Chandler is well-known as a great place to raise a family—which makes it a perfect family reunion destination in Arizona. Whether you’re planning a fun getaway with your brood, or a gathering of family members from far and wide, here are some suggestions to make your next family reunion in Arizona all the more memorable and how are tourism office may assist you.
Family Room
Chandler has family reunion accommodations covered with numerous hotel options that will fit every budget and preference. Make yourself at home in the two-bedroom suites, which sleeps seven at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix Chandler Fashion Center hotel located off the highway loop 101 with easy access attractions, a resort-style pool, free breakfast daily and a complimentary evening social Monday - Thursday.
The family-friendly, Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Chandler Fashion Center hotel, located just two miles from Chandler Fashion Center offers event space for groups to gather and features spacious king suites with separate bedroom and living space, and queen sleeper-sofa making it an ideal home-away-from-home . There’s also free hot breakfast and 5:30 Kickback happy hour daily.
The TownePlace Suites by Marriott Phoenix Chandler/Fashion Center, also near the Chandler mall, is an extended stay property with flat-screen TVs, and distinct living and sleeping areas with fully-functional kitchens stocked with cooking essentials to make complete meals. Both properties can host special events like family reunions.
Activities for Everyone
Fill your itinerary with exciting group activities the whole family can enjoy. For starters, orbit the galaxy in the Solar System Walk at Veterans Oasis Park, a 2,500-foot path next to an urban lake with educational markers every foot charting the actual distance between the sun and earth. Or download the Visit Chandler desert scavenger hunt (available as a .pdf file) to explore the desert paths at Veterans Oasis Park.
Explore local culture at the Chandler Museum, offering engaging, community-focused programs in addition to national traveling exhibits or challenge the family to locate clues, solve puzzles and work together at Escape: Chandler, the award-winning escape room.
More of a social media wrangler? Then load your collective selfie sticks and head to Downtown Chandler, one of the best places for family photos, to capture the vibrant street art, including a 225-foot mural spanning part of the Commonwealth Canal, which provides an expressive storytelling glimpse into the colorful history and diversity of the city.
Sights Worth Seeing
Chandler and the surrounding area also offer unique attractions for any age. Enjoy a ‘hole’ lot of family fun with a visit to Swingin’ Safari Mini Golf, an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course.
A quick hop on the freeway to downtown Phoenix lands you at the Arizona Science Center, where kids and adults delve into the wonders of nature, science and technology through self-guided and guided tours, exhibits and live demonstrations. Take a walk on the wild side with a visit to one of the largest non-profit zoos in the country featuring more than 3,000 animals at the Phoenix Zoo.
And be sure to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, the Southwest’s answer to NYC’s Central Park. The urban “jungle” in the heart of Phoenix boasts 50,000 thriving desert plants covering five themed trails in a one-of-kind ecological outing.
Family Dining
The dining scene in Chandler has exploded with several restaurants that cater to families’ diverse appetites. BLD Chandler, located in south Chandler, is a casual, locally-owned (so they get the family thing) scratch kitchen and bar that serves farm-fresh, chef-crafted comfort food all day with drive-thru service.
For high-quality breakfast and brunch, head to east, near the Chandler Airpark, where Eggstasy serves scratch pancakes, waffles, eggs, crepes, and soups. For authentic family-style Italian dining surrounded by kitschy signature red-and-white tablecloths, try Buca di Beppo, which features specialty pastas and pizza and catering services for special occasions such as a family reunion.
Day Trippin’
Chandler’s geographic coordinates make it easy to explore other popular Arizona towns in one day. Tucson, located 90 minutes south of Chandler, is known as the Old Pueblo and is a heritage-rich, multicultural hub of authentic Mexican food, art galleries, giant saguaro cacti, biking trails and unobstructed stargazing.
For a unique change of scenery, head north to witness the rugged red rocks and steep canyon walls of Sedona, a high desert mecca for local artisans, New Age sensibilities and hiking amidst some of the most picturesque scenery in Arizona.
Speaking of jaw-dropping canyons, travel 100 miles north of Sedona through the most breathtaking scenery in U.S. to the south rim of the iconic Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and an unforgettable bucket list item for all family member.
Let Us Help you Plan the Perfect Arizona Family Reunion
Reunions come in all sizes and the Visit Chandler staff is here to help you plan the best family reunion and create memories that your family will talk about for years. Our staff can make it easier from start to finish – contact us today and let’s make plans and find the right hotels, restaurants, things to do and Chandler family fun that everyone will enjoy.
