Families in East Valley never have to scramble for ways to keep kids inspired, active, and entertained. Whether you’re chasing adventure on a rainy afternoon or searching for a new weekend favorite, there are activities for every mood and age.
Let’s get to it.
Superplay
Looking for a way to tire out the kids without heading outdoors? Superplay could be your new best friend. This 4,000-square-foot indoor play area is built for kids 10 and under, with slides, climbing structures, a trick-shot air court and a massive 1,000-square-foot ball pit. While kids run wild, parents can kick back in the adult lounge, walk laps on the observation track or grab a snack at the café.
Tickets are about $18 on weekdays and a bit more on weekends, and grippy socks for little ones are included (adults are free with a child). There’s free Wi-Fi throughout, plus charging stations if you want to get some work done. The facility is padded from top to bottom, has enclosed play zones, family-friendly restrooms and even quiet pods for kids who need a sensory break.
Staff members are always nearby to keep things safe, and you don’t need climbing experience to join the fun. If you plan to visit often, memberships can save you some cash. Superplay makes indoor play a breeze, even when it’s too hot or rainy outside.
Imagine 3D Mini Golf
Walking into Imagine 3D Mini Golf drops you into a neon blacklight world. The indoor course has 18 glow-in-the-dark holes framed by hand-painted murals—underwater scenes, fire-breathing dragons, and more. Slip on 3D glasses and watch every detail pop as you navigate each challenging hole.
Rates are simple: kids under 10 pay $8.50, older kids and adults are $11.50, and seniors 60+ get a $9.50 rate. The course difficulty sits in the middle, so it’s fun without frustration. Foam barriers line each hole and the cushioned flooring keeps falls gentle. Staff clearly explain the rules and hang around if you need a hint.
If you want extra fun, pick up a scavenger-hunt sheet or swing by the arcade area for air hockey. The place is walk-in friendly, open year-round, and stays open late on weekends—perfect for spontaneous afternoons or last-minute evening adventures.
The Art House Gilbert
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned crafter, The Art House Gilbert has the vibe of an art studio meets cozy living room. It’s fully indoors and set up with stations stocked for canvas painting, mixed-media crafts, cake decorating, and embroidery. Kids ages 5 to 11 can sign up for summer camps that run half days in three-session blocks at $150 per block. With just 13 campers per session, everyone gets enough space and instructor attention.
Even teens and adults have reasons to swing by… evening and weekend paint nights plus specialty workshops run from $39 to $75, with supplies and snacks included. Instructors are experienced, friendly, and ready to help no matter your skill level. The entire studio is wheelchair accessible, including entrances and restrooms. If your child is under 10, one adult needs to sign up too, so parents get creative alongside them. No past experience? No problem. The Art House Gilbert keeps it laid-back, welcoming, and all about hands-on fun.
Desert Breeze Park
Chandler’s Desert Breeze Park feels like ten parks rolled into one, and somehow it actually works. You’ve got playgrounds for little climbers, a seasonal splash pad for hot days, plus basketball and volleyball courts for older kids. The park stays open from sunrise until 10:30 pm, which means you can swing by after dinner or pull an all-day play session.
The real crowd-pleaser is the Desert Breeze Express train, looping around the lake for just over two bucks a ride. Right next to it, the classic carousel spins kids of all ages in brightly painted animals. If you need shade, ramadas dot the lawn and ADA-friendly paths connect the whole park.
For a quieter moment, the hummingbird garden offers a peaceful spot to watch tiny wings flitter among the flowers. Fishing at the lake is also free, though you’ll need a license. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the kids—rules remind parents that supervision is a must. With no entry fee and plenty of extras, it’s easy to spend the whole day here.
Freestone District Park
If you need a spot that does it all, Freestone District Park delivers. Spanning 88 acres, it offers multiple playgrounds, fishing lakes stocked with bass, sports courts, and a skate park where local teens can practice tricks. Younger kids have a dedicated tot lot, and older ones can tackle a larger playground built for up to 12-year-olds. Batting cages add a fun twist for anyone craving baseball practice.
One of the biggest draws is the miniature train that loops the park, plus a classic carousel and small Ferris wheel. Train rides are $2.50 each, or you can buy an all-day pass if your group plans to ride nonstop.
Inside the rec center, you’ll find air-conditioned spaces with a climbing wall and an indoor play area for little ones. ADA access is solid across the park. It includes playground ramps and restrooms, and the site is Autism Certified. It’s open year-round and most areas don’t require reservations. Pack a picnic or set up your own group event—just remember a state fishing license if you want to drop a line.
Mother Nature’s Farm
If you’re looking for a spot where kids can truly run wild, Mother Nature’s Farm delivers. Located in Gilbert from late September through December, this grassy outdoor playground is perfect for kids ages two to twelve. There’s a maze to explore, pumpkins to pick, bounce houses to conquer, and a mega-sized tube slide that draws a steady line of excited kids.
You’ll also find friendly piglets to meet, goats you can feed, and a Spider Web Crawl that looks like a backyard adventure on a grand scale. The pumpkin patch and Christmas tree area are the big seasonal highlights, but those animal encounters steal plenty of the spotlight too.
The layout is flat and easy to walk, so strollers and wheelchairs fit right in. Most attractions are covered by the admission fee unless you really want to tackle that giant slide. Families usually bring picnic lunches and claim a spot at the shaded tables while little farmers race pedal cars or scramble up tire piles. Staff members keep an eye on the animal pens and play zones, but otherwise you’re free to wander. It’s welcoming for first-timers, experienced farmgoers, and parents who just need a breather while the kids explore.
Escapology Phoenix – SanTan
Tucked inside SanTan Village, Escapology Phoenix – SanTan feels like a puzzle playground. It’s fully indoors and offers private themed rooms that go far beyond a padlock on a dusty door. You and your crew race the clock, cracking codes and solving brain teasers. Themes range from murder mysteries and treasure hunts to Star Trek and Scooby-Doo adventures, so there’s something for every taste.
They take on groups of all sizes—big birthday parties or a small get-together—with party packages and a special Kids Mode for ages 7 to 14. Safety is a priority… each door stays unlocked, a Game Master monitors the room, and you get unlimited clues so no one stalls out.
Kids under eight play free with a paying adult, which feels like a rare parenting win. The facility is wheelchair accessible and staff will hold your phone so you can focus. You get the room to yourselves. No awkward strangers joining in. Book ahead if you don’t want to risk walk-in roulette.
Burst of Butterflies Create & Paint Studio – Chandler
If you’re looking to get creative without the messy hassle, Burst of Butterflies Create & Paint Studio in Chandler is your spot. They supply everything you need, from pottery painting and canvas art to glass fusing and clay classes. You don’t have to know a thing about painting before you walk in. The staff guides you through every step and sticks around if you have questions.
Walk-ins are welcome for solo artists or pairs, but if you’re planning to bring a crew—your kid and their friends or a big group—calling ahead is a smart move. They run year-round and throw in themed events, holiday parties, and camps that are fun for adults too. Prices vary by project, usually between $18 and $40, with camps at a higher rate. There’s even an outdoor patio if you want fresh air while you get artsy. Whether you’ve never picked up a brush or you survived your first paint-by-numbers, you’ll leave with something you’ll actually want to show off.
KidStrong Gilbert
Starting off with KidStrong Gilbert feels like a mash-up of childhood development and Ninja Warrior obstacles. This indoor gym is bright, clean, and packed with custom play equipment you won’t find in a typical rec center. Weekly 45-minute classes welcome kids from first-step toddlers up to age 11. No prior skill level is required.
Coaches are KidStrong certified, classes cap at 15 to keep things orderly, and each session mixes brain-boosting games, confidence challenges, and safe obstacle courses.
Memberships start at $129 per month, but there’s a free trial class if you want to test the waters. During school breaks, KidStrong Camp adds STEAM projects, awards, and a two-coach-to-20-kid ratio. With padded floors and a structured format, energy runs high without chaos. Everything’s indoors—no Arizona sun meltdown—and staff guides every obstacle to make sure each kid has a blast.
Fat Cats Gilbert
When you’re hunting for a place that packs in all kinds of family fun, Fat Cats Gilbert has your back. They’ve got 20 modern bowling lanes ready to go, complete with bumpers for anyone still perfecting their release. After a few rounds, you can head over to the pirate-themed, glow-in-the-dark mini golf course. It leans hard into neon colors and pirate vibes, making it a solid choice for birthday parties or just a cool break from the Gilbert heat.
The arcade here is no joke—more than 50 games waiting to eat your tokens and hand out tickets like crazy. If you want to sit back, there’s a recline-and-dine movie theater with big leather seats that lean way back. Everything is indoors and climate controlled, so nobody’s sweating through their shirt. They’ve nailed accessibility too, with room for wheelchairs and strollers even on busy Friday nights. No matter your age or skill level, Fat Cats keeps the fun rolling without skipping a beat.
Makutu’s Island
Makutu’s Island in Chandler feels like a mini indoor resort for kids. A four-story tropical tree stands at the center, full of tunnels, slides, and hidden nooks where little explorers can disappear for a while. It’s air-conditioned, so you avoid the Arizona heat, and it welcomes ages one through seventeen. Infants get in free, and each child brings along one free adult. Extra grown-ups can join in for a small fee.
Safety is a priority with padded zones everywhere, a photo check system at the door, and required grip socks you can buy on site. You’ll find the Frog Hopper ride, an arcade area, Oscar’s Swamp toddler section, and even a small aquarium. When hunger hits, Kiki’s Café serves snacks and drinks. They’re open every day of the year, and you can book group options if you’re hosting a birthday or large gathering. Admission runs around $22 per child, and it’s plenty of fun to burn off all that endless energy.
Gravity Extreme Zone Trampoline and Adventure Park
Gravity Extreme Zone Trampoline and Adventure Park in Chandler takes indoor play to a whole new level. Spread across 40,000 square feet, you get interconnected trampoline courts, aerial rope challenges, giant slides, and real rock walls. There’s also an arcade and VR experiences, all under cool air-conditioned comfort—perfect for Arizona summers.
Their day camps go beyond bouncing. Kids dive into LEGO engineering, basic robotics, drone piloting, and game development with C++ and Fortnite themes. Sessions are divided by age from juniors up to seniors around 14 years old. You can choose full-day or half-day options, plus supervised early drop-off and late pick-up. Everything fills up fast, so you’ll need to register in advance. Staff members are first-aid and CPR certified and strictly enforce height and age limits on attractions. Keep an eye out for Groupon deals if you want to save on admission and camps.
Main Event Gilbert
Looking for a spot that does it all under one roof? Main Event Gilbert delivers on bowling lanes with dragon ramps for little ones, an arcade packed with Mario Kart and VR games, a ropes course that hovers above game consoles, and a laser tag arena straight out of sci-fi. Everything happens inside, so you never have to worry about the weather putting a damper on plans.
Staff members are everywhere, handling safety gear like harnesses, helmets, and neon vests. They perform regular checks on equipment so you can focus on having fun. Pricing varies by activity—arcade games use credits, bowling is lane-based, and ropes courses or laser tag have session fees. Weekends get busy, so reservations help avoid a wait. When you need a break from all the action, there’s pizza, burgers, and a full bar for parents. Main Event Gilbert is your go-to for families and groups looking to pack a ton of activities into a single day.
Kids Empire Gilbert
Stepping into Kids Empire Gilbert feels like entering a giant playground made for every age. The multilevel layout features slides, climbing structures, mazes, and a LEGO build zone. Toddlers, tweens, and teens can all find their favorite corner, and adults who want to join in can climb alongside them or relax in massage chairs nearby.
Admission covers unlimited play time, so there’s no watching the clock. Seating areas are sprinkled throughout, making it easy to supervise or catch a breather. Shoes off, so remember socks or grab a pair at the entrance.
Safety is front and center with padded floors and plenty of staff on patrol. There’s a snack counter for quick bites and a few arcade games for a change of pace. Wheelchair access is solid, and they clean regularly to keep everything fresh. Climate control means you won’t melt in the Arizona heat, making Kids Empire Gilbert a simple go-to when you need active indoor fun.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Stepping into Urban Air feels like a fitness park crashed a kids’ birthday party—in the best way possible. Wall-to-wall trampolines let you bounce in every direction, while ninja warrior courses challenge your coordination. The Sky Rider zip line glides right over your head, and VR battle arenas add an immersive gaming twist for those who can’t get enough action.
It’s all indoors, so you never have to worry about desert heat or winter cold. You choose your session length—30 minutes, an hour, or more—and pick between single passes, memberships, group rates, or private blockouts if you’ve got a crew. Safety is a big deal here: there are padded surfaces everywhere, harnesses for the higher obstacles, and trained staff keeping watch like athletic referees.
Urban Air also offers sensory-friendly hours and adaptive equipment for wheelchair users, which is a thoughtful touch. And if you’d rather stay seated, there are plenty of observer spots for snackers and parents who need a cup of coffee. It’s a wild mix of thrills and careful planning that works for toddlers, teens, and anyone in between.
