Parks & Playgrounds In Scottsdale

parks and playgrounds in scottsdale on the scottsdale living

Guide To Scottsdale's Parks & Playgrounds

Scottsdale has so many great parks and playgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a place to take your kids to burn off some energy or a tranquil spot for a picnic, Scottsdale has plenty of options to choose from. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best parks and playgrounds in Scottsdale, so you can find the perfect outdoor destination for your next adventure. From sprawling parks with hiking trails to playgrounds with unique features, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your family, and get ready to explore the best parks and playgrounds in Scottsdale.

Looking for unforgettable family fun?

Check out our Scottsdale Family Fun Guide for a world of activities, events, and destinations that will delight kids and parents alike!

10 Popular Scottsdale Parks & Playgrounds:

Photo via City of Scottsdale

Cactus Park is a 17-acre playground for all ages, boasting an aquatic center with 23 short course lap lanes, heated during winter for year-round enjoyment. Dive into fun with three 1-meter and two 3-meter diving boards, and enjoy public swimming in the summer. The park caters to U.S. Swim and Dive teams and offers commercial lane rentals, swim lessons, recreational teams, and water exercise classes.

Stay active in the fitness center, which hosts a variety of aerobic, fitness, and leisure education classes, along with free weights, machine weights, and cardiovascular machines. The fitness center welcomes those 14 and older, with age-specific restrictions and fees.

With a sand volleyball court, playground, basketball court, restrooms, and ramadas, Cactus Park is the perfect spot for a family picnic or a day out in the sun.

Photo via City of Scottsdale

Chaparral Park is a sprawling 100-acre haven for outdoor lovers, featuring a greenbelt multi-use path for walking, biking, and rollerblading. Dog owners will adore the 3-acre Chaparral Dog Park, complete with grassy areas, benches, play features, and water fountains. The park also boasts a community center, pool, and a lake for boating and fishing, complete with a fishing pier.

Kids and families can enjoy the inclusive playground, designed with accessibility in mind. Highlights include the Sensory Wave Climber, The Jam Box with adaptive switch technology, a variety of swings including the Expression Swing for face-to-face play, and the thrilling Tri Runner spinner. The playground’s unitary rubber surface ensures seamless navigation for all.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the six lighted ball fields, two sand volleyball courts, two half-court basketball courts, and a 10-station exercise course. With three reservable ramadas, one drop-in ramada, and restrooms, Chaparral Park is equipped for picnics and gatherings, making it a perfect destination for a day of fun and relaxation.

Photo via City of Scottsdale

Cholla Park is a 13-acre community favorite, featuring eight lighted pickleball courts that are open for drop-in public use from sunrise until 10:30 p.m. daily. The park also boasts a lighted and reservable ball field, a playground for the little ones, picnic areas for family gatherings, and four drop-in ramadas. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a game of sand volleyball on the lighted court.

While the pickleball courts, park, ramada, and volleyball court are available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are required for the use of the baseball field. Cholla Park encourages proper court etiquette and sportsmanship, with a 30-minute time limit for games to ensure everyone gets a chance to play. Mornings are typically the busiest time for pickleball, so plan accordingly for the best experience.

For those planning events with inflatables, catered food, or other specialty items, be sure to call the Facility Booking office to verify insurance information.

Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center Scottsdale
Photo via City of Scottsdale

Eldorado Park is a sprawling 60-acre oasis in Scottsdale, offering a plethora of activities for all ages. The park features both indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a community center and gym, a greenbelt multi-use path, and a fishing lake. Dive into fun at the swimming pool, complete with a 13-lane lap pool, two large water slides, a zero-depth entry area, and a water playground.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the three lighted ball fields, the lighted sand volleyball court, and a soccer field. For skaters, the Wedge Skatepark is a must-visit. Families can spend quality time at the two playgrounds, ramadas, and picnic areas.

The Eldorado Community Center offers a full-court basketball gym available for drop-in play with a $5 annual membership. While table tennis is currently unavailable, the center provides a variety of classes, including swim lessons, water exercise, and more. The fitness center is equipped with aerobic, fitness, and leisure education classes, as well as free weights and cardiovascular machines.

 

Photo via City of Scottsdale

Horizon Park is a bustling 24-acre park that caters to a wide range of interests. The park features a community center, a popular dog park, four lighted softball fields, three basketball courts, and two playgrounds for the kids. Volleyball enthusiasts can enjoy five sand volleyball courts, while pickleball players have access to ten lighted LED courts, open from sunrise until 10:30 p.m. daily.

In addition to sports facilities, Horizon Park is home to Scottsdale’s After-School Programs, offering a variety of activities for youth in grades K-6, including arts and crafts, sports, educational programs, and more. Table tennis is also available for drop-in use, with two tables open to the public.

For those looking to reserve a field or sign up for beginner or intermediate pickleball classes, Horizon Park provides ample opportunities to get active and engaged. Whether you’re looking to play, learn, or just relax, Horizon Park has something for everyone.

Photo via City of Scottsdale

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a 30-acre oasis in Scottsdale, offering a unique blend of attractions for all ages. Step aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a delightful train ride, take a spin on the vintage carousel, and explore fascinating model railroad displays. The park features nine reservable ramadas and a drop-in area with 30 tables, perfect for picnics and gatherings. With charming shops, intriguing museums, and captivating playgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Relax under the shade of beautiful trees and soak in the picturesque surroundings of this beloved park.

Photo via City of Scottsdale

Mountain View Park in Scottsdale is a dynamic 30-acre park that offers a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a lighted basketball court, two lighted tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court for some friendly competition. The park also features a playground for kids, three soccer fields, and a 12-station exercise course for a well-rounded outdoor experience. Convenient restroom facilities are available for visitors.

The park’s community center spans 12,000 square feet and includes a half basketball court for drop-in play, two activity rooms, and a kitchen. Mountain View Park also hosts the Scottsdale Spring Break Camp, offering fun and exciting recreational activities like crafts, sports, games, and more. Additionally, the park participates in the Scottsdale After-School Programs, providing a range of daily activities including arts and crafts, sports, educational programs, and special events.

Photo via City of Scottsdale

Pima Park is a delightful seven-acre park in Scottsdale, offering a variety of amenities for outdoor enjoyment. With five drop-in ramadas, it’s an ideal spot for picnics and gatherings. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of three lighted basketball courts and a lighted sand volleyball court for some evening fun. The shaded playground is perfect for kids to explore, while the water feature adds a refreshing touch to the park. Convenient restroom facilities are available for visitors, making Pima Park a great destination for a day out in the sun.

Photo via City of Scottsdale

Scottsdale Ranch Park & Tennis Center is an athlete’s dream, boasting 18 newly rebuilt LED-lit tennis courts, four racquetball courts, a squash court, six sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, a playground, and a beautiful desert garden. Named a Premier Facility by The United States Tennis Association (USTA) for 2023-2024, the tennis center offers adult and junior leagues, lessons, tournaments, and more. The park’s desert garden, with its three distinct zones, provides a serene space to learn about the Sonoran Desert’s flora and fauna. Whether you’re looking to compete, learn, or simply enjoy a day outdoors, Scottsdale Ranch Park has something for everyone.

Vista del Camino Park is a sprawling 71-acre park in Scottsdale, offering a diverse array of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park features a community center, a challenging disc golf course, a dog park for furry friends, and a spray pad open from April to October for some splashy fun. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy two grass volleyball courts, a sand volleyball court, a lighted basketball court, and three softball fields. With two lakes for fishing and boating, two playgrounds for the kids, six drop-in ramadas, and three reservable ramadas, Vista del Camino Park is an ideal destination for outdoor fun and relaxation.

Craving more outdoor adventures?

Hop over to our Outdoor Fun Guide for a treasure trove of activities that'll keep you exploring the best of Scottsdale's natural wonders!

All Parks Around Scottsdale

  • Agua Linda Park 
  • Apache Park
  • Aztec Park
  • Cactus Park 
  • Camelback Park  
  • Chaparral Park 
  • Chesnutt Park
  • Cholla Park
  • Comanche Park
  • DC Ranch Park
  • Eldorado Park 
  • Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park
  • George “Doc” Cavalliere Park 
  • Grayhawk Park
  • Horizon Park  
  • Indian School Park & Tennis Center 
  • Ironwood Park
  • Lafayette Park
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 
  • McDowell Mountain Ranch Park 
  • Mescal Park
  • Mountain View Park 
  • Northsight Park
  • Osborn Park
  • Paiute Park
  • Papago Rotary Park
  • Pima Park
  • Pinnacle Peak Park
  • Rio Montaña Park
  • Rotary Park
  • Scottsdale Civic Center
  • Scottsdale Ranch Park & Tennis Center
  • Scottsdale Sports Complex
  • Shoshone Park
  • Sonoran Hills Park
  • Stonegate Equestrian Park
  • Thompson Peak Park
  • Thunderbird Park
  • Vista del Camino Par

Got Kids?

Check out the Scottsdale Kids Guide for everything you need to navigate local family life from schools to sports to nanny services!

More Guides You May Like:

More Guides
You May Like:

scottsdale family fun guide on the scottsdale living
Family Fun Guide
Fun Things To Do Indoors In Scottsdale From The Scottsdale Living
Indoor Fun
Scottsdale hiking guide on The Scottsdale Living
Hiking Guide
The best happy hours in Scottsdale from The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale's Best Happy Hour
Scottsdale Kids - Guide to living in Scottsdale with kids from The Scottsdale Living
Scottsdale Kids