Playgrounds
7 parks with a playground, closest to downtown first.
- Escobedo Park Playground0.3 mi from downtown
- Candlelight Park1.8 mi from downtown
- Whitman Park Playground1.9 mi from downtown
Family
Things to do in Mesa with kids
7 kinds of family outings, with the closest picks for each.
Family-friendly ideas around Mesa, built from the city’s parks, libraries, local businesses and nearby public lands. Pick a section for the full list, a map and directions, and check the events calendar for this week’s story times, festivals and shows.
Indoor fun
Places to go when it’s too hot, cold or wet outside.
- Custom Art Designsart gallery
- I Love Murals, Ribaudo Studiosart gallery
- Royal Craft Galleryart gallery
Libraries
Story times, homework help and summer reading, free with a library card.
- Mesa Public Library64 E 1St St
- Dobson Ranch Library2425 S Dobson Rd
- City Of Mesa Red Mountain Library635 N Power Rd
Bookstores
3 local bookstores in Mesa.
Toy shops
3 local toy shops in Mesa.
- Greg's ComicsMesa
- Gotham City ComicsMesa
- 1UP GamesMesa
Picnic spots
Day-use areas for a family picnic.
- WestWorld15 mi north
- Casa Grande Ruins National Monument34 mi southeast
- Black Canyon National Recreation Trail38 mi northwest
Wildlife and nature
Refuges and lakes to spot birds and animals.
- Quartz Peak Trail29 mi southwest
- Riverside Campground (AZ)29 mi north
- Black Canyon National Recreation Trail38 mi northwest
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
📍Arizona Museum of Natural History Mesa, AZ
A local activity Short shared by thekeenecrew.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Places I take my friends when they visit Mesa, AZ
A local activity Short shared by Meredith Johnsen.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What is there to do in Mesa with kids?
Playgrounds (7), Indoor fun (9), Libraries (3), Bookstores (3), Toy shops (3), Picnic spots (15), Wildlife and nature (26). Each section links to the full list with maps and directions.
What can kids do in Mesa for free?
Parks and playgrounds, library story times and many community events are free. See the free things to do and kids events pages for this week’s options.
What can families do in Mesa when it rains or it’s hot?
Try the indoor ideas and the library, or check the kids and family events calendar.