busy here, but tasting as much food as your tummy can handle!
Glendale Historic District
Address: Glendale Avenue and 58th Avenue, Glendale, AZ
Website: Glendale Historic District
10. Buy hunting, fishing and camping supplies at Cabela's
Whether you’re a camper, a hiker, a hunter, or a fisher traveling with an RV rental, Cabela’s has all the equipment and supplies you’ll need for the ultimate outdoor adventure! They even host workshops now and then, where you can learn a thing or two about surviving in the outdoors, hunting, and more! If you want to save loads of money, it’s best to head there when they’re offering a bargain, and you’ll save up to 70 percent!
Cabela's
Address: 9380 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
Website: Cabela’s
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm
11. Spend time bird-watching in Thunderbird Conservation Park
If you are more of a nature person, Thunderbird Conservation Park is one of the best places to be in Glendale. You’ll have lots of opportunities to watch birds and other wild animals doing their thing. You can also ride on a horse, go mountain biking, or maybe hike its hiking trails. If you want simple and not so physically demanding bonding time with your friends or family, the park is an ideal place to go on a picnic. The great thing about this park is that it has no entrance fee, and you need not pre-register to enter.
Thunderbird Conservation Park
Address: 22800 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85310, USA
Website: Thunderbird Conservation Park
Opening hours: 7am - 5:30pm (daily)
12. Discover miniature treasures at Arizona Doll & Toy Museum
One of the most interesting places to visit in Glendale is the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum. It will take you about 20 minutes to tour the whole museum that is filled with vintage dolls, dollhouses, and other toys. Some might find the museum creepy, but if you’re looking for an activity that is different from the mainstream travel destinations in Glendale, then this museum is definitely worth visiting.
Arizona Doll & Toy Museum
Address: 5847 W Myrtle Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Website: Arizona Doll & Toy Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD
13. Try your luck at Desert Diamond West Valley Casino
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
You can also try your luck playing poker at Desert Diamond West Valley Casino if you have some extra money that you can afford to lose! Be thrilled and be filled with good food, because Desert Diamond West isn’t just a casino, it is also a convenience store and a restaurant that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week! So, if you’ll ever need to buy something to eat late at night, you’re sure that this casino/convenience store/restaurant always has your back!
Desert Diamond West Valley Casino
Address: 9431 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
Website: Desert Diamond West Valley Casino
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Bring your children to Playgrounds Fun Zone and Café
Spending time with your kids is a great way to strengthen your bond with them, as well as an opportunity for you as an adult to teach them a thing or two about what is good and what is bad. And since you’re on a vacation in Glendale, you may want to take them to Playgrounds Fun Zone where you can play with them and join them in their world of make-believe! If they get hungry, Playgrounds Fun Zone also features a cafethat serves delicious foods to keep yours and your children’s tummy as friendly as they can be! As an icing on top of the cake, you’ll only have to pay for your child!
Playgrounds Fun Zone and Café
Address: 8190 W Union Hills Dr Ste 110, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
Website: Playgrounds Fun Zone and Café
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 2pm; Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm
Price: 11 USD
15. Watch a live performance at Brelby Theatre Company
Be entertained at Brelby Theatre Company! With their live performances happening every so often, you surely won’t want to miss experiencing being one of their audience. Know that if you choose to watch one of their live performances, you are supporting local artists’ endeavors. It’s good to be entertained, and it feels much better to know that you’ve contributed to an artist’s growth.
Brelby Theatre Company
Address: 7154 N 58th Dr, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Website: Brelby Theatre Company
16. Tour the archaeological Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
If you have a thing for archeology or you’re just naturally curious about so many things in life, then you may want to drop by Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. Learn about the history of petroglyphs, what they symbolize, and their meaning to the Native American people. You can go on a self-guided tour, or book a guided tour at a slightly higher price. Either way, you’ll learn a lot about America’s prehistoric stories, and immerse yourself in the beauty of its surroundings.
Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
Address: 3711 W Deer Valley Rd, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
Website: Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 8am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: 9 USD
17. Go on a hot-air balloon ride with Aerogelic Ballooning
Have you ever been on a hot-air balloon? If you haven’t, definitely pay Aerogelic Ballooning a visit and take one of their packages. Although a bit on the expensive side, the experience of riding a hot air balloon and seeing the breathtaking views from a bird’s perspective is priceless. Up to 12 people are allowed per ride because the company believes that a once-in-a-lifetime experience, such as riding a hot air balloon, should be as intimate as it can be.
Aerogelic Ballooning
Address: 8371 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
Website: Aerogelic Ballooning
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 169 - 899 USD
18. Play a game at The 500 Club Golf
If you love to play golf, there’s a popular golf course where you can play all day long in Glendale: The 500 Club Golf. But it isn’t just a golf course, it also has a restaurant and is open to catering special events such as weddings. Even if you are not a fan of golf, you might still want to try playing it at least once in your life, especially if you’re in Glendale; squeeze in as much activity as you can for that jampacked vacation!
The 500 Club Golf
Address: 4707 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310, USA
Website: The 500 Club Golf
Opening hours: 7am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 17 - 55 USD
19. Have a fun night out at Jimbo’s Bar & Grill
If you want to just chill out with your friends and are in the mood for a happy hour, Jimbo’s Bar & Grill might be the place to be! Beer, delicious grilled food, darts, and sports on TV are some of the things that will keep you entertained in this place. Made for people who need some unwinding, rally your stressed friends with you and loosen up from your tight routines!
Jimbo’s Bar & Grill
Address: 12224 N 51st Ave, Glendale, AZ 85304, USA
Website: Jimbo’s Bar & Grill
Opening hours: 7am - 2am (daily)
20. Attend a cooking lesson at Under The Tuscan Fork
Have you ever dreamt of learning how to cook Italian food? Have you ever wanted to learn the proper use of kitchen tools, how to gracefully cut and slice fresh produce using a knife? Well, dreams are there to be manifested into reality! At Under The Tuscan Fork, you’ll learn all these things from professional chefs, and even celebrity chefs! So book a class through the link below!
Under The Tuscan Fork
Address: 19420 N 59th Ave, Suite 117, Glendale, AZ
Website: Under The Tuscan Fork
21. Take a walk in Xeriscape Botanical Gardens
There’s more than just several spots for nature lovers in Glendale! Xeriscape Botanical Gardens is one of them, and what makes it unique is that it is full of beautiful cacti! In addition, hummingbirds, peacocks, butterflies, and other interesting creatures abound in this park, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to watch them as they go out and about the garden. More beautiful and interesting pictures to take for your Instagram account!
Xeriscape Botanical Gardens
Address: 5959 W Brown St, Glendale, AZ 85302, USA
Website: Xeriscape Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 9pm (closed on Fri)
22. Bring your dogs to Foothills Dog Park
If you are bringing your trusted and loyal dog with you on your adventures in Glendale, you owe your pet a visit to Foothills Dog Park. He’ll be able to mingle with other dogs, and you’ll also have the opportunity to connect with local dog lovers, too! The park has all your dog needs, and all you need to bring with you is a ball or a frisbee so you can play fetch with your dog!
Foothills Dog Park
Address: 19055 N 57th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
Website: Foothills Dog Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
23. Shop at Tanger Outlets Westgate
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Tanger Outlets, Phoenix on Friday, January 15, 2021
If you’re looking for a place where you can buy stuff for your friends back home who couldn’t come with you to Glendale, Tanger Outlets Westgate is the perfect place to shop for famous brands at super low prices! From bags, shoes, clothes, accessories, and even home decor, they’ve got it all here! Some of the brands that they sell for up to 70 percent off are Osh Kosh, Haggar, Fila, and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Tanger Outlets Westgate
Address: 6800 N 95th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
Website: Tanger Outlets Westgate
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
24. Enjoy unlimited bowling at Glenfair Lanes bowling alley
Bring your whole family together at Glenfair Lanes and compete with one another! Is Dad or Mom better than the kiddos? You’ll find that out when you visit this bowling alley! Thinking of a different kind of birthday party? Glendale Lanes offers birthday party packages where instead of popping balloons, you’ll be throwing bowling balls at pins to knock them down!
Glenfair Lanes
Address: 6110 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Website: Glenfair Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 11am - 10pm; Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 11pm
Price: 1.95 USD - 45.99 USD
25. Have a picnic in the beautiful Sahuaro Ranch Park
After competing with each other and finding out who’s the winner in your game of bowling, celebrate your victory at Sahuaro Ranch Park! Going on a picnic will never be outdated, especially if you’ll do it in a beautiful park such as Sahuaro! You’ll see colorful peacocks roaming the place, and you might even want to take a picture of them when they spread their majestic tails! Sahuaro Ranch Parks is also a great venue for important events such as weddings and birthday parties!
Sahuaro Ranch Park
Address: 9802 N 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302, USA
Website: Sahuaro Ranch Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
26. Dine on mouthwatering cuisines at Yard House
Travelers, most often than not, are food lovers. If you have a love for tasting all sorts of foods from different parts of the world, you’re doing yourself a favor by visiting Yard House! With its New American fare, that is, food derived from different countries, such as Mexican, Korean, Filipino and many more, this restaurant has something to offer people of different tastes!
Yard House
Address: 9401 W Westgate Blvd, Glendale, AZ 85305, USA
Website: Yard House
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1:20am (closed on Thu & Fri)
27. Enjoy a movie night at West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In
Watching a movie with your special someone is still as romantic as it was a few decades back. Imagine sharing all the emotions of the film with someone you share romantic feelings with and have something to talk about after the movie is finished, exchanging fan theories, or maybe criticizing how the movie was made. It doesn’t matter if a movie is good or not, a movie night is still a great way to bond with someone that you love.
West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In
Address: 5650 N 55th Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Website: West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In
Price: 8 USD
28. Dance the night away at Antro Nightclub
Make your stay in Arizona as memorable as possible by going on a super wild night in this nightclub! Let the booze, funky music from hip DJ’s, and the hype of everybody else energize you! Party all night long and dance and sing with the crowd at Antro Nightclub! Tag your party friends with you, and share the positive vibes with them for that one crazy and unforgettable night in Glendale!
Antro Nightclub
Address: 4346 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Website: Antro Nightclub
Opening hours: Thu - Sat: 10pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Wed)
29. Get pampered at Elements Massage - Glendale
After all the drinking and dancing and partying, you’ll be in need of relaxation and rejuvenate your lost energy. At Elements Massage - Glendale, they know exactly how to do that! With highly trained professional therapists, you’re sure to get the relaxation you most deserve. A good massage will improve your blood flow, remove your back and neck pain, and improve your flexibility! After one session, you’ll be ready to go on your next adventure!
Elements Massage - Glendale
Address: 19420 N 59th Ave Ste E-515, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA
Website: Elements Massage - Glendale
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm
Price: 99 USD
30. Practice archery at Corner Archery
Posted by Corner Archery on Saturday, 5 January 2019
Would you wish to learn something new? Something you can boast to your friends back home? Spend your last day in Glendale learning archery at Corner Archery. They also sell bows and archery accessories here, so you might want to buy your own bow here, and continue practicing when you get back home!
Corner Archery
Address: 5008 W Northern Ave # 8, Glendale, AZ 85301, USA
Website: Corner Archery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 10 USD
31. Be a part of Glendale Glitters during the Christmas season
Happening from the 29th of November, 2019 to 11th of January, 2020 is Glendale’s most famous event: Glendale Glitters. It is during every Christmas season when tourists from all over the world flock to downtown Glendale just to see the bright Christmas lights and get to smile and show happiness on their faces. Glendale Glitter is an ideal event for the whole family and it’s also an ideal dating spot for your significant someone.
Glendale Glitters
Address: N 58th Ave & W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, United States
Website: Glendale Glitters
Opening hours: 5pm - 10pm (daily)
32. Play the Zombie Scavengers Game
Are you one of those people who often fantasize about what it would be like if your city had a zombie outbreak? Thanks to zombie games and movies, a lot of imaginative folks are thinking of being a zombie outbreak survivor! In Glendale, you can make that fantasy a reality by tagging your friends along with you and heading to the Zombie Scavengers Game! Scavenge for things vital to your team’s survival, such as guns, food, and shelter! It’s going to be an exciting game for you and your friends.
Book Tours : Glendale Zombie Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt
Discover more of Glendale
So that is a lot of things to do in Glendale, Arizona! From parks where you can relax, museums to learn about history, restaurants to eat good food, and places to play or party with your friends! We’re sure that that is only the tip of the iceberg! This article was written just to give you an idea of what this destination in Arizona has to offer. Discover more of Glendale by actually going there! We’re sure that you’ll find hidden gems we weren’t able to cover in this article. Be sure to check out some Airbnb vacation rentals and Vrbo vacation rentals as well. So, pack light, and expect to experience a lot of good things in Glendale.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Glendale
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