//
Picnic areas, hiking trails, excellent view of the city from above. An oasis of desert inside the city limits.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Largest amusement park in town, and the only one with roller coasters and other thrill rides. Also has four mini-golf courses and a two-story arcade.
In the middle of Phoenix lies Phoenix Mountains Park. The park offers a strenuous one- to two-hour hike to the top of Piestewa Peak, offering fantastic 360° views of the city and its surrounding environment. There are several alternative hiking trails (trail 304, 202, 8A) besides the very popular peak trail. The other well-known mountain in the area (Camelback Mountain being the most well known). The peak was known as "Squaw Peak" before being renamed in honor of Army Spc. Lori Ann Piestewa who was the first Native American woman killed in combat in the U.S. military in 2003. Due to the name change, visitors will find references to the peak under both names (for instance, the road leading to the park on the south side of the mountain still has the prior name). This mountain, whose summit rises to 2608 ft, is much more accessible to visitors than is Camelback Mountain (come early on weekends during winter months for parking). There are picnic areas on the south side of the mountain (Phoenix Mountains Park entrance on Squaw Peak Ln) and the north side (Dreamy Draw Park, entrance via Northern Ave, but it is closed until 2023 for redevelopment). Especially during the hot summer months (up to 110-115°F/43°C in the afternoon), use caution and bring lots of water and a hat. There is no shade and parts of the trail can be quite steep and rocky. The park also has several picnic areas.
Magic, Mystery & Oooh La La
National recipients for "Excellence in Magic" Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed present a Vaudeville-inspired illusion show. Carnival of Illusion is the longest running Arizona theater show in history.
Visit this legendary Phoenix landmark built in 1921 and has hosted famous guests such as Fred Astaire, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Hope, and the President of the United States when he is in town.
The Earth & Space Expedition Center is a public museum, that is open Saturdays from 11AM-3PM. Space exhibits include a ten-foot Shuttle Atlantis display courtesy of Honeywell, a deep space gallery, and a large scale solar system model. The center features autographed memorabilia and mission patches from past Space Missions, as well as a large inflatable Planetarium and a pair of amazing Magic Planets. The Galaxy Gift Shop offers hundreds of educational space and science items, including books, toys, puzzles, gadgets and games.