Original post by Chris Tingom, April 2016; update by Kim, February 2020.
Scottsdale Ranch Park had a makeover in 2018! The new equipment is bright and colorful and a climbers paradise. The park has plenty to do to keep kids and adults entertained for hours, including a small botanical garden.
The big kid playground is designed for climbing. There is a separate tower with rope ramps and more. There are slides, spinners, a table and chairs along with a rock wall and climbing discs.
The game tower has memory and reactions which is fun for everyone from my 2 year olds to Grandma and Grandpa.
Down a walkway, separated from the big kids side is the second playground. The little kids playground is an upgrade from your standard playground with ropes, a slide and musical panels for kids to play. It’s a fun twist on the newer playgrounds.
The swings are the only down part about the playground. There are 2 big kid swings, 1 inclusive sing and 1 swing for two. Located next to the little kids playground, it’s too bad there are no toddler swings.
Ramadas are sprinkled all over the park and offer shade, which is nice. The restroom is located in between the two playgrounds. In the volleyball court area there is a single spray pole, which comes in handy for a little cool off or clean off. Surrounding the playground is lots and lots of greenery with walking paths and plenty of room to explore.
The Tennis Center provides adult, junior and senior tennis lessons, as well as private lessons for juniors and adults, ball machine rentals, racquetball, and more. The junior match program is to pair kids of similar skill (ages 10 – 17) together and must be approved from instructors to participate.
Scottsdale Ranch Park features:
- 18 lighted tennis courts
- 4 lighted racquetball courts
- a lighted squash court
- 3 lighted sand volleyball courts
- fully lighted basketball court and two half courts
- 4 lighted baseball fields
- exercise course stations throughout the walking path
- restrooms
- 6 reservable ramada areas
- a walking path (a short walk to the lake to visit ducks and a desert garden)
- The park is amenities are first come first serve. If you are planning on having a catered event, inflatables or any specialty item they ask that you call the facility in advance to verify the company’s insurance information.
The Desert Garden at Scottsdale Ranch is located at the corner of Lakeview Drive and Via Linda. It is free and open to the public, designed to enhance the understanding of the nearby McDowell Mountain area. The garden has three zones: hummingbird nest for low desert area, saguaro and bat sanctuary for the high desert, and a butterfly garden for the riparian community area.
This park is about a 5 minute drive East of Shea and the 101. Plenty of parking throughout the park.
Getting there
Scottsdale Ranch Park & Tennis Center
10400 E Vía Linda
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Phone: (480) 312-7774
There’s so much to do in Scottsdale! Check out our favorite places here, including more parks, indoor play places, activities, and more.
