If you’ve lived in the Grand Canyon State for a significant length of time, then you’ve most likely heard of Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona. Not everyone knows, however, that this popular destination is one of the most family-friendly activities in Arizona. The park boasts a variety of short and easy hiking trails, including the best hike near downtown Phoenix that leads to one of the most iconic rock formations in the Valley. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden! You could easily spend a whole day exploring all there is to see and do at this underrated locale.

If you're in search of family-friendly activities in Arizona, you really can't do much better than Papago Park.
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Just minutes from downtown Phoenix, this historic locale boasts numerous hiking trails, a zoo, a botanical garden, museums, and several other attractions for all ages.
Most famous for the iconic Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, which leads to one of the most scenic viewpoints in the region, the park is a hiker's paradise.
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The trails are short and relatively flat, making them accessible to almost everyone.
Hole-in-the-Rock Trail boasts a cave-like opening that overlooks lagoons surrounded by palm trees, plus the distant skylines of Phoenix and Tempe.
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This trail is just 0.3 miles long, and although it's almost always crowded, the endpoint is so worth the journey.

Let's hike the Hole in the Rock Trail at Papago Park in Arizona in this video with Melanie Routhe:

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Also in Papago Park is Governor Hunt's Tomb, a pyramid-shaped mausoleum that serves as the final resting place for Arizona's first governor, George W.P. Hunt.
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The governor had the tomb built for his wife, who died in 1931, and he was buried beside her when he passed three years later.
Nearby, you'll find the Desert Botanical Garden, one of the most beloved attractions in the Valley.
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Spanning 140 acres, the garden features over 50,000 native desert plants that meld seamlessly into the foreground of the Papago Buttes.
The world-famous Phoenix Zoo - the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the U.S. - is also in the neighborhood.
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Boasting over 1,000 animals scattered across two miles of trails, the zoo has been an Arizona family favorite since 1962.

Go on a tour of the Phoenix Zoo in this video from SoCal Disney Dad:
Address: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008.
Google Maps
Park hours are 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.

Visit the City of Phoenix website for more information. Planning to visit and need a place to stay? No worries – check out all the unique offerings from our friends at VRBO.

Have you ever been to Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona? If so, what’s your favorite attraction in or near it? Tell us in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more family-friendly activities in Arizona.

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Papago Park

Chris Muras | April 30, 2023

What are the best parks in Phoenix?

If you are looking for the best parks to take your family to in the Phoenix area, we have a few suggestions. Here are some of the best parks in Phoenix, Arizona:

  • Desert Breeze Park: Located in Chandler, Arizona, this wonderful park features a man-made lake with walking trails, picnic areas, a splash pad, and sports fields. A unique attraction at the park is the Desert Breeze Railroad — a mini train you can ride on!
  • McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale, AZ: This is another unique park with a train theme. It's more of a museum in honor of locomotive history. It has 10,000 square feet of exhibits dedicated to train enthusiasts. They also have a miniature replica train ride outdoors in warmer weather.
  • Kiwanis Park, Tempe, AZ: This lovely community park in Tempe has all your favorite park activities. With sports fields, playgrounds, hiking and walking trails, horseshoes, tennis courts, and of course, Kiwanis Lake for your favorite water activities.
  • Valley of the Moon, Tucson, AZ: This whimsical-themed park is a treat for every family who likes to get creative and play in their imagination. It's actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places since it has been around since 1945. With structures and paths set up like you are participating in a fairy tale, you'll have a lot of fun exploring.
  • Sahuaro Ranch Park, Glendale, AZ: This enchanting family park has been delighting visitors since 1886! You'll find fruit orchards, vineyards, alfalfa fields, walking paths, and vintage farm equipment. But the secret prize is the 40 peacocks roaming free with all of their bright plumage ready to dazzle you with charm.

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Papago Park, Phoenix, AZ, USA