If you’re planning a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, why not take a quick trip over to the nearby town of Gilbert? Located in Maricopa, County, Gilbert has been an incorporated town since 1920. Historically, it was known for being the hay shipping capital of the world. Gilbert’s roots can be traced back to the heyday of the railroad era. These days, however, Gilbert is far less connected to the agricultural and railway industries. Even so, it has a ton of history to explore. In addition to informative museums, Gilbert is also home to numerous parks, a bustling nightlife scene, and loads of art exhibits. This southeastern suburb has loads to see and do. It’s perfect for short day trips out from Phoenix but could easily become an ideal weekend excursion destination by itself. Gilbert is a quaint little town smack-dab in the middle of the beautiful Sonoran desert. It’s been voted the twelfth most livable US town and is considered to be one of the top prosperous towns in the nation as well. Gilbert’s blend of modern and historic influences has given rise to a diverse range of attractions that are sure to draw in tourists all year round, regardless of the season. Join Viewcation as we discuss the best things to do in Gilbert, Arizona. Be sure to stick around to the end to see what we think is the absolute best, must-see attraction in Gilbert.
Riparian Preserve
This wonderfully scenic area located at Water Ranch is one of Gilbert’s most popular tourist attractions. It features man-made lakes and meticulously manicured and maintained landscapes. The Preserve was designed to help stimulate the region’s deserts. It’s collection of seven lakes has naturally attracted numerous bird populations to the area. More than 200 species of birds and other animals call the Riparian Preserve there home. As such, it’s become a haven for wildlife lovers and photographers. Among it’s many other attractions, the preserve has a dinosaur fossil dig pit and an enormous, elaborate kid’s playground area. You can either spend a nice leisurely day strolling through the preserves trails or devote a few hours to birdwatching while appreciating the preserve’s picturesque grounds. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also camp out for an evening at one of three campsites featured at the Preserve.
Hale Center Theater
This theater is one of the five longest operating, privately-owned, and maintained theaters in the United States owned by the esteemed Hale family. Historically, the theater has hosted fan-favorite plays like The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins. The theater buffs watching this video will no doubt enjoy catching a play or musical event while seated in one of the 350 chairs that are arranged in a circle around the stage. This unique arrangement lets the audience have a much more intimate experience while encouraging interaction with the productions. You can either spend an evening with your family awe-struck by a stellar performance in the Hale Center Theater or merely stop by for a visit to take in the theater’s architecture and grounds. For a full list of upcoming events and ticket prices, be sure to check out the theater’s website and calendar while planning your visit.
Gilbert Regional Park
This fabulous park has it all. There are basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball courts, as well as an amphitheater that regularly puts on free events. The park also has a large fishing lake with more than half a mile of walking paths that encircle it. For the younger ones, the park features a 17-foot tall playground with dozens of unique features. There is also a massive 4,000-square-foot splash pad featuring close to 60 water features that are sure to keep your little ones cool on a hot summer day. The splash pad is also open on hot summer evenings and is well lit. So even if you’re only able to stop on by after sunset, you’re kids will still be able to have a blast.
The Farm At Agritopia
Agritopia is one of the most interesting and unsual things to see and do in Gilbert. It’s a farming community within the town that seamlessly merges rural and urban elements. Agritopia gives you the impression that you’re out in the country on a farm located in the middle of nowhere while still just being mere miles away from the rest of Gilbert and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Agritopia’s farm store is open daily and features a large range of fresh products and local goods. There are even seasonal pick-your-own produce events and classes that focus on seasonal produce. Tours of the property are offered every second Wednesday of the month. There is also a Farm Night Farmer’s Market event every month that is held along the farm’s many pathways. There are additionally several farm-to-table restaurants as well as a community garden to visit. If you’re a fan of getting your hands dirty and growing your own food, this is one pit stop that every green thumb should make.
Heritage District
Locals call the Heritage District Gilbert’s downtown area. Come by on the weekend for the farmer’s market. Here you will find fresh produce, craft goods, and a variety of other handmade items. There are also numerous food trucks, restaurants, vendors, and stalls serving up fresh grub – many of which source all of their ingredients locally. If you’re traveling with your favorite four-legged companion, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Heritage District is pet-friendly. Heritage district is easily accessible via car, bike, or on foot. It’s also the home of the famed Hale Centre Theater, so after you do a bit of shopping and grab a bite to eat, be sure to catch a show.
Freestone Park
Freestone Park is one of Gilbert’s must-see attractions, as it has a little something for everyone in your vacation party or family. One of the primary draws is the glorious Freestone Railroad. This small amusement park features train rides, an antique carousel, and a Ferris wheel. Some of the other attractions include a large fishing lake, a recreational center, a skate park, batting cages, and tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. There is also a fairly large playground area that’s perfect for guests visiting with younger travelers. With numerous picnic areas and ample shady areas to kick back and relax in, this is easily one of the best places in Gilbert to visit if you’re trying to spend a bit of time in the great outdoors. Plus, there are quite a few multi-purpose trails onsite as well, so be sure to bring your bike or hiking shoes. Just don’t forget to bring plenty of water, as Arizona can get quite hot, especially in the warmer months.
Desert Sky Park
One of Gilbert’s newest recreational areas, Desert Sky Park, is the perfect place to visit if you’re trying to pencil in some fitness time into your trip. While there is a children’s playground area and several multi-use fields to choose from, the park’s biggest draw is it’s fitness course. If you’ve ever seen that old Ninja Warrior show on TV, then you should already be at least somewhat familiar with some of the things on offer at the park’s fitness course. There is equipment like climbing walls, large rope nets, and a wide variety of other obstacles that, while they might appear a bit intimidating at first glance, they’re actually so much fun to tackle! Nearby there is also a lake that provides visitors with a bit of tranquility after spending the day getting their blood pumping. We highly recommend packing a picnic to refuel after experiencing the adrenaline rush of completing the fitness course.
Cactus Yards
If you’re a fan of America’s favorite pastime, Baseball, then a visit to Cactus Yards is a must. One of the best features of this sprawling complex is the replica fields of some of the most famous baseball stadiums in the country, including Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, and Fenway Park. When playing at any of these fields, you’ll really feel like you’re in the major leagues. Cactus Yards also has several batting cages and an indoor sports area perfect for flag football, soccer, and other sports leagues. Since playing sports is bound to cause you to work up quite an appetite, you can round out your visit by filling your tummy over at the onsite eatery, Sliders Sports Grill. Here you’ll find all of your stadium favorites, from loaded nachos, to hot dogs, and soft pretzels served with ooey gooey cheese sauce.
Power Ranch Golf Club
Calling all golf enthusiasts! If you’re trying to get out on the links while visiting the Gilbert area, then the Power Ranch Golf Club should be high on your list of things to do while in town. One of the best golf courses in the area, Power Ranch boasts an 18-hole course that is designed to make best use of the natural desert landscape with the mountains as it’s backdrop. Of all of the places that we’ve played a round of golf, this is by far one of the most picturesque. Besides the course itself, there is also a driving range and several putting green areas on site. If you’re going to be in town for more than a couple of days and are looking to improve your game, we recommend signing up for a lesson or two at the club’s golf academy. After beating your personal best score and working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at the onsite Slate Bistro. The restaurant’s seasonal menu features items ideal for lunch, dinner, or happy hour.
Fat Cats Gilbert
Last on our list of the best things to do in Gilbert is Fat Cats Bowling Alley. If you need a brief reprieve from the dry heat of the Arizona desert, this is a great place to enjoy a little indoor family-friendly fun. Fat Cats offers regular bowling in addition to what they call Thunder Alley – their take on neon, black light night bowling. Fat Cats also has a gaming arcade as well as a 9-hole mini-golf course that features a glow-in-the-dark pirate theme that’s sure to impress the kids. If you’re feeling more like catching a blockbuster film, Fat Cats also has a full-sized movie theater that screens all of the latest hits. Between all of these fantastically fun activities, you could easily make a day out of a visit to Fat Cats. It’s also fairly affordable. So, at least you wont have to break the bank to escape the hot desert sun!
There you have it. That’s all of our favorite attractions in and around Gilbert, Arizona. As we promised in the intro, now it’s time for us to reveal what our favorite thing to do in Gilbert is. That honor has to go to Riparian Reserve over at Water Ranch. This location has been called an oasis in the Sonoran Desert. Since it’s creation in 1999, Riparian Reserve has been the premiere spot in the region to see wildlife. If you’re going to visit the desert, it’s well worth your time to see what kind of plants and animals call it their home. With more than 300 species of birds and animals to see, Riparian Reserve is one of the most incredible hidden gems in the Gilbert, Arizona, region. But what do you think? What are you most excited to see on your upcoming trip to Gilbert, Arizona? If you’ve already been there before, what are some of your personal favorite things to do? Let us know in the comments.