Enchanted Island Amusement Park is located at the heart of Encanto Park, a highly accessible and historic landmark located in central Phoenix. 

The park was first established in 1946 and was later renovated and reopened in 1991 through community efforts. Since then, it has become one of the valley’s mainstays and is popular across different generations of locals.

Keep in mind that the park is relatively old. Because of this, the rides are subject to regular maintenance and inspection as required by law. 

The operating staff also implements safety policies for each ride by staying within height and age limits. While well-intentioned, it’s also something to think about for guardians who need to assist their young ones during the ride. 

We’ve also heard of several accounts of ride attendants and management coming off as rude and unwelcoming. We hope this is something they improve on through proper training.

On the other hand, the park features 11 main attractions including a roller coaster, kiddie pools, and the oldest operating carousel in the state. 

Most of the rides are designed for children ages 1 through 12 but they also have ones that allow adults over 54”, which is great for everyone’s pleasure. These include the train ride, carousel, and climbing wall, to name a few.

Another thing we like about the place is that families and other individuals can easily access the nearby shaded picnic areas, a lagoon, a golf course, and a nature trail. 

If you’re willing to look past its age, we think this park is a good choice because is open to the public and enjoyable for all ages.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is an indoor family attraction that consists of rides, a workshop, a merchandise shop, and a 4D cinema among other things. 

It’s common to think of winding roller coasters and Ferris wheels outdoors when it comes to amusement parks. But as a newcomer in the industry, they offer a smaller version of their theme parks found across the world.

Despite the downsizing, it has taken the younger generation of Phoenix by storm since its inception in 2016. What sets them apart is the interactive and cohesive experience that revolves around the central theme of – you guessed it – Legos.

We were also pleased to find that they’re ADA-compliant, which means that their facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. There are wheelchair-accessible podiums and seating, ramps, and bypass doors all around.

Their employees are also trained and educated in accommodating those with special needs and PWDs, which further seals the deal for us.

Unfortunately, some customers who booked in advance expressed their disappointment when they found certain features unavailable. If they could give a heads-up through their website or email before the visit, that would be appreciated.

Their rates are also on the pricey side, starting at $24.99 for general admission tickets. 

Still, we think they’re a great option for families looking for a multi-sensory and interactive experience. Pro tip: You can make a call before scheduling a visit to ensure the availability of the attractions.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is an indoor amusement center geared towards children of different ages and the young at heart. 

Instead of mechanical rides, they take things to a whole different level with their hodgepodge of bouncy attractions. Among these are trampolines and obstacle courses.

One thing we appreciate is their commitment to the safety of their guests through enhanced cleaning procedures and strict enforcement of park regulations. Customers are less likely to overcrowd, from what we’ve seen.

They’re also active members of the Attractions and American Society for Testing and Materials (or ASTM), which we found reassuring. This means that they jump on the latest international standards in terms of their equipment and services.

Trampolining is a low-impact sport that is relatively safe for physically-impaired individuals. This kind of activity induces less stress on muscles and joints, but we strongly advise the presence of supervision.

When it comes to their packages, the price starts at $14.49 for basic attractions and up to $41.49 for an all-inclusive experience. Booking tickets online is the better route from what we’ve heard.

They’re also popular with their birthday party packages and have hosted countless parties in the last 10 years. These also come in affordable packages.

However, their customer service could use some work since we’ve heard of negative customer experiences about less-than-accommodating staff.

All things considered, we think it’s worth taking the leap especially if you’re looking to host a party with a lot of fanfare, or just want to break a sweat and have fun while you’re at it.

Party Jungle is a family-owned indoor amusement park known for its animal-themed attractions. They’re also popular for their all-day passes–without the pressure of a time limit. 

As a favorite among children, they’re a recipient of awards such as the Phoenix Award for Best Children’s Entertainment Center and Winnie Family Favorite. We thought this was impressive, considering they’ve only been around since 2017.

It appears they live up to these titles from all the happy kiddos we’ve seen walk through their doors. Apparently, the parents are also fans of the place for the same reason, plus their admission is free.

Aside from their selection of rides, what caught our eye were the decorative flooring and clean surroundings, which is something customers appreciate as well.

Another plus in our book is the friendly and accommodating staff. We’ve heard accounts from guardians saying that they go out of their way in assisting  their young ones on the rides, particularly children with special needs.

They also offer different party packages with varying inclusions. Fortunately, they allow outside catering for private and corporate events since some would prefer their selection of food apart from the in-house snack bar.

It’s also best to email them since calls are usually taken from the establishment, which admittedly gets loud and makes it hard to hear.

For families who seek the fun of an amusement park at an affordable price, minus the nuclear summer heat of Arizona, this place is an oasis for what it has to offer.

Castles N’ Coasters first started as a mini golf course in 1972. Since then, it has expanded to over 20 park rides and indoor attractions in the ’90s.

As a major amusement park in Phoenix, they have the most rides to choose from.

For one, they’re home to the largest and most complex roller coaster to date, called Desert Storm, and a drop tower as high as 120 ft. It’s a good thing that both of these rides have smaller and moderate versions that are appropriate for younger children.

On the other hand, they have an indoor arcade of 10,000 ft packed with nostalgia, for those who want a trip down memory lane. They also have a mini golf course, which is one of the quieter spots in the park.

In the matter of crowds, it’s better to visit on a weekday towards sundown from what we’ve heard. Customers find that there are almost no lines and it’s an ideal way to avoid the heat.

A lot of the parkgoers also seem to find the food decent. We suggest bringing your water bottles because they cost as much as $5.

What we like about them is that they’re open to all, whether you’re a family or a group of friends. They’re also properly maintained for an old establishment.

We suggest coming on a weekday to make the most out of your visit. Their unlimited pass costs $45 for 3, which is a little overpriced for some.