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The 10 Best Parks in Mesa AZ You Have to Visit
There are always fun things to do in Mesa, Arizona! You can explore art at the Mesa Art Center, hike through stunning desert parks, or tour the Rose Garden at MCC. There is also a wide array of food to try, including the best Chinese food in Mesa, AZ.
Family-friendly and breathtakingly scenic, Mesa is a popular travel destination among locals and out-of-towners. Plenty of people are drawn to the city for its Southwestern flair and history, which has led to the development of beautiful parks you won’t want to miss. Mesa, Arizona might be known for its deserts, but did you know that it is also home to some of the best parks for nature lovers, cyclists, and families looking for a day of fun with the kiddos? That being said if you’re looking for things to do in Mesa, spending time outside should be at the top of your to-do list.
Where to Find the Best Parks in Mesa, AZ
Mesa’s parks are a must-see for visitors and locals alike. With fresh airy spaces, picture-perfect views, and plenty of sporting events, you might even want to visit more than just one.
Not sure where to start? No problem. We did the research, so kick back and check out our guide to the best parks in Mesa, AZ!
1 | Usery Mountain Regional Park | With 29 miles of biking and hiking trails, Usery Mountain Park is nothing short of a desert utopia. Enjoy stunning views and rugged terrain, while you immerse yourself in the beauty of the peaceful desert.
You also don’t want to miss out on hiking on the Wind Cave Trail, a tranquil feast for the eyes with unique rock formations and lush greenery as far as the eye can see.
WHERE: 3939 North Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207 | WHO: 602-506-2930
2 | Freestone District Park | Freestone is one of the most popular parks in all of Mesa. This vibrant park has just about everything you could want including tennis and basketball courts, walking trails for bird watching, picnic areas, and even a skate and BMX park.
In fact, probably the hardest thing you’ll have to do is decide how to fit so much fun into one day.
WHERE: 1045 E Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85212 | WHO: 480-503-6200
3 | Riverview Park | Known for its incredible playground, Riverview Park draws crowds from all over Arizona and beyond. With the towering climbing structures, slides, and rope bridges, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to try it out yourself.
There is also an urban fishing lake where you can go fly fishing or watch experienced fishermen reel in their catches.
WHERE: 2100 West Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85212 | WHO: 480-644-2352
4 | Desert Arroyo Park | If you’re looking for a park where the kiddos can cool off, run along green paths, and scale climbing walls, Desert Arroyo Park is calling your name.
This park is set across 58 acres and features five educational nodes. Bring a pen and paper so you and the kids can do the etchings at each spot! And don’t forget to visit the Reptilian Node, which has its own sand pit for digging.
Oh, there’s also a slew of really cute wildlife you’ll get to see along the way! You’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities here, so don’t forget to bring your camera.
WHERE: 9320 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85207 | WHO: 480-644-7529
5 | Red Mountain Park | Cycling, hiking, and of course, crystal blue lakes to cool off on is the perfect day for any adventure-seeker.
You’ll also be able to play soccer, relax under the ramada, or play volleyball at sunset. Red Mountain is the perfect place to host group gatherings as well, so be sure to invite your buddies. The large, 1,000+ acre park is dog-friendly, so long as you keep Fido on a leash.
WHERE: 7745 East Brown Road, Mesa, AZ 85207 | WHO: 480-644-PLAY
6 | Dobson Park | Picture wide open spaces where you can fish until your heart’s content, practice your hole-in-one, or shoot hoops until dusk. Sounds like a pretty great way to spend the weekend, doesn’t it? At Dobson Ranch Park, you can do all this or more alone, with your family and or your four-legged bestie.
Dobson Park may be small, but it is a good place to relax while the kids play in the all-abilities play area and even take on the zip line!
WHERE: 2359 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202 | WHO: 480-644-PLAY
7 | Fitch Park | Sports lovers will love spending the day at Fitch Park. Known by locals for its meticulously kept baseball diamonds, you’re sure to catch a game in action no matter when you visit.
There are plenty of peaceful spots where you can picnic, after hiking one of the numerous trails throughout the park. Finally, you can round out the day with a leisurely stroll through lush greens or hit the tennis courts to practice your serve.
WHERE: 651 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201 | WHO: 480-644-7529
8 | Pioneer Park | It gets pretty hot in Mesa, so how do you cool off when there isn’t a swimming pool in sight? You head over to Pioneer Park to their water park! Bring your suit and get ready to splish and splash at their splash pad.
Afterward, you can grab a bite at the food court before taking a tour of historic trains and monuments. There is also a 5,000-foot suspended bridge you can cross if you’re feeling bold.
WHERE: 526 East Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85203 | WHO: 480-644-PLAY
9 | Desert Sky Park | Located between William Field and Pecos Road, Desert Sky Park has something for every member of the family. From sensory playgrounds for the littles to hiking trails for nature enthusiasts, there is plenty to do here.
There are also 12 collegiate playing fields, so if you love sports, be sure to check when games are being held. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and an umbrella because it can get pretty hot under the Arizona sun.
WHERE: 6624 S. Power Rd, Mesa, AZ | WHO: 480-503-6200
10 | Falcon Field Park | Bet you never thought there would be a park in the middle of an airport, did you? Well, Falcon Field Park is located right next to Falcon Airport, making it an easy pitstop while you wait for your connecting flight.
The sand bottom playground offers plenty of room for the kids to run and stretch their legs, and they might even get to see planes take off. On your way out, be sure to visit the monuments located around the park to learn more about Mesa’s history.
WHERE: 4800 E. Falcon Dr, Meza, AZ 82515 | WHO: 480-644-2352
Wrapping Things Up
These parks offer beautiful spaces to hike, run, and relax under the Mesa sun. These spots are well-loved by locals and offer visitors a chance to take a break from their busy itineraries to unwind.
And if you’re looking for the perfect Mesa, AZ wedding venue, be sure to check out our blog featuring more gorgeous locations that serve as the perfect backdrop for your big day.
To find more a-Mesa-ing things to do on your next trip, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog.