Month: October 2024

Let’s face it — sometimes you just need to escape the noise. Whether it’s the constant requests from the kids or just the general hum of life, finding a quiet moment is like discovering hidden treasure. I’ve got three kids — Jenny, Lincoln, and Molly — and while they’re all wonderful little humans, they definitely come with an energy that could power the whole neighborhood. So, I’ve started hunting for quiet spots around Phoenix where I can take a breath, sip my coffee, and just be… well, me, for a minute.

Here are five spots that have become my personal go-to escapes when I need a moment of peace (and maybe some time to think without hearing “Mom!” every five minutes):

1. Desert Botanical Garden – Sure, you’ll get the occasional group of tourists taking photos, but if you go early enough, it’s just you, the desert plants, and the sound of birds chirping. It’s like a mini vacation without leaving the city. I love just walking through the trails and breathing in the fresh air. Plus, if Molly comes with me, she’ll spend 20 minutes pretending to be a “desert explorer,” so I get some actual peace.
2. Arizona Canal Trail – This one’s a game-changer for me. It’s a long, peaceful path where I can either go for a walk or sit on one of the benches and just watch the world go by. It’s calming, and since it’s off the beaten path, you won’t find crowds of people. Perfect for when you just need some alone time — or, you know, a chance to scroll through Instagram without little hands trying to grab your phone.
3. The Japanese Friendship Garden – Tucked away in downtown Phoenix, this little garden feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The calming sounds of water trickling through the koi ponds and the beauty of the space make it a lovely retreat for some quiet time. The kids would never last more than five minutes here, but that’s exactly why I love it.
4. Piestewa Peak Park – Okay, this one’s for when you want to get your heart rate up a bit, but it’s a quiet spot with gorgeous views. I love coming here in the early morning before it gets crowded. The trails are peaceful, and the silence is just golden. Plus, the view from the top? Worth every step.
5. Kiwanis Park – While this one does have playgrounds and families, there’s a peaceful side to Kiwanis Park that most people miss. Head over to the lake area, and you’ll find plenty of space to sit by the water and soak in some peace while the kids do their thing.

There’s something about finding those spots where you can just hit pause, even if it’s for a short time. It’s like hitting the reset button, and trust me, every mom needs that!

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a mom, it’s that playgrounds are life. Seriously, if I could survive on a steady diet of swings and slides, I’d be doing great. But since I’m an adult and can’t actually play on the playground (though I’ve been tempted), I’ve made it my mission to find the best spots in Phoenix where my kids can burn off their endless energy — and I can just stand there pretending to be a chill mom.

Molly, who’s 8, will swing until she’s a blur, and Lincoln, at 11, is all about climbing and racing up walls like some sort of human spider monkey. Jenny? Well, she’s a teen now, so I’m lucky if she even gets out of the car, but she will join in when there’s a cool slide or a group of kids who need a leader.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Desert Ridge Community Center Park – This place is like the holy grail of Phoenix parks. There’s a huge play area, plus a splash pad (hello, summer!). Jenny may roll her eyes at the “kiddie” stuff, but she’s been known to dive into a game of tag with Molly when no one’s looking.
2. Papago Park – This park is a win for everyone. It’s got a great playground, plus trails to explore. Lincoln loves the desert hikes, and I get a little break while Molly races around the play area. Bonus points for the views and all the photo ops.
3. Kiwanis Park – A massive playground with tons of space for kids to run around without anyone getting trampled. Molly likes to pretend she’s on an obstacle course, and Lincoln is always pretending to be some kind of parkour expert.
4. Thunderbird Conservation Park – This one’s a little more low-key but perfect for a quieter afternoon. The play area is smaller, but the surrounding nature trails give you plenty of room to let them roam. Plus, there’s often a lot of birds, which is Molly’s version of heaven.
5. Encanto Park – If you’re looking for a place that feels like you’ve stepped into a magical forest, this is it. The playground is big, and there are lots of areas to picnic or take a breather. The paddle boats are an added bonus for when you need to trick the kids into getting off the swings.

So, if you’re in Phoenix and looking for somewhere to let your kids get their wiggles out, these parks should be on your list. They’re perfect for running wild, climbing, and just being kids — and, honestly, that’s what we all need, right? A little chaos and a lot of fun.

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