Chandler, Arizona

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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