When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
Paseo Highlands Park

Why Paseo Highlands Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Paseo Highlands Park, located at 3435 W. Pinnacle Peak Road in Phoenix, Arizona, is a vibrant community hub that offers an excellent space for families and friends to gather and enjoy outdoor activities. Spanning a large area, the park features multiple playgrounds tailored for varied age groups including toddler and big kid sets equipped with slides, monkey bars, and a notable climbing wall that attracts kids of all ages. The playground areas are sand-based and include shaded spots and ample seating, making it a comfortable environment for parents and caregivers as well. Beyond the playground, Paseo Highlands Park boasts a variety of sports courts such as basketball, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball sand pits, alongside soccer and ball fields. These amenities cater to both children and adults, promoting active lifestyles and community engagement. The presence of ramadas with picnic tables and grills provides ideal settings for social gatherings, while clean restrooms with proper stall doors ensure convenience. The park also houses the Goelet A.C. Beuf Community Center, a well-equipped facility offering meeting rooms and a gym that hosts numerous programs and activities for residents. With operating hours from early morning until late evening, spacious parking areas, and a welcoming atmosphere, Paseo Highlands Park is a noteworthy destination for connecting with friends, family, and the broader community in Phoenix.
Here's what people think of Paseo Highlands Park
As of recent, Paseo Highlands Park holds a 4.6-star rating based on 579 reviews.
The community feedback for Paseo Highlands Park is overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its strong 4.6 rating from over 579 reviews. Visitors consistently praise the playground facilities, especially the large climbing wall which offers engaging challenges for children and helps develop their motor skills and confidence. Reviewers appreciate the variety of equipment and the provision of areas suited to different age groups, highlighting that the park successfully caters to families with children ranging from toddlers to older kids. The availability of diverse sports courts and fields is also frequently noted as a major plus, providing options for recreational activities that appeal to a wider audience including adults. Positive reviews often commend the cleanliness of the park, the shaded areas, and the accessibility of restrooms, which enhance the overall visitor experience. On the other hand, some negative comments revolve around the playground's step design on the larger set, leading to occasional tumbles, and a few visitors mention that while the playground is enjoyable, it is not extraordinarily unique compared to other parks. Despite minor criticisms, the overall consensus is that Paseo Highlands Park offers a reliable, safe, and enjoyable environment. Its combination of recreational features, community resources like the Beuf Community Center, and pleasant picnic areas positions it as one of Phoenix's most beloved local parks where people can meet, play, and relax in a friendly neighborhood setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ben Kroman
Love the park an come ever other day but i don't understand why there allowing a homeless guy to live in his rv an running a generator all day? Just walking around the park you hear people talking bout it. The guys been here for over 3 months now an it really weird an makes it uncomfortable.
DeeDee Daley
Great place to walk, play, and relax. People are always here with their pups, most on leashes. It has 6 or 8 tennis courts. The perimeter is a marked mile. It has a small playground, a basketball court, baseball field, soccer-sized fields of grass and shade trees.
Toni
This was my first time visiting this park and I really like it. We came on a Saturday around 2pm and were able to find two shaded tables by the tennis courts. There were lots of parties and kids running around. Also located at this park is a police station so that made me feel a little safer. Kind of irrelevant but good to know.
Eileen L. Smith
My review of Paseo Highlands Park: I love this place. The bathrooms are between the basket ball courts and play area.Small covered pavilions and one large covered pavilion and covered play area filled with sand. Lots of play equipment, like slides, swings and a huge rock climbing structure. There are also bathrooms inside the Community Center and some very fun rock sculptures to play on. I think you will love this place too.
Puneeth H R
Very well managed and vast playground. There is ample car parking space around the park, has restrooms, eating and seating area plus kids play area. There are many play courts and the ground is always abuzz with people. I personally love this space as its very well maintained and less crowded. One of the best attractions in the place is its huge football and open grounds.
How to reach Paseo Highlands Park
None
Website: None

Why Paseo Highlands Park may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Paseo Highlands Park with your friends? This park offers an ideal space to gather, socialize, and create memorable moments with loved ones. With a solid 4.6-star rating based on nearly 580 reviews, it has earned a reputation for being a vibrant and accommodating destination for group activities. The combination of engaging amenities, vast outdoor spaces, and a well-maintained environment makes it a spot where people of all ages can enjoy a day out without feeling cramped or limited. Whether you’re planning a casual hangout, a family picnic, or an energetic day of sports, Paseo Highlands Park provides a versatile setting that suits diverse interests. Plus, the presence of a community center and shaded picnic areas ensures comfort and convenience, encouraging longer visits and fostering a sense of community. Rallying here with friends means access to fun, relaxation, and plenty of opportunities to connect face-to-face in a beautiful setting designed to meet your group’s recreational and social needs.
What activities can you enjoy at Paseo Highlands Park? The park boasts a rich variety of options tailored for all ages and activity preferences. There are two separate playgrounds, one for toddlers and another designed for older kids, each featuring slides, climbing structures, monkey bars, and swings. The toddler playground includes baby swings, while the bigger playground offers more challenging equipment like a large climbing wall with varied shapes and grips, perfect for multiple age levels. Beyond the playgrounds, the park features courts for basketball, tennis, volleyball, and pickleball, including six dedicated outdoor pickleball courts with permanent nets and lights, ideal for both casual play and more competitive games. For enthusiasts of team sports, soccer and ball fields provide ample space to organize matches. Additionally, for those who prefer less intense activities, shaded picnic ramadas with grills and picnic tables create a cozy environment for eating, chatting, and resting between activities. All these options make Paseo Highlands Park a perfect venue to accommodate diverse interests within any group, ensuring everyone finds something enjoyable.
Why is Paseo Highlands Park perfect for group meetups? The expansive layout and variety of available amenities allow for flexible gathering sizes, from small friend groups to larger family reunions or community meetups. The presence of multiple picnic areas with grills and shade structures supports meal-sharing experiences and comfortable breaks from active play. The large community center adjacent to the park adds an indoor option that includes a gymnasium, fitness center, dance room, game room, and classrooms—great for organizing group activities regardless of weather conditions. Moreover, restrooms are conveniently located between the playground and sporting fields, providing clean and accessible facilities for everyone. The parking availability on both sides of the community center reduces logistical hassles when coordinating arrivals and departures for groups. Also, the park hosts community events such as outdoor movies and food truck gatherings, making it ideal for more festive occasions. These features combine to create a welcoming, multifunctional environment that supports both structured and spontaneous group experiences.
What makes the playgrounds and sports facilities special at Paseo Highlands Park? The two playgrounds cater thoughtfully to different age groups, with toddler-specific equipment ensuring young children can play safely and comfortably, while the big kid set offers more adventurous features that encourage physical challenges and skill-building. The climbing wall is a highlight, fun for kids and an activity that fosters perseverance and confidence. The playground’s sand base and partial shading provide a pleasant and safe surface for play. On the sports front, the basketball courts, tennis courts, and volleyball pit provide options for traditional, high-energy games, while the pickleball courts stand out because they are dedicated, well-maintained, and free to use, complete with lighting for evening play. These facilities encourage friendly competition, teamwork, and physical exercise, making them perfect for groups looking to engage in active, sports-oriented meetups.
How accessible and convenient is Paseo Highlands Park for visitors? Located at 3435 W Pinnacle Peak Road in Phoenix, the park is easy to reach and offers extensive parking options on either side of the community center, facilitating smooth access for multiple vehicles. It operates daily from early morning until 10 p.m., providing flexible scheduling options for daytime or evening meetups. Drinking fountains are scattered throughout the park to keep visitors hydrated, while clean restrooms with stall doors ensure privacy and convenience—a notable perk compared to other city parks. The mix of shaded areas, benches, and picnic tables allows for comfortable resting spots and social zones that are integrated seamlessly into the open spaces. These logistical conveniences reduce common stressors associated with group outings, helping everyone focus on enjoying the experience.
What special features does the Goelet A.C. Beuf Community Center add to the park experience? The large, 48,000-square-foot community center on-site contributes significantly to the park’s appeal, offering an indoor refuge with diverse facilities. It houses a fully equipped gymnasium with regulation-sized basketball hoops, a fitness room featuring cardio and weight equipment, a dedicated dance and exercise room, a game room, and a computer lab. The center also includes multipurpose and conference rooms, a toddler playroom, locker rooms, and a kitchen, positioning it as an ideal venue for organized group classes, fitness sessions, or meetings during meetups. Named in honor of a local fallen police officer, the center carries community significance, enhancing the sense of connection and safety for visitors. This community hub makes the park a year-round destination, able to accommodate everything from sports clinics to dance workshops or even casual indoor gatherings complementary to outdoor fun.
Can you participate in events and programs at Paseo Highlands Park? Yes, the park and its facilities regularly host a wide range of events, programs, and sports leagues suited for community members of all ages. These include flag football camps for kids, teen and senior programs at the community center, and seasonal sports leagues such as soccer or basketball. The park has also been the site of free outdoor movie nights, food truck gatherings, and other family-friendly festivals that bring neighbors together in a lively, communal setting. For pickleball enthusiasts, the six dedicated courts are often venues for group games and social meetups, supported by a local community that encourages new players to join. This dynamic calendar of activities means the park is not only a space for casual visitation but also a focal point for community engagement and active social life.
What makes Paseo Highlands Park a cost-effective choice for meetups? Many of the park’s features and facilities are available to visitors free of charge, including access to playgrounds, open fields, sports courts, and picnic areas. The pickleball courts, for example, are free to use, and parking is complimentary. The availability of picnic grills and shaded tables allows groups to bring their own food and enjoy a full day without dining expenses, while the community center offers reasonably priced fitness memberships and class enrollments for those interested in more structured activities. This blend of free and cost-effective options ensures that meetups can be tailored to fit various budgets without sacrificing quality or variety of experience, making Paseo Highlands Park an inviting option regardless of group size or financial constraints.
How does Paseo Highlands Park foster a sense of community? The park is designed not just as a recreational space, but as a community gathering spot that supports social connections and shared experiences. Its inclusive design with amenities for all age groups—toddlers, kids, teens, adults, and seniors—encourages intergenerational mingling. The frequent hosting of community events enhances this role, providing occasions where individuals and families can celebrate together, build relationships, and feel part of something larger. The memorial character of the community center adds a layer of respect and local pride, creating a space where friendships and communal identity flourish. Overall, Paseo Highlands Park serves as a vital hub that nurtures community well-being through accessible recreational and social opportunities.
Why choose Paseo Highlands Park over other parks in Phoenix? With its comprehensive range of facilities, scenic, spacious environment, and excellent maintenance, Paseo Highlands Park stands out as a premier destination for anyone looking to host a group event or casual meetup. The balance of active sports amenities and kid-friendly playgrounds meets the needs of diverse groups, while the availability of indoor options via the community center provides year-round usability. Its strong user ratings and the positive feedback about safety, cleanliness, and family orientation highlight it as a dependable choice. Furthermore, the park’s location and the ease of parking add to its appeal compared with more congested or less equipped alternatives. For group planners seeking a space that is welcoming, convenient, versatile, and community-oriented, Paseo Highlands Park is undoubtedly a top contender.