Chandler, Arizona

Chandler Center for the Arts

Located in downtown Chandler, the Chandler Center for the Arts is home to a 1,500-seat theater that presents a calendar of shows, plays, presentations, and exhibitions of visual arts and media throughout the year. The center is one of the top Chandler attractions and functions as the arts center for the City of Chandler and the home theater for Chandler High School.

Rotating exhibits and displays from over 350 local and regional artists are showcased in the Exhibition Hall and Vision Gallery featuring a broad range of different media, including ceramics, textiles, painting, sculpture, glass and metal.

250 N Arizona Ave, 480-782-2680

Arizona Railway Museum

The Arizona Railway Museum was founded in 1983 and is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of the railroads of Arizona and the Southwestern United States.

The museum features an extensive collection of railway-based artifacts and objects, including the Southern Pacific Railroad Locomotive No. SP 2562 and the Railroad Steam Wrecking Crane and Tool Car.

The Arizona Railway Museum is one of the best things to do in Chandler, Arizona on your vacation. Visitors to the museum can explore the inside of some of the trains, such as the Santa Fe "Diablo Canyon" Coach Car and the Santa Fe "Plaza Taos" Dome Car's "Lounge Room" which was built in 1950.

330 E. Ryan Road, 480-821-1108

Crayola Experience Chandler

There’s nothing quite like a newly opened box of Crayola Crayons, but what about extra-large, taller-than-you crayons? You’ll find them at the Crayola Experience Chandler. At the Crayola Experience in Chandler, you and your family can play with the countless possibilities of colors with hands-on and creative attractions perfect for children of any age. The Crayola Experience is an easy drive from Phoenix and promises bigger, bolder, and brighter attractions like the Chaos and Creativity Show, Melt and Mold stations, Crayola Modeling workshops, Colossal Caddy, which features huge crayons, Scribble Square, where kids can literally draw on every surface, and even a Wrap It Up! Studio where visitors can name and wrap their own crayons.

3111 W. Chandler Boulevard Suite 2154, Chandler, AZ 85226; Phone: 602-581-5370

Chandler Nature Center

The Chandler Nature Center offers a range of educational programming for nature, wildlife, natural sciences, health, fitness, and general ‘outdoorsmanship’. Based at the Veterans Oasis Park, which boasts 113-acres of beautiful Sonoran Desert landscapes, the center provides an opportunity to inspire, encourage and educate the public about the surrounding environment. If you are wondering what to do in Chandler, Arizona with kids, this is a great place to visit.

The ECC features several classrooms, pavilion spaces with exhibits, and a display of wildlife that visitors can explore. Some of the signature events include the Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration, the Sonoran Sunset Series, Dragonfly and Butterfly Bash, the Fall Fishing Clinic, Chandler Scout Jamboree and Outdoor Safety Event.

The Veterans Oasis Park features a variety of diverse fauna and flora that live in both lush wetlands and arid habitats, as well as a network of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, shaded picnic areas and armadas. There is an outdoor amphitheater and a unique, learning-oriented playground, and an outstanding butterfly and hummingbird habitat.

4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, 480-782-2890

Aji Spa at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

Based at the five-star Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Aji Spa is a luxurious spa and wellness center that offers a range of authentic Native American spa services. Named after the nearby Aji Mountain in the Gila River Indian Community, the spa’s name means ‘sanctuary’ and lives up to that name where sacred Pima and Maricopa traditions are practiced and shared.

Echoing the ancient Pima and Maricopa cultures in the architecture, design, décor and artworks of the center, the spa offers a variety of spa treatments, facials, massages, nail and skin care packages. An exclusive Indigenous Collection features treatments designed by Pima and Maricopa Cultural Caretakers, such as Ho’ishp (a sacred prickly pear body treatment), Pima Medicine Massage, and Ongam Hobin (sacred salt wrap).

Aji Spa also offers a range of gentlemen’s spa services, salon services, makeup applications for special occasions and fitness and recreation facilities.

5594 W Wild Horse Pass Blvd, 602-225-0100

Tumbleweed Recreation Center

The Tumbleweed Recreation Center (TRC) is a family recreational facility that features a variety of sports facilities, games areas, classes, activities and events for visitors of all ages. The center has an indoor running track, state-of-the-art gymnasium, two racquetball courts, several exercise and dance studios and modern locker rooms and changing facilities.

Classes and programs include exercise and dance classes, youth programs and summer camps, SilverSneakers exercise programs for senior citizens, and an exclusive Child Watch program allows for parents to enjoy some exercise while their little ones are safe.

745 E. Germann Road, 480-782-2900

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass

Featuring an array of attractions, retails stores and one of Arizona’s best steakhouses, Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass is a family-friendly tourist attraction in the form of an 1880s western town that gives visitors a taste of the Old West. Stroll around the town and take in the old buildings, saloons, and stores; watch a show at the Six Gun Theater and witness gunfights, daring falls, and all the antics of the Wild West’s Rough Riders.

Enjoy a hearty meal at The Steakhouse, one of the top restaurants in the area. Browse the little stores in the town where you can purchase western gear and clothing, candy, gifts and sundries that represent the spirit of the west.

5700 W. North Loop Road, 480-502-5600

Burst of Butterflies Paint Your Own Pottery and Art Studio

Located in Historic Downtown Chandler, Burst of Butterflies Paint Your Own Pottery and Art Studio presents a variety of canvas, ceramic, porcelain and pottery classes for all ages. Established as an outlet for creativity and to support and promote local arts and culture, the family owned art studio presents an array of art and pottery-based classes, including canvas painting, candle making and glass fusion.

There are classes for couples, singles, and groups. A large outdoor patio is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor painting and group art events. Generally classes need to be booked in advance, however, there are ‘walk-in’ ceramics and canvas painting classes that can simply be joined without reservation.

141 West Boston Street, 480-559-8016

Chandler Fashion Center

Home to more than 180 retail stores, Chandler Fashion Center is a premier shopping destination in the Southeast Valley. Located on Chandler Boulevard, the center features four department stores - Dillard’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom and Sears – a wealth of high-end brand stores such as Ann Taylor, Sephora, Banana Republic and Michael Kors, as well as restaurants, cafés, bars and other shops.

Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Wildflower Bread Company and Kona Grill while stores like LEGO and The Disney Store will keep the kids occupied for hours. The Chandler Fashion Center also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as free YouthSpark camps and monthly workshops at Microsoft, Lululemon complimentary yoga and fashion shows.

3111 W Chandler Blvd, 480-786-9307

Tryst Cafe

Tryst Cafe has been heralded as one of Arizona's best breakfast spots, serving up delicious organic, health-conscious cuisine with a focus on gluten-free and vegan options. The restaurant, which was opened in 2010 by Lisa Khnanisho, offers two locations throughout southern Arizona, including a new Chandler location. Diners can enjoy egg breakfasts paired with favorites like falafel, chorizo, or breakfast nachos, along with a menu of griddle favorites like banana quinoa pancakes or strawberry custard French toast. At lunch and dinner, beef and vegetarian burgers take center stage, along with harvest Buddha bowls, Thai shrimp lettuce wraps, and unique appetizers like honey-glazed Brussels sprouts. Locally-produced kombuchas, botanical iced teas, and organic coffees are available throughout the day, along with superfruit smoothies.

4205 S. Gilbert Rd, Chandler, AZ 85249, Phone: 480-656-1011

Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill

Modern Asian meets American comfort in Ling and Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill. Owned by partners Ling and Louie, the celebrated restaurant can be found in six locations across the country, serving a comprehensive menu of traditional Asian-American fare for lunch and dinner.

From Hand-wrapped Pot Stickers and Loaded Nachos for starters to New Wave Pad Thai and Ling’s Meatloaf for entrées, whether you feel like East or West, Ling and Louie’s has it all.

Sip signature cocktails and handcrafted mules or choose from a range of spirits, wine and beer to go with your meal or enjoy a special menu and drinks specials during Happy Hour.

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd, 520-796-7281

Ocotillo Golf Club

Ocotillo Golf Club is home to an award-winning golf course designed by Ted Robinson which opened in 1986. The course features fairways with lush surrounding landscapes of cascading waterfalls and colorful flora that are in striking contrast to the valley’s desert scenery.

Ocotillo Golf Resort features three nine-hole courses that can be played in various combinations, each laid out in formations that create birdie opportunities for golfers looking to challenge themselves. The golf club also boasts a full-service clubhouse with an award-winning golf shop, men’s and women’s modern locker rooms and Bernard's Restaurant & Bar.

Golfers can make use of outstanding practice facilities, which include a driving range, putting green and chipping green, as well as enjoy private and group lessons from professional golf instructors.

3751 S. Clubhouse Drive, 480-917-6660

Shimogamo

Shimogamo brings the best of fine Japanese cuisine to Chandler with an unforgettable dining experience. Owner and Executive Chef Sanae Otomo has created a menu that reflects the deep-rooted culture and heritage of Japanese cuisine, from fresh, made-to-order sushi and sashimi to small plates and entrées.

Start with miso soup and squid salad mixed with mountain vegetables, followed by small plates such as small plates such as pan-fried dumplings, assorted tempura and fried oysters and entrées like teriyaki spare ribs, grilled black snapper or deep-fried chicken cutlets accompanied by rice or noodle sides. The Japanese-influenced beverages list offers a range of hot and cold sake, shochu, beer, plum and other wines.

2051 W Warner Rd. #14, 480-899-7191

Desert Breeze Railroad

Located in Desert Breeze Park on Desert Breeze Boulevard, the Desert Breeze Railroad Express is a replica engine from the 1880s that offers rides around the park for both children and adults. With open-air coaches for added comfort, the train chugs around Desert Breeze Park on a scenic three-quarter mile tour, cruising past grass parks, lakes, and an old western town.

The park also has a beautiful antique carousel resplendent with over 30 painted ponies to take a twirl on to the sound of music. Stop by the snack bar, which serves a variety of light meals, snacks, and drinks, or host a birthday party for kids ages 2-10 at the park. The train runs on weekends from Labor Day through Memorial Day.

660 North Desert Breeze Blvd. East, 480-893-6652

Chandler Museum

Experience the cultural side of Chandler when you drop by the Chandler Museum. This one-of-a-kind destination features community-focused exhibits, forums, and programs that are designed to engage participants from all kinds of backgrounds. The Chandler Museum also features spectacular traveling world-class exhibits, which means that there is always something new to see and behold with every visit. Visitors to the museum can also peruse the vast collection of photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and other archival materials which depict and tell the story of Chandler’s diverse and colorful history. Students and researchers will also find a fantastic resource center at the museum in addition to the East Valley History Center.

300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler, Arizona 85226; Phone: 480-782-2717

Huhugam Heritage Center

A beloved project of the Gila River Indian Community, the Huhugam Heritage Center is more than just a museum, it is a center wherein culture thrives and is celebrated in the best way possible. This modern and well-curated cultural center beautifully depicts the ancestral and current cultures of the Akimel O’otham and Pee Posh Tribes. The Huhugam Heritage Center, which was built in 2003, is the joint effort of these two tribes, which are united under the banner of the Gila River Indian Community. Through the center, the tribes showcase their culture, community, land, tradition, as well as spirit in an effort to preserve their unique way of life. See beautiful tribal art, artifacts, archeological finds, and many more at the Huhugam Heritage Center.

21359 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, Arizona 85226; Phone: 520-796-3500

The Perch Pub and Brewery

Nestled in Chandler’s Historic Downtown area isThe Perch Pub and Brewery, a beloved local watering hole known for being home to more than 50 eye-catching and vibrantly colored tropical birds. All of the birds at The Perch Pub and Brewery were rescued, making this attraction special to animal lovers in addition to beer lovers. A visit to The Perch treats guests to a gorgeous panoramic view of the Downtown Area care of the rooftop bar. Meanwhile, in the pub’s courtyard, guests can sip on up to 30 different craft beers on tap while enjoying a lush garden atmosphere. Pair your choice of beer with passionately crafted menu items thanks to Craft Food or try out one of The Perch's craft cocktails if beer isn't your thing.

232 S. Wall Street, Chandler, Arizona 85225; Phone: 480-773-7688