


Cerreta Candy Company offers a sweet adventure for families with free, behind-the-scenes tours of their working chocolate factory where kids can watch candy makers craft delicious treats in real-time. The tour includes generous samples throughout, and the visit ends in a charming shop filled with handmade chocolates, caramel apples, and other confections that make perfect souvenirs or treats.
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM) offer the best experience with smaller tour groups and full production in action. Avoid Saturday afternoons when crowds peak, and note they're closed Sundays.
Tours are completely FREE with generous sampling included throughout. The facility has easy parking in their lot, and the shop accepts cards and cash. The factory floor can be warm, so dress accordingly.
Closed Sundays year-round. Visit during major holidays (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter) for special themed candies and decorations. Summer months may have reduced production due to heat, so fall through spring offers the most active candy-making viewing.
Head to The Arrogant Butcher or Scramble (both about 10 minutes away in downtown Glendale) for kid-friendly American fare, or grab lunch at nearby In-N-Out Burger on Glendale Avenue for a quick, budget-friendly option kids love.
Heroes Regional Park is Glendale's crown jewel for family outdoor adventures, spanning enough space to keep kids entertained from sunrise to sunset. With a beautiful fishing lake, multiple playgrounds for different age groups, a refreshing splash pad for hot Arizona days, and miles of stroller-friendly walking trails, this park truly offers something for every member of the family.
This hidden gem combines museum exploration with creative hands-on fun, showcasing stunning beads from cultures around the world while offering workshops where kids can design and take home their own beaded jewelry. It's a perfect rainy-day activity that engages children's creativity and teaches them about global artistry in an intimate, welcoming setting.
Thunderbird Conservation Park offers families an accessible introduction to the stunning Sonoran Desert with well-maintained trails perfect for little hikers. Kids will love spotting desert wildlife like rabbits, lizards, and various birds while exploring the easier loop trails with panoramic mountain views. The park's gentle terrain and shorter trail options make it ideal for families wanting a desert adventure without the intensity of more challenging Arizona hikes.
Sahuaro Ranch Park is a hidden gem in Glendale that combines history, nature, and play across 17 beautiful acres. Kids will be enchanted by the free-roaming peacocks and barnyard animals, while parents appreciate the well-maintained playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and peaceful rose gardens that make this more than just your average neighborhood park.