9 Best Parks in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix, the capital city of the state of Arizona, also known as the 'Valley of the Sun', is the place to be for every outdoor lover and nature enthusiast.

The city of Phoenix takes pride in its outdoor lifestyle, providing more than 41,000 acres of desert parks and has approximately 185 state and public parks.

One can enjoy a nice boat ride or paddle board in the Tempe Town Lake. You can spend the day picnicking with family or go bike riding. The park also organizes various festivals and concerts from time to time.

Papago Park is stretched over 1,496 acres, it is famous for housing attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo, Hunts Tomb, Hole-in-the-Rock etc. The park has various hiking trails, bicycle paths, softball field and several small lakes for picnics.

This is one of the largest municipal parks in the U.S. It is designated as a ‘Phoenix Point of Pride’. The park consists of three mountain ranges making it ideal for going hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

The JFG was built to strengthen friendship between U.S. and Japan. Visitors can experience authentic Japanese culture in this tranquil garden while taking a stroll alongside a tea garden and a tea house.

The park has 2 lakes for fishing, softball fields, volleyball fields & tennis courts. The park also features ‘The Freestone Railroad’- a miniature train, antique carousal and mini ferris wheel.

The park was named in the honor of the city’s first female Mayor Margaret Hance. The park is home to the Irish Cultural Center, Burton Barr Phoenix Central Library, the Japanese Friendship Garden and Phoenix Center for Arts.

Granada Park is another beautiful park in Phoenix that gives a great view of the lake to spend quality time with friends and family. The ducks in the lake just add another reason for kids to enjoy the park

Encanto Park is located in the heart of Phoenix. The park has a fishing lagoon where one can feed ducks and swans. There is a boathouse, historic clubhouse, sports complex, two golf courses and a swimming pool.

The Civic Space Park was designed with sustainable technology using solar panels. The park’s main feature is the art instillation sculpture called ‘Her Secret Is Patience’ designed by artist Janet Echelman.