Free Things to Do in Chandler, AZ

With more than 300 sun-drenched days per year, you don't need to look far to find free things to do in Chandler, AZ. Spending time outdoors is always fun, but we have plenty of exciting indoor activities, like visiting museums and shopping places, where you'll have a great time on the cheap while beating the heat.

Arts & Museums

CHANDLER MUSEUM
300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler AZ 85226
(480) 782-2717

A visit to the Chandler Museum is one of the best free activities in Chandler, AZ. The museum showcases six to eight exhibitions annually in its modern 10,000-square-foot facility. Some are traveling exhibits, while others closely examine Chandler’s rich history. What's more, the Chandler Museum offers a host of public programs.

THE VISION GALLERY
10 E. Chicago Street, Chandler AZ 85225
(480) 782-2695

With so much natural light, The Vision Gallery is an inspiring and welcoming place to spend the day free of charge. Here, you'll discover extensive works from regional and local artists. The gallery's mediums include photography, paintings, textiles, sculptures, ceramics, printmaking, and multi-media art.

Sports & Recreation

Desert Breeze Park
660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd., Chandler AZ 85226

The Hummingbird Habitat at Desert Breeze Park is part of a demonstration garden that familiarizes visitors with beautiful, low-water-using Southwestern plants that are part of the natural environment that supports area wildlife. Interpretive trail markers help identify plants. The park also offers ball fields, lake views, walking trails, picnic pavilions, a playground, restrooms, and tennis.

Paseo Trail
The trail begins at Galveston St. and continues through Riggs Road

The 9.5-mile Paseo Trail features a 10-foot-wide concrete multi-use pathway on the eastern side of the Consolidated Canal in east Chandler. The western side of the canal is an unimproved dirt surface for horseback riding or bicycling. The Paseo Trail is one of the reasons why Prevention magazine named Chandler one of the top ten most walkable cities in the U.S. for 2007.

Veterans Oasis Park and Chandler Nature Center
4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler AZ 85249

This dynamic, mixed-use facility is located in the city's southeast corner at the intersection of Lindsay and Chandler Heights Roads. The center includes four classrooms for wildlife preservation and environmental awareness, exhibit areas, an outdoor amphitheater, a nature store, and an urban fishing lake, all surrounded by more than four miles of trails. The facility's primary purpose is to recharge reclaimed water in the ground for later use. The staff works with local schools to develop nature-oriented activities that complement their curriculum. Programs include birdwatching, green living, gardening, water conservation, nature photography, orienteering, alternative energy, stargazing, and moonwalks. Entrance to the Chandler Nature Center is free, and visitors are welcome to view the exhibits and walk the trails around the urban fishing lake.

Shopping

Downtown Ocotillo
Located at the southwest corner of Dobson and Queen Creek Roads

In south Chandler, Downtown Ocotillo is an upscale lifestyle center with gorgeous buildings and tree-lined streets that will make you question if you've somehow transported to luxurious Santa Barbara. Primarily known for its dining and drinking scene, there's also a salon, wine store, and specialty retail. Spending an afternoon browsing the grounds and ducking into a restaurant for a bite is easy.

Shops at Pecos Ranch
Located at the northeast corner of Dobson and Germann Roads

The Shops at Pecos Ranch offer much to explore. The outdoor complex is clean and inviting, providing a fun way to get those steps in while window shopping or browsing the shops. Take a break by popping into Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers or Yolove Frozen Yogurt. 

The Shoppes at Casa Paloma
Located East of I-10 along the south side of Ray Road

The grounds of The Shoppes at Casa Paloma are so appealing that time can easily (and joyfully!) slip away as you explore. Take your pick from Bark & Luv, Bath & Body Works, Ulta Beauty, Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelry, and many others.