You and your team lucked out if you end up playing a tournament at Kiwanis Park. This exceptional 54,000 square foot complex houses a 15-court tennis center, as well as volleyball and basketball courts. Guests can also take advantage of its wave pool, lap pool, and batting cages.
While Kiwanis Park is hailed as one of the best sport complexes in the area, it’s not the sole reason why you and your team should be excited to visit. The number one reason why Kiwanis Park is an ideal destination is its location: Tempe, Arizona. Tempe is brimming with thrilling attractions for kids of all ages.
But that’s just the start. Other major cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale are just a short drive away and open up your entertainment and dining options exponentially.
Things to Do
Phoenix Zoo
It should come as no surprise that Arizona’s largest city is home to an impressively diverse zoo. Go on a personal safari and traverse the habitats of the world at Phoenix Zoo.
Don’t worry about not seeing your favorite animal, because it probably lives at Phoenix Zoo. The ferocious yet playful big cats like African lions, Sumatran tigers, and jaguars are very popular with guests. Other must-see animals include Asian elephants, Komodo dragons, reticulated giraffes, and Bornean orangutans.
Go beyond simply observing the animals by taking a guided tour. Learn enthralling facts about the animal residents courtesy of a knowledgeable zoo keeper.
Venture into an open exhibit where silly squirrel monkeys climb on trees and play just inches away. Monkey Village is the only walkthrough squirrel monkey exhibit in the United States. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience it.
Get up close and personal with giraffes, pet stingrays, and even get the chance to ride a camel. You can cool off at the water play areas and sprayground or immerse yourself in a 4D film. Group rates for the zoo are offered for any groups of 25 or more. 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Main Event Entertainment
Appropriately named, Main Event Entertainment is second to none in terms of fun attractions under one roof. This place is a must-visit. You have no excuse not to stop by since it’s so close to Kiwanis Park.
Regardless of individual interests on your team, everyone can find activities to get excited about at Main Event Entertainment. Bowl a few games at the state of the art bowling alley equipped with automatic scoring. Depending on the time of your visit, you may even be able to bowl under the black lights.
Not a fan of bowling? Hit the arcade and attempt to reach to leaderboard of high scores. There are many arcade and virtual reality games, but the one that will catch your eye first is the giant Pac-Man. If and when you get tired of that, you have plenty of other games like Space Invaders or Star Wars Battle Pod.
If you have a lot of excess energy left over after you finish at Kiwanis Park, the best option would be laser tag. Group up and form a squad to dominate the opponent and come out on top.
Any daredevils need to try the gravity ropes course. Zoom through the course on a zip line and find out if you can conquer the ropes or let it get the best of you. Only people above 48 inches are permitted on the gravity ropes course.
Haven’t gotten your fill on climbing after doing gravity ropes? Scale Main Event Entertainment’s indoor rock wall.
Do your best to budget out a lot of time for this attraction because of how much there is to do. You’re going to have a difficult time rounding up everyone and convincing them to leave. 8545 S Emerald Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284
Arizona Mills
You won’t find many malls bigger than Arizona Mills. This humongous shopping center houses a whopping 200 stores and 16 anchors! Rest assured that whatever you’re interested in, Arizona Mills has something for you.
Search for some new looks to add to your wardrobe at name brand clothing stores like American Eagle Outfitters, Express, and Tommy Hilfiger. Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted to learn that Arizona Mills has your fix thanks to dippin’ dots and Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory.
Mirroring the massive size of the mall, Harkins Arizona Mills Luxury 25 with IMAX is the ultimate movie experience in Tempe. Playing anywhere from 17 or more different movies every day in standard, 3D, and IMAX settings, you can’t go wrong watching a film at Harkins.
Grabbing a bite to eat doesn’t need to limit your shopping too much either because of Arizona Mills assortment of eateries. Boasting a selection of sit down restaurants like Joe’s Crab Shack and food court options like Firehouse Subs and Church’s Fried Chicken, you have a wide array of cuisines to pick from. 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona
Since 1949, Legos have been a cornerstone of the toy market. The beauty of these little pieces of plastic is that they present a world of infinite opportunities. If you can think it, you can build it with Legos.
Explore the world of Legos just down the road from Kiwanis Park at Arizona Mills’ very own LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona.
Tour the Lego factory and see the process behind manufacturing one of the world’s favorite toys. You can even make your very own one of a kind Lego brick shape!
Build a Lego race car and pit it against others at the Lego Racers section. Hop aboard Kingdom Quest and defend the realm against invaders on this interactive amusement ride. Be the architect of a city and construct a miniature metropolis at Miniland. Enjoy an immersive Lego movie in the Lego 4D Cinema. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona provides guests with seemingly endless ways to have fun. 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282
SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium
Another awesome activity that gets you out of the arid Arizona heat, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium’s collection of exotic sea creatures will leave you in awe.
This aquarium’s goal is to educate you about its animal inhabitants, and they do it in a very interactive way. Located next to every single tank is a touchscreen display with information about the animals living in each specific tank. Presenting interesting facts about them, these touchscreens will captivate your team and turn them into sea life experts.
There are 30 exhibitions to see, each teeming with various sea creatures. Walk through SEA LIFE’s 360-degree ocean tunnel and see what it’s like to be surrounded by the ocean. Watch in amazement as hammerhead sharks, rays, sea turtles, lion fish, and more swim by you. The aquarium also hosts talks with the staff where your team can get further educated on the animals they saw while walking around. 5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282
Mesa Golfland Sunsplash
There’s no better place to cool off from the desert heat than a water park. Mesa Golfland Sunsplash is one of Arizona’s biggest water parks, and one of its most fun too.
Sporting one of the world’s largest wave pools at a whopping 450,000 gallons, Sunsplash doesn’t mess around. Ride on all 10 of their slides, some reaching as high as seven stories high!
A unique water ride you won’t want to miss out on is called the Cauldron. This huge, hemispherical attraction will send you swirling around until you ultimately plunge four stories into a pool.
Staying true to its name, Mesa Golfland Sunsplash offers three, 18 hole mini golf courses, ranging from easy to hard. There is also an arcade stocked with over 200 games, laser tag, go-karts, and much more. 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210
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Places to Eat
Andrew’s BBQ
Dig into some southwestern style barbecue near kiwanis Park at Andrew’s BBQ. Andrew’s was featured on AZ Centrals’ “10 Favorite BBQ spots in Phoenix.”
If you’ve ever been to a legit barbecue joint you may have noticed that the menu is on the smaller side. That’s one of the signs of a great smokehouse. They keep their menu small so they can put all of their focus in every one of their meats.
Andrew’s BBQ is no different. Smoked pork and chicken, beef brisket, and St. Louis ribs are cooking low and slow every single day. Daily specials are offered throughout the week for very reasonable prices as well. 730 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
Barro’s Pizza
Barro’s Pizza, a popular regional chain, has some of the best pizza around and has been recognized as one of the area’s best kid-friendly restaurants.
The diverse list of specialty pizzas has something for everyone. Accompanied with their pizzas are favorites like pasta, sandwiches, and wings. 950 E Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
U.S. Egg
The perfect spot for breakfast and lunch, U.S. Egg is a hit with locals and tourists. Family-owned and operated since 1986, U.S. Eggs has become a bit of an institution in Tempe.
The kitchen pumps out classic breakfast offerings such as omelets, pancakes, and waffles. Anyone looking to start the day on a healthier note can choose an entrée from the lighter side menu. Some frequently ordered lunch dishes are Angus burgers, gourmet salads, and many kinds of sandwiches. 131 E Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
Wildflower Bread Company
Known for delicious sandwiches, Wildflower Bread Company has all the fixings for an awesome team meal. Try their spicy chipotle egg or cheddar braised beef sandwiches.
If a sandwich isn’t what you’re in the mood for, order a pasta dish. Wildflower Bread Company also bakes muffins, bagels, scones, cookies, cakes, and pies. 6428 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85283
There’s never a dull moment in Tempe. With practically infinite attractions to choose from in the surrounding area, your team will enjoy every second of their trip and certainly look forward to competing at Kiwanis Park.