Desert Ridge is a very popular and desired community, thanks to its beautifully designed and landscaped neighborhoods, and its top-rated schools and convenient amenities. Thanks to its central location near the intersection of Tatum Boulevard and two freeways (State Route 51 and the Loop 101) Desert Ridge remains at the top of the list of places people want to live in North Phoenix.
Families, especially, love all that Desert Ridge has to offer, and to that end, here are our top five things to do with kids in Desert Ridge, in no particular order:
Aviano Community Park
From Aviano Community Park with its extra-large adventure playground complete with zip line and spider web climber, to Fireside Community Park with its two playground areas with shade and a climbing wall, and Cashman Park with its newly-remodeled shaded playground with top-notch play equipment, Desert Ridge is built for children’s outdoor play!
As You Wish
Painting Pottery at As You Wish, in Desert Ridge Marketplace. Besides drop in painting, this popular spot also hosts several classes available on their website, such as a Mommy and Me class for Mother’s Day at the end of April, and summer classes for ages 5 and up. As Susie Mead, marketing director, explains, “Painting pottery is a creative, interactive activity you can participate in with your child. Not only do you get to create and have a little art in your day but you can also interact and chat while you are painting. It’s a great way to have a little one on one time with your children.”
Barnes & Noble
Storytime at Barnes & Noble, in Desert Ridge Marketplace. Every kid, big and small, loves stories. And where better to hear them read out loud, than in one of the largest bookstores in the Valley of the Sun? This location hosts monthly stories with Ty, the therapy dog, on Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. A few Saturdays each month there are themed stories, followed by activities and coloring. For example, in March there are stories about spring. Story time is sure to be a hit with your little one!
The Play Factory
Burning off some energy at The Play Factory, in Desert Ridge Marketplace. Thanks to its rock wall, large inflatable slide, gigantic play climbing structure, a toddler fun zone, and (free) video game area, there’s something fun for every age. With open play every day, and family fun nights on the weekend, this is one of our top picks for kids to have fun, all in air-conditioned comfort! As owner Desiree Garcia elaborates, “The Play Factory is a great place to escape from the heat and let the little ones climb, crawl, and jump around, do all the things you don’t want them doing on your furniture. We have a kid chosen mother approved menu and also THE place for birthday parties, fundraisers, or a social gathering for you and your friends.”
Dave & Buster’s
Bowling and video games at Dave & Buster’s, in Desert Ridge Marketplace. This location boasts a separate bowling alley downstairs that’s perfect for kids of all ages. Just upstairs is a gigantic arcade with all types of video games. Kids are guaranteed to have a blast with the variety of games available. A tip: great coupon deals can be found online for Dave & Buster’s.
We’d love to show you the homes available for sale in this fun, dynamic community. From the new Sanctuary community, to Aviano, Fireside, The Villages at Aviano, and Glen Eagle, there is a neighborhood and a home for every price point and lifestyle.
