Gilbert, AZ, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., having raised its population by roughly 10% each year from 1980 to the present. As more people start their lives in this diverse, modern suburb of Greater Phoenix, more and more groups are looking for activities to enjoy with their families in the thriving town of Gilbert. Follow along with us as we outline the six best things to do in Gilbert with your family.
Gilbert Historical Museum
The first stop on our list of kid-friendly attractions in Gilbert is the famous Gilbert Historical Museum. Since its earliest days as a former elementary school in 1913, the oldest continually inhabited building in Gilbert has grown into a local hub for people interested in learning more about the town’s living history.
The Gilbert Museum has prided itself as a family attraction catering to visitors of all ages since its inception. For example, the Museum hosts free storytimes for children aged three to five every year. The staff maintains a full calendar of child-friendly events and exhibits year-round as well. The Gilbert Historical Museum is the perfect place for kids to learn local history at their own pace while enjoying hands-on learning experiences that jumpstart creativity.
Topgolf Gilbert
Golf is climbing the charts worldwide as a sport with a growing number of young athletes. Gilbert is located in the heart of American golf culture in the southwest, so it’s no wonder that one of the country’s most comprehensive golfing experiences is right at home.
This sprawling sports center contains a huge driving range with multiple stories, electronically monitored balls, and moving targets so young golfers of all ages will stay active for hours with no trouble. From a distance, you might even say that Topgolf Gilbert resembles a spaceship with all its neon lighting and modern architecture. But golf isn’t all that’s on the menu at Topgolf Gilbert. It also hosts a restaurant, video game consoles, and games on the terrace — a little bit of something for everyone.
Main Event Entertainment
Main Event Entertainment is a nationwide chain of event spaces, and one of its newest additions happens to be in Gilbert! Come here if you want to jam-pack your day with the family with enough indoor activities to keep you busy for hours and hours.
For one, Main Event Gilbert features a state-of-the-art bowling alley with an intriguing design and digital screens accessible to all. The facility also contains a large laser tag arena and over 100 games like Gravity Ropes and Story Rooms that will excite members of any generation.
The event space also carries its own billiards room and adult food and beverage stations, so it’s easy to stay in the game with children all day. They’re also happy to make birthday reservations or reserve space for school events and holidays, but be sure to call them up if you’re planning on coming with a large group.
Freestone Railroad
Next up on our tally of the best things to do in Gilbert as a family is something that the engineer in us all will enjoy. Train lovers of all ages will have a blast on the Freestone Railroad, one of Gilbert’s most unique kid-friendly offerings. It’s open year-round for casual visitors, birthday parties, family visits, and more, and it’s located in a large open park with a county fair-type ambiance that’s sure to excite families from all over.
This miniature railroad runs weekends from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Keep in mind that riders will need a guardian to accompany them if they’re under 42 inches tall. The train makes a full tour of the park, which is full of kid-friendly rides like a mini-Ferris wheel, carousel, and the popular WaveRunner, a waterless wave ride that’s also a great photo op.
Water Tower Plaza
Since opening in 2008, the Gilbert Water Tower Plaza has been one of the city’s most-visited and most-enjoyed outdoor event spaces. Located in downtown Gilbert’s Heritage District, the Water Tower Plaza features a large splash pad perfect for young children and adults to cool off from the hot Gilbert summers. (A fun fact: Gilbert residents see about 300 days of sunshine every year, making it one of the most consistent local climates in the lower 48.)
Besides the splash pad, the plaza management keeps a busy roster of weekly events throughout the year. Other amenities include:
- The famous Gilbert Water Tower
- A one-acre accessible park
- An informal public stage
- The Spinning Granite Ball water feature
- The Grassy Turf Amphitheater
- Cafe tables with chairs
- Bike racks, a parking lot, and restrooms are available nearby
The plaza is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the splash pad opens at 7 a.m. Check out the Water Tower Plaza to enjoy a laid-back and inviting picnic or afternoon in the sun, or just as a handy midday stopping point to gather your energy for a dinner and movie or walk around town.
FatCats Entertainment
Sometimes the best thing for a family to do in the heat of Arizona is to find a cool, comfortable indoor attraction and take a load off. If that’s what you’re hoping to get out of your Gilbert tour, FatCats Entertainment fits the bill in every way.
Almost everything you’ve ever encountered in an indoor activities area is here: a 20-lane bowling alley, an in-house pizza restaurant, and a recliner-based dine-in theater are all within a minute’s walk. A perfect blend of parent-approved amenities and kid-ready fun, FatCats Entertainment is one of Gilbert’s most outstanding all-day or stay-cation hotspots.
Contact a local real estate agent today!
Have any questions or comments about things to do in Gilbert or Gilbert real estate? Don’t hesitate to reach out to Christian Hill at ICON Real Estate Team today for more information. Christian can show you what’s on the market or help you make a perfect plan to sell your current Gilbert home for top dollar.
