Photo: Westgate Entertainment District
Photo: Vicente Salt
Photo: Peter
Westgate Entertainment District
★4.6(20,129 reviews)$Entertainment
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers love splashing in the fountain area, elementary-aged kids enjoy the open spaces and seasonal activities, while teens appreciate the shopping, dining options, and entertainment venues.🧡 Saved by 36 families
About
Westgate Entertainment District is a lively open-air destination that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment in one convenient location. With its impressive splash pad, seasonal events, and proximity to State Farm Stadium, it's become a go-to spot for Glendale families looking for a fun afternoon or evening out with kids of all ages.
Highlights
- ✓Free interactive splash pad perfect for cooling off on hot Arizona days
- ✓Large outdoor plaza with plenty of space for kids to play and explore
- ✓Seasonal family events including concerts, holiday celebrations, and movie nights
- ✓Diverse dining options from pizza and burgers to Tex-Mex and frozen treats
- ✓Close proximity to State Farm Stadium for game day excitement
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit the splash pad during weekday mornings for fewer crowds and bring towels, sunscreen, and a change of clothes
- 2.Park in the garage near the AMC theater for easiest access to the splash pad and main plaza area
- 3.Check their event calendar before visiting,they host free concerts, movie nights, and holiday celebrations throughout the year
- 4.The wide-open plaza spaces are perfect for kids to run around while parents enjoy outdoor dining at the many restaurants
- 5.Come for a Cardinals game day to experience the electric pre-game atmosphere, but arrive early as it gets very crowded
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday late afternoons (4-7 PM) or weekend mornings for a relaxed experience. October through April offers the best weather for enjoying the outdoor spaces. Summer evenings are ideal when temperatures cool down and the splash pad provides relief.
What to Know
Parking is free in the adjacent lots and garages. The district offers a wide variety of family-friendly dining options from casual to sit-down restaurants, plus restrooms throughout the complex and stroller-friendly walkways.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad typically operates spring through fall (weather permitting). Holiday season features special events, decorations, and visits with Santa. Summer can be extremely hot, so evening visits are recommended June through August. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for extended outdoor time.
Real Experiences
@westgateaz
View on TikTok
Nearby Eats
The district itself houses numerous kid-friendly restaurants including Yard House (with a kids' menu and outdoor seating), Kabuki Japanese Restaurant, and Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. For quick bites, check out the ice cream shops and casual eateries scattered throughout.
More Activities Near Glendale
Entertainment
Great Skate
★4.1$❤️33
Great Skate brings classic roller skating fun to Glendale families with multiple skate sessions throughout the week perfect for all skill levels. Beyond the rink, kids can enjoy arcade games, grab pizza between skating sessions, and parents will love the nostalgic atmosphere that makes this a true multi-generational experience.
Park
Heroes Regional Park
Free
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.
Museum
Prescott Trading Post & Bead Museum
★5.0$❤️26
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.
Nature
Thunderbird Conservation Park
★4.8Free❤️198
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.