Desert Botanical Garden
DESCRIPTION: One of the world’s finest collections of desert plants can be found at the beautiful Desert Botanical Garden; nestled amid the red buttes of Papago Park, this one-of-a-kind museum spanning 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits is home to close to 150 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world and an Herb Garden

DAYS & HOURS: daily 8a-8pm October-April and 7a-8p, May-September

ADDRESS: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ

PHONE: 480-941-1225

WEBSITE: http://www.dbg.org

Eastlake Park
DESCRIPTION: Featuring picnic areas, playground, pool, and plenty of shady trees; a Civil Rights Memorial is located in the middle of the park

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 1p-9p, Fri 1p-8p, Sat 10a-4p, Sun Noon-3p

ADDRESS: 16th & Jefferson Streets, Phoenix, AZ

PHONE: 602-262-6759

WEBSITE: http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/eastlak.html

Papago Park - Hole In The Rock
DESCRIPTION: Over 1200 acres featuring golf course, picnic areas, hiking trails, and Hole In the Rock Landmark. Top attractions include: Desert Botanical Garden --One of the largest selections of desert plants in the world; featuring interactive exhibits, over 20,000 plants are on display; gift shop, plant shop, library and cafe; Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert is an interesting trail

DAYS & HOURS: Daily 8a-8p

ADDRESS: 1201 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ  MAP

PHONE: 480-941-1225

WEBSITE: http://www.phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikepapa.html

Encanto Park
DESCRIPTION: Over 200 acres featuring picnic areas, golf courses, fishing lake, lagoon, pool, nature trail, Kiddleland/Enchanted Island amusement park, paddleboats, canoes, basketball courts, tennis courts

ADDRESS: 15th Ave and Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ

Lost Dutchman State Park
DESCRIPTION: 290 acres of hiking trails, picnic areas, lakes, camp grounds and site of prehistoric Native American dwellings

ADDRESS: 6109 North Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ  MAP
PHONE: 480-982-4485

WEBSITE: http://azstateparks.com

Camelback Mountain
DESCRIPTION: The most recognizable landmark in Phoenix; featuring red cliffs, hiking trails, rock formations and a 75 acre recreational park

ADDRESS: 5700 North Echo Canyon Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ  MAP

PHONE: 602-262-4837‎

WEBSITE: http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikecmlb.html

Patriots Square Park
DESCRIPTION: Over 2 acres in downtown Phoenix featuring picnic areas, shady trees, and an outdoor performing arts stage

ADDRESS: Washington Street and Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ

South Mountain Park
DESCRIPTION: One of the largest municipal parks in the world; over 16,500 acres featuring plants, wildlife, 60 miles of hiking/horseback riding trails, picnic areas

ADDRESS: 10919 South Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ

Telephone Pioneers of America Park
DESCRIPTION: First barrier free park for disabled people in the country; featuring tennis courts, two baseball fields, a pool, picnic areas, volleyball courts, wheelchair accessible playground equipment and 18 station exercise course

ADDRESS: 1946 West Morningside Drive, Phoenix, AZ

Sedona
DESCRIPTION: No trip to Phoenix is complete without seeing breathtaking Sedona; spectacular red cliffs and beautiful views abound; a popular place for spiritual renewal and wedding ceremonies; great source for unique Southwestern and Native American arts/crafts; hot air balloons, biplanes and pink jeeps are available for touring the area

ADDRESS: Sedona, AZ  MAP