Being a new mom is tough. There is so many things to do and remember that when it comes to going outside of your home, it can feel a bit daunting.
Being a mom to an infant and a two-and-a-half-year-old myself, I can relate to all these overwhelming tasks- including going to a park
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) advises that infancy is ages 0-1. This encompasses all babies that are unable to lift their heads to just starting to walk. Going to a park at these ages can be tough when they cannot get on the play equipment by themselves. So, what is a mom to do during this first year of life? Below is our favorite parks to take your little ones- which includes all of the things you can do with your infant.
XO,
Amanda
Chandler
The Chandler Parks and Rec department does an amazing job with their park’s website. Each public park is perfectly outlined with a map and a nice write up of the area. This can save you time when trying to plan your next adventure.
I might add, each park has a great walking trail and would be perfect for you to take your little one.
Desert Breeze Park (McClintok and Ray)– This park has a wonderful lake with a walking trail. Furthermore, there is a story walk along the trail, which has sections of Brown Bear Brown Bear shown for you to read.
For an additional cost, you can take your infant on the carousel and train. These two rides are perfect spots to hold your infant for a nice ride.
Adding to the above list of reasons why this park is great, there are infant swings for the littles who can sit up on their own, large play equipment, and concessions.
Gilbert
Much like Chandler, Gilbert also lists all their parks on their Parks and Recreation’s website. Although, not as vast and detailed, it is a nice tool to find the perfect spot for you and your family.
Freestone Park (Lindsay and Guadalupe)– This park has a fantastic walking trail that will connect you to all three play equipment areas, as well as their lake. Much like Chandler’s Desert Breeze Park, they also have concessions, a train, and carousel, but also a ferris wheel and wave runner ride.
Riparian Preserve (Greenfield and Guadalupe)- Filled with numerous ponds and walking trails, this park is sure to fill your littles one’s eyes with wonder. This park also has some shaded areas that are great for some of those hotter days.
Mesa
Mesa Parks and Recreation’s website has a beautifully set up list of their public parks. While not all of the parks listed have a map available through the site, they do detail what amenities each park offers.
Desert Arroyo Park (Ellsworth and McKellips)- This park is wonderful for not only the infants, but also any young kids. It is filled with a botanical walking trail, a hiking/biking path, educational discovery loop, as well as a small playground. This park is wonderful for stroller rides and baby carrying.
Riverview (Dobson and Rio Salado)- While this park is not shaded, it has a ton of walking paths for stroller rides along the water. It is centrally located near Mesa Riverview and Tempe Town Lake, for the mommas who enjoy a little shopping. The Rio Salado Pathway is right here and is a great way to enjoy some walking between all of the parks and shopping areas.
Queen Creek
Queen Creek Parks and Recreation’s website lists their current public parks. While there are not many listed on this site, you can find many parks in each neighborhood throughout the town that all are welcome to go to.
Desert Mountain Park (Hawes and Ocotillo)- Housed with two levels of play equipment (one for older kids and one for toddlers), a walking trail that connects you to the neighboring houses as well as the Queen Creek Wash, and sandboxes, this park may have everything that you’re looking for. Who knows, maybe you will get to even see a horse!
Mansel Carter Oasis (Sossaman and Ocotillo)- This park houses a nice lake that has a walking trail around it. This is perfect for stroller rides or wearing your baby around the park.
San Tan Valley
San Tan Mountain Regional Park (Thompson and Phillips)– This is a beautiful spot to take your family on a fun and less strenuous hike. While it is not stroller friendly, it has the perfect trails for baby wearing. Your infant will love seeing all the desert landscape, mountains, and animals at this park.
Tempe
Tempe, like most of Maricopa County, also has a wonderful Parks and Recreation website aimed to help residents find the perfect park for them. Tempe has done a great job of providing public parks all within a mile of one another.
With infants, stick to the paved walking path at Tempe Town Beach Park, and be sure to check out our full guide of the park for older kiddos here).
Evelyn Hallman Park (College and McKellips)- This park is fairly quiet, which makes it perfect for a newborn when taking a stroll outdoors. There is a nice pond with walking trails around it to see birds and other wildlife.
