Discovering East Mesa: A Local Mom’s Guide to Family Fun
By Amy McConnell, local resident
Signal Butte Park
Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ, (480) 982-4485
If your family loves the outdoors, don’t miss Usery Mountain Regional Park. With stunning views and a variety of hiking trails, it’s perfect for family adventures. For younger kids, the Merkle Trail is ideal for tots to walk or for baby wearing. Trails are well-marked and suitable for all skill levels. Pack a picnic to enjoy after your hike, or let the kids play on the park’s playground. The park also offers ranger-led hikes and family programming.
3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ, (480) 982-4485
If your family loves the outdoors, don’t miss Usery Mountain Regional Park. With stunning views and a variety of hiking trails, it’s perfect for family adventures. For younger kids, the Merkle Trail is ideal for tots to walk or for baby wearing. Trails are well-marked and suitable for all skill levels. Pack a picnic to enjoy after your hike, or let the kids play on the park’s playground. The park also offers ranger-led hikes and family programming.
Arizona’s Only Double Decker Carousel
6555 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ, (480) 832-0200
For less than $5, kids can ride Arizona's only double-decker carousel, located inside Superstition Springs Center. This shopping center offers more than just shopping and dining—there’s a movie theater, indoor play spaces, and regular kids’ programming like story times and playdates (hosted by us!). Check their event calendar for more fun activities for the whole family.
6555 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ, (480) 832-0200
For less than $5, kids can ride Arizona's only double-decker carousel, located inside Superstition Springs Center. This shopping center offers more than just shopping and dining—there’s a movie theater, indoor play spaces, and regular kids’ programming like story times and playdates (hosted by us!). Check their event calendar for more fun activities for the whole family.
The Playhouse
1810 S Power Rd STE 103, Mesa, AZ 85206, (480) 462-1003
If you want your kids to unleash their creativity and burn off energy, The Playhouse is the place to go. This indoor play area for children ages 0-7 offers imaginative play zones that encourage social interaction and active play—perfect for a hot day!
1810 S Power Rd STE 103, Mesa, AZ 85206, (480) 462-1003
If you want your kids to unleash their creativity and burn off energy, The Playhouse is the place to go. This indoor play area for children ages 0-7 offers imaginative play zones that encourage social interaction and active play—perfect for a hot day!
Fat Cats
5846 E Longbow Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, (480) 498-3323
Fat Cats is a family entertainment center with bowling, arcade games, laser tag, glow golf, and a restaurant. It’s ideal for a fun family day out. Budget hack: Get FREE weekly bowling and glow golf with a Pogo Pass!
5846 E Longbow Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85215, (480) 498-3323
Fat Cats is a family entertainment center with bowling, arcade games, laser tag, glow golf, and a restaurant. It’s ideal for a fun family day out. Budget hack: Get FREE weekly bowling and glow golf with a Pogo Pass!
Uptown Jungle
5741 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215, (480) 508-7030
Uptown Jungle is a favorite spot for indoor fun, offering a dedicated play area for kids 0-5 and activities for older kids. The adventure park has various attractions to keep them entertained for hours. Budget hack: Get two FREE admissions annually with a Pogo Pass, or take advantage of morning discounts during “toddler time” on weekdays.
5741 E McKellips Rd, Mesa, AZ 85215, (480) 508-7030
Uptown Jungle is a favorite spot for indoor fun, offering a dedicated play area for kids 0-5 and activities for older kids. The adventure park has various attractions to keep them entertained for hours. Budget hack: Get two FREE admissions annually with a Pogo Pass, or take advantage of morning discounts during “toddler time” on weekdays.
Best Parks in East Mesa
Monterey Park
7045 E Monterey Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209
Monterey Park has a unique climbing structure called Quantis, a giant climbing dome. It also features spinners, sand pits, swings, and more. The playground is shaded, and the park includes a gated dog park, a walking path (stroller-friendly), and a storybook trail. The Mesa Express Library is also on-site.
7045 E Monterey Ave, Mesa, AZ 85209
Monterey Park has a unique climbing structure called Quantis, a giant climbing dome. It also features spinners, sand pits, swings, and more. The playground is shaded, and the park includes a gated dog park, a walking path (stroller-friendly), and a storybook trail. The Mesa Express Library is also on-site.
Signal Butte Park
11132 E Elliot Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
Great for older kids, Signal Butte Park’s play area features interconnected pods with slides, tunnels, and climbers, keeping kids engaged as they explore. The park also has water features and a 1.5-mile walking path around the playground.
11132 E Elliot Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
Great for older kids, Signal Butte Park’s play area features interconnected pods with slides, tunnels, and climbers, keeping kids engaged as they explore. The park also has water features and a 1.5-mile walking path around the playground.
Eastmark Great Park
5100 Eastmark Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85212
Known for its ‘orange monster’ play structure, Eastmark Great Park offers walking trails, a pond, restrooms, and Steadfast Coffee shop. It’s a great spot for families to enjoy the outdoors.
5100 Eastmark Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85212
Known for its ‘orange monster’ play structure, Eastmark Great Park offers walking trails, a pond, restrooms, and Steadfast Coffee shop. It’s a great spot for families to enjoy the outdoors.
East Mesa is packed with family-friendly activities and parks. I hope this guide helps you discover your new favorite spots! Feel free to reach out on Instagram at @eastvalley.moms for more tips. Happy exploring!
Budget Tip!
Pogo Pass Phoenix is an affordable way to explore your new city, with an annual pass you gain access to a fantastic range of local attractions and adventures in the Valley of the Sun! www.pogopass.com/phoenix
Fun Fact>> The scenes at the fictional Waterloo in the movie “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” are scenes filmed at both the San Dimas Raging Waters and Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa.