With summer behind us, it’s a great time to get outdoors in the Valley. Not sure what to do this weekend? There’s a place nestled in Phoenix’s historic district with something for everyone, Encanto Park.
The 222-acre park is adjacent to bus routes 8, 15, and 29. I used the Valley Metro App to find the quickest route to the park. It also let me know the location of nearby buses so I could hang out and the park longer without worrying about missing my trip.
When I arrived in the afternoon, I found the park full of people enjoying the day by fishing, relaxing by the playground and hitting golf balls at the driving range. The park was also full of wildlife swimming in the blue waters that flow through the area.
On Friday evenings and on the weekends, the Enchanted Island Amusement Park opens its doors for family fun. The amusement park uses a pay per ride system, so admission is free. Rides include a carousel, dragon minicoaster and bumper boats. For more information on the park, visit enchantedisland.com.
Pedal boat rentals are also available during the weekend and can be rented at the at the Encanto Lagoon near the park’s historic boathouse.
There’s even more fun for kids during the week. The park includes multiple playgrounds throughout the area. This includes two by the Encanto Sports Complex in the southern part of the park.
An 18-hole golf course surrounds the park and is open year-round for those who want to hit the links but not leave downtown Phoenix. The course itself was built in the 1930’s making it the third oldest golf course in Arizona. If you’re not in the mood for a full 18 holes the park also has a driving range and a 9-hole course across the street.
With rides, fishing, golfing and more there’s always something fun to do at Encanto Park. Thanks to Valley Metro, this fun is only a ride away. Still looking for more fun? Check out our other destination blogs for an inside scoop on all the cool places accessible by Valley Metro bus, rail and streetcar!
