Looking to spend time in Gilbert or the East Valley this summer? Here are five fun activities to enjoy with the family including outdoor recreation, shopping and local restaurants.
Spend the evening in Downtown Gilbert
For as quaint as downtown Gilbert is, it definitely knows how to pack a fun-filled day and night for you and your friends or family! There are tons of excellent restaurants to enjoy, such as: Culinary Dropout, Whiskey Row, Zinburger, Oregano’s Pizza Bistro and so much more! They also have a farmer’s market event every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., behind the water tower. You can also see local bands performing different genres of music, or you can simply enjoy the sunshine and get a cup of coffee with a friend!
Take a stroll at the Gilbert Farmers Market
This colorful, cultural and lively market is open every Saturday morning from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and holds hundreds of vendors and food trucks! This is a great Saturday morning activity with friends and family. You can find a vast variety of produce, such as: local meats, sauces, pickles, jams, baked goods and even handcrafted products. Don’t forget to stop by one of the many delicious food trucks for some lunch or a tasty treat!
Get some fresh air at Freestone Park
With so many different activities and amenities, Freestone Park is a great way to spend a warm, summer’s day with your family and friends! With endless fun such as lakes stocked for fishing, softball fields, sand volleyball courts (with water timers to cool the sand), full basketball courts, tennis courts, skate park, amphitheater, reservable ramadas and shaded picnic tables with BBQ grills, plus playground areas for the kids, Freestone Park is a great way to get outside while keeping your distance from others.
Make a splash at the Mesquite Aquatic Center
Cool off from the hot Arizona sun, splashing and playing at the Mesquite Aquatic Center! With so many great amenities such as a concession stand, diving boards, kiddie slide, play mushrooms, shade ramadas, water slides and zero depth area! Pool punch cards are valid at any of the four Town of Gilbert pools for admission and run at a rate of $25 for 30 pool pass visits for children and for 10 pool pass visits for $25 for adults. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday 1-6 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Discover shopping and dining at the San Tan Village Mall
San Tan Village mall has tons of shopping options, plus great restaurants and events all summer long. Explore retail stores such as Dillard’s, American Eagle, Buckle, Apple, Bath and Body Works, Macy’s and so much more. Then, finish the night off with a delish bite to eat at one of the many restaurants within the mall including Thirsty Lion Gastropub, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Blue Wasabi, Kona Grill, Chipotle and many more tasty options.
