The West Valley is increasingly gaining popularity as a place to hang out, and Peoria is helping make that happen. Here are places to enjoy in Peoria:

1. Peoria Sports Complex: The Peoria Sports Complex was a game changer in 1994, when it became the first Major League Baseball spring training facility in the nation. The complex is home to the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Padres. In the off-season the complex serves as a rehabilitation center for athletes and is used for several tournaments.

2. GoPaddleAZ: Enjoy a day in the sun paddling and kayaking at the Harbor Marina on Lake Pleasant; or sail into the sunset with sailing lessons. There’s even paddle board yoga that challenges your core muscle strength and balance. Be steady or get ready to take a dip in the water.

3. Westbrook Village Golf Club Lakes Course: Clear skies and warm weather keeps Arizona as one of the best places to golf. Self-proclaimed as “one of Arizona’s hidden gems,” the Westbrook village Golf Club is a semi-private facility with two golf courses dine-in food, drinks, special events and more.

4. Arizona Riders: Hop on and go for a leisurely horseback ride through the Valley. Arizona Riders offers horseback training for the entire family. Learn how to saddle up a horse, and shampoo and brush a horse’s mane.

5. Baffled Escape Rooms: Consider yourself a brain game expert? Take the ultimate assessment by visiting Baffled Escape Rooms to try and escape a room by solving a series of riddles within a limited time span with nothing but your partners to help reach the goal. If you manage to solve all the puzzles, teasers and challenges in the room you unlock the key that allows you to open the door and ‘escape the room.’

6. Ape Index: If you’re tired of the same-old gym setting try the Ape Index rock climbing gym. It includes a weight training area for people to exercise in addition to the rock wall. The gym is great for anyone who enjoys physical activities. The facility also offers off-site trips for those who prefer working out in the great outdoors.

7. Westside Recreation: Dive into summer by renting a boat, jet skis, paddleboards and Polaris RZR’s. Be able to hang out all summer at Lake Pleasant. Go off-roading through the Arizona Trails or pack some food and drinks and spend your entire day relaxing on a boat.

8. FlyBoarding Session at Pleasant Harbor: Schedule a flyboarding session at Pleasant Harbor this summer. Have the thrill of using jetpack-like equipment that can glide you across the water.

9. New River Trail: Walk your dog, go for a stroll or even enjoy the Arizona scenery on the Arizona New River Trail. Take in the natural Arizona scenery and make the most out of the Arizona Trail that stretches 16.5 miles in length.

  • W. Bethany Home Rd. and N. 107th Ave. (Glendale) and north of W. Carlota Ln. and N. 76th Dr. (Peoria)

10. Wazee’s World: There is no shortage of fun at Wazee’s World an entertainment center with, laser tag, golf, an arcade and a fitness program. There is fun to be had for the whole family.

11. Scuba Pros of Arizona: Dive right in at the Scuba Professionals of Arizona. The program helps people learn and develop the proper skills of scuba diving. There’s various courses one can take about scuba diving, and opportunities to go out into the community and go scuba diving in different areas across the Valley.

12. Paint Nite: Enjoy an artistic night out with a paintbrush and a glass of wine. “The perfect cocktail of creativity and conversation,” the organization claims. Fun for anyone who enjoys out-of-the-ordinary events.

13. Sweets Con and Desserts Expo: Get ready for sweet treats and desserts as the Sweets Con and Desserts Expo comes to the Peoria Sports Complex April 29th. The event will feature cooking classes, decorating competitions, free samples and more