Chandler, Arizona: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Explore Chandler, Arizona, a city full of attractions and activities. It's home to the state's second-biggest mall, the Chandler Fashion Center. You'll also find the Chandler Museum, where history comes alive. This place near Phoenix has something for everyone.

Discover the top spots and must-see sights in Chandler. They highlight the city's best and its varied offerings.

Key Takeaways

• Chandler, Arizona is a thriving city near Phoenix with a wide range of attractions and activities.
• The Chandler Fashion Center is the state's second-largest mall, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Downtown Chandler features a dense array of eateries, local breweries, and boutique shops, hosting over 60 events annually.
• SanTan Gardens is the largest combined brewery and distillery in Arizona, offering guided tours and tastings.
• The Chandler Center for the Arts showcases performances by renowned artists and emerging talents.

Chandler Fashion Center

Chandler, Arizona, is home to the state's second-largest mall, the Chandler Fashion Center. This mall is a top spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It has over 200 stores with brands like Apple, Coach, and Macy's.

But there's more than shopping here. The mall has fun activities like the SCHEELS All Sports store with a Ferris wheel and video games. The Outdoor Village has a movie theater and a splash pad with games for the family.

Eating at Chandler Fashion Center is a treat, with places like The Cheesecake Factory and Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. You can also save over $450 at certain stores and restaurants by texting Chandler Fashion Center.

The mall has many amenities, like free wheelchair rentals and WiFi. There's also a Text Concierge for quick help. Nearby, the Chandler Museum has exhibits on local culture and art.

Chandler Fashion Center is great for shopping, dining, and fun. It's a key spot in Chandler, Arizona, with lots to offer.

Crayola Experience

In the heart of Chandler, Arizona, the Crayola Experience is a special place for families. It's one of only five Crayola Experience spots around the world. This place lets visitors of all ages dive into the world of color and creativity.

Here, the colors of Crayola crayons spring to life. It's full of hands-on activities and imaginative displays. The Crayola Experience in Chandler is perfect for family-friendly attractions in Chandler and Chandler activities for kids.

At the Crayola Experience Chandler, let your creativity shine. You'll find many fun activities, like:

• Molding and shaping Crayola's signature Model Magic compound
• Creating custom coloring pages with beloved Crayola characters
• Designing digital masterpieces on giant interactive screens
• Spinning melted wax to produce one-of-a-kind spin-art creations
• Remolding crayons into unique shapes at the Melt & Mold station

There are also cool special features. You can try the virtual reality studio or play with the giant art caddy full of crayons and coloring sheets.

"The Crayola Experience is the most creative place on earth, where color, chemistry, and technology come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience for the whole family."

With affordable annual passes and online ticket options, the Crayola Experience Chandler is great for families. It's a perfect spot for a fun, creative day in Chandler, Arizona.

Downtown Chandler

Downtown Chandler is a lively spot with lots to do, eat, and shop. It's filled with eateries, breweries, wine bars, and cocktail lounges. Each place serves up local flavors that are a must-try.

Indulge in Chandler's Culinary Delights

Downtown Chandler has food for every taste. Enjoy Southwest-inspired dishes at El Sol Mexican Cafe & Bakery. Try their tacos, like carnitas and carne asada. For dessert, head to Snowtime in Chandler for their Korean shaved ice desserts with Oreo dust and chocolate drizzle.

Beer lovers will enjoy SanTan Brewing Company. They've been making great beer since 2007. Try their Southwest Fried Chicken with green chili gravy, poblano mashed potatoes, and Mexi street corn.

Explore Chandler's Vibrant Events and Entertainment

Downtown Chandler isn't just about food. It hosts over 60 events every year. You'll find music festivals, art shows, and seasonal events in this friendly area.

Looking for unique shops? Downtown Chandler has them. You'll find boutiques with local products and special items. It's perfect for a casual walk or a big shopping day.

"Downtown Chandler offers a truly authentic and immersive experience, where the local community and visitors come together to celebrate the best of what this city has to offer."

Downtown Chandler is a top spot for dining, fun, and shopping. It's great for a night out or a day of exploring. This lively area will make a big impression on you.

Tour Arizona's Largest Combined Brewery & Distillery, the SanTan Gardens

In Chandler, Arizona, the SanTan Gardens is a top spot for craft beer fans. It's a 35,000-square-foot place with the SanTan Brewing Company. This brewery is Chandler's first and now Arizona's biggest.

At the SanTan Gardens, you can join a guided tour of the brewery and distillery. You'll see how they make beer and spirits. Plus, you get to taste some of their top beers and spirits.

Explore Chandler's Craft Beverage Scene

Chandler is full of craft beer spots, with many breweries and distilleries. Check out Craft 64 Chandler for 36 taps of Arizona beers. Or visit the Hungry Monk with 27 drafts and over 20 bottled drinks.

For a special distillery visit, go to the Arizona Distilling Company. It was the first to make spirits legally in Phoenix after Prohibition. Try their Copper City Bourbon and SanTan Brewing Company's award-winning vodka and whiskey.

"The SanTan Gardens offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the art of craft brewing and distilling in Chandler. From the behind-the-scenes tour to the tasting experiences, it's a true gem for anyone interested in the local beverage scene."

Chandler Center for the Arts

Explore the vibrant arts scene at the Chandler Center for the Arts. This place is a top spot for live shows, featuring everything from rock legends to new talents. It's sure to inspire and entertain you.

The 2024/2025 Season is packed with music events, including concerts. You can buy tickets and RSVP for these events. Special Events for the 2024/2025 Season also let you book your spot on Eventbrite for the top shows.

The Chandler Center is more than a stage; it's a community hub. It hosts various events, focusing on music, dance, theatre, and more. You can even audition for some events, showing the center's support for local talent.

Love live music, theatre, or dance? The Chandler Center has something for you. You can buy tickets for the Showtime Series, making it easy to plan your cultural outings. Tickets vary from RSVP only to buy now, with some available soon, so you can catch the arts when it suits you.

Chandler is also known for its public art, with over 10 installations. These include sculptures, murals, and fountains that highlight the city's history and culture. The Rosales Family Fountain and the 5C's sculpture are just a few examples of the city's artistic flair.

Plan your next cultural trip to the Chandler Center for the Arts. You'll find a world of entertainment, Chandler performing arts, and Chandler events that will impress you.

Veterans Oasis Park

In the heart of Chandler, Arizona, Veterans Oasis Park is a peaceful escape. It covers 113 acres and lets you experience the Sonoran Desert without leaving the city. It's a place where nature meets urban life.

The park has different habitats like wetlands and desert. It's perfect for those who love the outdoors. You can hike on trails that show you wildlife like rabbits, lizards, and many bird species.

The park also has a peaceful lake for fishing, birdwatching, or just relaxing. There are picnic spots where you can enjoy a meal with nature around you.

Chandler values public parks and makes sure Veterans Oasis Park is close to everyone. It's ideal for locals and visitors wanting to experience the city's beauty. This park is a key spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Visiting Veterans Oasis Park shows why Chandler is great for outdoor lovers. It's a place of beauty and tranquility in the city. Come and make memories that will stay with you forever.

Chandler Museum

The Chandler Museum is a key cultural spot in the East Valley. It opens the door to the area's history, art, and heritage. Located in Chandler, it showcases exhibits from both local and national collections. This lets visitors see the city's unique identity.

As the East Valley History Center, the museum is crucial for keeping and sharing the region's stories. It offers displays and activities that let people learn about Chandler's history. You can find out about the events, people, and traditions that shaped the community.

The museum has a new 10,000 square foot building next to the historic McCullough-Price House. This modern space is perfect for changing exhibits. It lets visitors dive into Chandler culture, Chandler art, and Chandler history.

If you live in the East Valley or are just visiting, don't miss the Chandler Museum. It's dedicated to keeping history alive and celebrating today. This place invites you to explore Chandler's fascinating story.

"The Chandler Museum is a testament to the city's enduring spirit, where the past and present converge to create a truly enriching experience."

Chandler, Arizona: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Chandler, Arizona, is a lively city with lots to see and do. It has everything from shopping and dining at Chandler Fashion Center to cultural experiences at the Chandler Museum. This city near Phoenix has something for everyone.

Looking for outdoor fun, arts, or history? Chandler has it all. Here are some top things to do in Chandler:

1. Experience the state's second-largest mall, Chandler Fashion Center, with its seasonal events, entertainment, and diverse dining options.
2. Explore the Crayola Experience, a hands-on, interactive attraction that brings the world of Crayola to life.
3. Stroll through the lively Downtown Chandler district, with its array of eateries, boutique shops, and more than 60 annual events.
4. Tour the SanTan Gardens, Arizona's largest combined brewery and distillery, for a behind-the-scenes look at the production process.
5. Enjoy a performance or exhibit at the Chandler Center for the Arts, a hub for arts and entertainment in the region.

For nature lovers, Chandler has the 100-acre Veterans Oasis Park. It has wetlands, hiking trails, and spots for birding and fishing. History fans can check out the Chandler Museum, which is the East Valley History Center. It has local and traveling exhibits.

Planning a day trip or a weekend getaway? Chandler, Arizona, has lots to see and do. From shopping and dining to outdoor fun and cultural experiences, this city is a must-see in the Phoenix area.

"Chandler, Arizona offers a wealth of must-see attractions and engaging activities for visitors to explore."

Chandler, Arizona, is a vibrant place with shopping, dining, arts, and outdoor fun. Whether it's a day trip or a longer vacation, Chandler has top picks and hidden gems for you to discover.

Play Golf on Arizona's first grass course, the San Marcos Golf Course

In the heart of Chandler, Arizona, the San Marcos Golf Course is a key part of golf history. It opened in 1913, being the first in Arizona with grass, not sand. Many famous people, from celebrities to politicians and pros, have played here.

Now, golf lovers can feel the same thrill as past players at the San Marcos Golf Course. With special deals and events all year, it's a chance to enjoy its history and beauty. It's perfect for both experienced and new golfers, offering a memorable experience in Chandler, Arizona.

At the San Marcos Golf Course, you can play on Arizona's first grass course. It's a chance to make lasting memories on the greens.

Escape Chandler

Want an exciting adventure in Chandler, Arizona? Check out the city's top-rated escape rooms! Chandler is known for one of the best escape room experiences in the Western United States, as rated by the American Automobile Association (AAA). These games are perfect for small groups of 4-8 players. They're a fun way to test your problem-solving skills and escape the room.

Escape rooms in Chandler are great for bonding with friends, family, or coworkers. You'll work together to solve puzzles and escape. The themed rooms take you to another world. You'll need to use your wits and teamwork to find clues and unlock the exit before time runs out.

Chandler's entertainment options are perfect for both new and experienced escape room players. So, gather your group, think fast, and get ready to Escape Chandler!

"The escape rooms in Chandler were the highlight of our trip! The challenges were exciting and the staff was incredibly helpful. We can't wait to come back and try a different room next time."

Arizona Railway Museum

For a captivating glimpse into Arizona's railroading history, visit the Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler. This open-air museum, founded in 1983, showcases the heritage and evolution of the region's railroads. Walk through the grounds to see a re-creation of the historic Chandler train depot and a collection of restored train cars from different eras.

The museum has over 42,000 railroad-related relics and a library with more than 4,200 books on train history. You can climb aboard locomotive cabs, play with model train layouts, and even take a ride in the caboose. This lets you dive into the fascinating world of railroading.

The museum's interactive exhibits and hands-on activities are perfect for train lovers of all ages. You can explore the historic train depot, climb aboard vintage railcars, or learn about the region's railroading history. The Arizona Railway Museum offers a unique and educational experience in Chandler.

"The museum provides engaging exhibits suitable for train enthusiasts of all ages, fostering memorable experiences for families."

The Arizona Railway Museum is one of Chandler's top attractions, adding to the city's rich history and educational offerings. It's a must-see spot on your next visit to the area.

Conclusion

Chandler, Arizona, is a city full of great attractions and activities. It has something for everyone, from shopping and dining at the Chandler Fashion Center to cultural experiences at the Chandler Museum. You can enjoy outdoor adventures, arts, and learn about Chandler's history.

For families, there's Veterans Oasis Park and the Paseo Trail for hiking and biking. Kids will love Amazing Jakes and the Arizona Railway Museum. Sports fans can check out Big League Dreams Sports Park. Art lovers will enjoy the Vision Gallery and Chandler Center for the Arts.

Planning a trip to Chandler? This city in Arizona is full of things to see and do. Don't wait to explore Chandler's sights and activities. Start planning your trip to Chandler, Arizona, today.