Looking for fun? The West Valley has no shortage of entertainment, activities and attractions for visitors and locals of all ages. Here are 15 of the West Valley’s must-see attractions:
Map compiled by Kennedy Jones
Arizona Broadway Theatre: Catch a live performance of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” “Camelot,” “Saturday Night Fever” or a live concert or special event at Peoria’s premiere performing arts destination. The ABT is also a big supporter and proponent of youth performance art programming. The theatre is located at 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, Ariz.
Arrowhead Towne Center: Apple, Disney, Forever 21, JCPenney, Macy’s and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory make up a small glimpse of what this West Valley shopping mecca has to offer. While locals and visitors shop, they can take advantage of several dining opportunities and events, such as live music and National Geographic-sponsored activities for kids. The mall is located at 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, Ariz.
Brelby Theatre Company: Also known as the West Valley’s New Works Incubator, the Brelby is truly that – an incubator for directors, writers, designers and actors to practice, refine and demonstrate their craft for local and visiting audiences. The Brelby is located at 7154 N. 58th Dr., Glendale, Ariz.
Cerreta Candy Company: Chocolate-covered cherries, marshmallows and pretzels are just a minor sampling of the delicious and delectable confections created at Glendale’s hometown candy company. Be sure to take a tour. The candy company is located at 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, Ariz.
Challenger Space Center: One of 40 centers in the nation, the Challenger Space Center is designed as a tribute to the Challenger Space Shuttle disaster and is an inspirational facet of learning for space enthusiasts of all ages. The Challenger Space Center is located at 21170 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, Ariz.
Historic Downtown Glendale: History buffs will love the charm of Glendale’s historic downtown, home to the Glendale Police Museum, local restaurants and shopping. Overnight visitors can stay at the historic Gas Light, with building origins dating back to 1926. Downtown Glendale is located at 5802 W. Palmaire Ave., Glendale, Ariz.
Historic Sahuaro Ranch Park: Host to weddings and events, with picnic areas, playgrounds, a multi-sports complex and more, this historic park with roots dating back to 1886 is one of Glendale’s best-kept secrets. The park is located at 5850 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, Ariz.
Lake Pleasant: With no shortage of sunshine, one of the Valley of the Sun’s most coveted water wonders has plenty to offer. Spend a day fishing, boating, scuba diving, hiking or stay for a camping trip to enjoy them all. Lake Pleasant is located at 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Morristown, Ariz.
Phoenix International Raceway: This one-mile raceway has been host to motorsports since 1964, including the Verizon IndyCar Series and two NASCAR events each year. PIR is located at 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale, Ariz.
Spring training ballparks: As one of Arizona’s main sources of pride and joy, five of the Cactus League’s spring training stadiums are located west of the I-17 in Glendale, Goodyear, Maryvale, Peoria and Surprise. After catching a game, be sure to enjoy a meal at one of the West Valley’s hidden gems, like Ada’s Fish Fry in Goodyear.
University of Phoenix Stadium: Home to the Arizona Cardinals and 63,400 of their fans, the University of Phoenix Stadium has been host to the Super Bowl, Fiesta Bowl and National College Football Championship Game. Its retractable roof and event space for 72,800 people makes it the perfect location for anything from sporting events to corporate gatherings, trade shows and more. The stadium is located at 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, Ariz.
Westgate Entertainment District and Tanger Outlets-Westgate: Catch a movie, grab a bite, play at Dave & Buster’s, listen to live music at Westgate’s Entertainment District and then pop over for a shopping fix from dozens of outlets like Tommy Hilfiger, Aeropostale, Coach, Reebok, PacSun and more. The entertainment district is located at 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale, Ariz.
White Tanks Mountain Regional Park: A perfect location for biking, hiking and camping, the park is also home to the White Tanks Library and nature center, complete with a variety of desert creatures – snakes, reptiles and more. The regional park is located at 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Rd., Waddell, Ariz.
Wigwam Resort: What began as a 24-room guest ranch has become a 331-room resort oasis with golf courses, tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, a spa, and 45,000 square feet of meeting space. Celebrate the Final Four at Red’s Bar & Grill located at The Wigwam. Happy hour will be in play during the Final Four weekend to enjoy with special drinks and party platters for big appetites. The resort is located at 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park: You’ll feel like a jungle, desert and world explorer and zoologist for a day when visiting the home of more than 600 exotic and endangered species and 6,000 animals. The zoo is located at 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, Ariz.
