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Family Fun in Goodyear & the West Valley
Close, forgiving of naptime, and fun for the grown-ups too.
Traveling with kids is a different sport. You need places that are close, forgiving of naptime, and fun for the grown-ups too. Goodyear happens to be built for exactly that: a zoo with a safari park fifteen minutes away, splash pads and playgrounds in every direction, a ballpark with lawn seating where kids can spread out, and easy desert trails with real petroglyphs at the end. And the best family amenity of all is waiting back at our private-pool home: your own pool, your own kitchen, and bedrooms where everyone actually sleeps. Here is our family planner.
The Places
Eight family-tested stops, mostly within 25 minutes.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals, with 600-plus species, an aquarium, a giraffe feeding station, a safari train, a log flume and a sky ride. Plan a full morning; it is bigger than it looks.
Host tip: Arrive at opening, do the outdoor zoo first while it is cool, then the indoor aquarium when the sun gets serious.
Visit website →Goodyear Recreation Campus
Goodyear's newest park, with a large destination playground (zip lines, climbing towers, slides), pickleball and basketball courts, walking loops and shade. Free.
Host tip: Go late afternoon and stay for sunset; the Estrellas light up behind the playground.
Visit website →Goodyear Community Park
Splash pad, skate park, shaded playgrounds, sports fields and a lake-side walking path. The splash pad runs seasonally and is the move for a hot afternoon.
Host tip: Pack a picnic and let the kids run before dinner at Haymaker across the street.
Visit website →Goodyear Ballpark (Spring Training and Beyond)
Reds and Guardians spring training in February and March, with lawn seating that is easy on kids. Outside baseball season the park hosts community events throughout the year.
Host tip: Lawn tickets are the family bargain. Bring a blanket and sit down the right-field line.
Visit website →Waterfall Trail, White Tank Mountain Regional Park
A paved, barrier-free half mile to ancient petroglyphs, then a short rocky stretch to a canyon pool that runs after rain. The first hike most kids remember. County park entry fee applies.
Host tip: Turn it into a scavenger hunt: count the petroglyphs, spot a saguaro taller than Dad.
Visit website →PopStroke at Westgate
Two 18-hole putting courses designed with Tiger Woods, plus a playground, ice cream and a full menu for parents. Mini golf for people who are a little bit serious about it.
Host tip: Weekend evenings fill up, so go early or plan a weekday afternoon.
Visit website →Uptown Alley (Surprise)
Bowling, laser tag, a big arcade and a restaurant under one roof. The rainy-day or too-hot-day plan.
Host tip: Weekday afternoons are cheaper and quieter than weekend nights.
Visit website →Sahuaro Ranch Park (Glendale)
A historic ranch with roaming peacocks, a rose garden, old barns and huge lawns. Oddly magical for little kids, and free.
Host tip: Bring a bag of oranges; the peacocks are shameless.
Visit website →Family Tips for Goodyear
- Pool safety: The pool is private. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
- Baby gear: A pack-n-play and high chair are available on request.
- Groceries: Fry's and Safeway are both within 10 minutes. Stock the fridge on day one.
- Heat: From May to September, plan outdoor time before 10am or after 5pm. The pool fills the gap.