Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Avondale, AZ

  • Published 2022/12/13

Avondale is ideal for anyone who wants to explore Arizona’s natural beauty without breaking the bank.

This thriving city in Maricopa County, Arizona, is full of free activities and attractions, from historic sites to outdoor recreation areas.

You don’t have to spend much to enjoy all of the fun and exciting things about Avondale.

Many attractions are cheap or completely free.

If you want to explore this beautiful city without having to spend a fortune, here are some of the free things to do in Avondale, Arizona:

Spend a Day at Avondale Friendship Park

Parks are the premier option to enjoy the outdoors, and Avondale Friendship Park is no exception.

This large park has all the features and amenities you and the entire family will enjoy.

Avondale Friendship Park features 10 multipurpose sports fields, two little league baseball fields, a softball diamond, a community garden, and a skate park.

The vibrant playground also offers picnic areas, courts for basketball and volleyball, and a walking loop.

The best thing about Avondale Friendship Park is that all its facilities are open to the public.

Since it’s a bustling city, you can enjoy many restaurants, cafés, and shops nearby.

Play Bowling at Bowlero Avondale

Bowlero is a chain of bowling alleys with a modern twist.

At Bowlero Avondale, you can enjoy the latest technology in bowling that immerses you and your companions in the game.

The bowling alley is open daily from 1 p.m. to 12 midnight, so if you are looking for a place to hang out after the sun goes down, Bowlero is your go-to destination.

You only need to pay a small admission fee to play bowling with friends.

If you truly want to enjoy the bowling scene in Avondale without spending anything, you can opt to watch the bowling games instead.

Entrance to Bowlero Avondale is free, and you can watch all the action up close.

Learn Something New at the Avondale Civic Center Library

Learning is always fun, and it doesn’t have to cost you anything.

Avondale Civic Center Library is the perfect place for anyone looking for something worthwhile to do without spending a dime.

This modern public library offers a wide range of materials that can be accessed online and in person.

You can find books and other media such as ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and more.

The library also offers story time, computer classes, and many kids’ workshops—although you’ll need to pay for registration.

Spending a day at the Avondale Civic Center Library and taking advantage of its free resources is a great way to spend an afternoon in Avondale without worrying about spending money.

Go People Watching at Dessie Lorenz Park

Dessie Lorenz Park is a beautiful park located in downtown Avondale.

Since it’s located in the heart of the city, this park is a great place to go for a walk, relax, and people-watch.

It has all the amenities that make it worth the visit, such as a playground for the kids, a pond, and plenty of benches for resting.

You can also find a variety of trees and flowers that provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon stroll.

It’s also located near interesting attractions in the city, so you can jump from one place to another—all for free!

Don’t miss the chance to visit Dessie Lorenz Park when you’re in Avondale.

Explore the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area

The Base and Meridian Wildlife Area is a great place to explore the natural beauty of Arizona.

This massive park in Avondale is roughly 200 acres big and is home to various plant and animal life, making it the perfect place for nature lovers.

Several hiking trails wind through the area, making it easy to explore.

You can also go fishing at the lake or take a peaceful stroll through the area.

Moreover, the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area are free to visit, making it a great option for budget-minded travelers.

So, if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty, the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area is your go-to spot.

Take in the Breathtaking Views at Monument Hill

Scenic view from Monument Hill

Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Monument Hill is a popular spot in Avondale to take in the stunning views of the city and its nearby areas.

This small hill has a 150-foot climb that will take you to the top, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Avondale and nearby Phoenix, Arizona.

Monument Hill is the perfect place to take a souvenir photo, as the views from the top are breathtaking.

A marker at Monument Hill's summit

Marine 69-71, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The best part is that it’s free; the steep climb can be challenging, yet the destination is more than worth it.

Monument Hill is a can’t-miss experience if you’re looking to take in the sights of Avondale, so include it in your itinerary when visiting the city.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Festival Fields Park

Festival Fields Park is a massive 45-acre park with many activities.

The park offers various facilities, including walking trails, basketball courts, skate parks, and extreme sports courses for all skill levels.

The latest park expansion also features a fishing lake, pump track, splash park, additional ball fields and play courts, multipurpose fields, concession buildings, well-maintained restrooms, a dog park, picnic areas, and custom play structures.

The Festival Fields Park has everything you need for a fun and exciting day in Avondale.

The best part?

Admission to this park is free, making it an ideal destination in Avondale.

Festival Fields Park is the perfect spot if you’re looking to enjoy different outdoor activities in one convenient location.

Experience NASCAR Racing at the NASCAR Racing Experience & Richard Petty Driving Experience

NASCAR is the most prestigious form of motorsport, and Avondale has two NASCAR-themed attractions you can visit.

The first is the NASCAR Racing Experience, where you can get behind the wheel of a real NASCAR car and experience what it’s like to race in a professional setting.

The second is the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can experience what it feels like to be a NASCAR driver, competing in a real race.

If you’re an avid NASCAR fan, this amusement park is an absolute must-visit!

The best part about the NASCAR Racing Experience & Richard Petty Driving Experience is that it’s free to visit if you’re only there to watch the races.

This means you can take in the thrilling atmosphere of NASCAR and experience the excitement of car racing without spending money.

Watch Different Sports at the American Sports Centers

The American Sports Centers is a sports club in Avondale, Arizona.

They feature leagues, tournaments, classes, and clinics for all sports, including baseball, basketball, football, and soccer.

The main attraction is their indoor facility, one of the largest in Arizona.

This massive multi-sport facility features 4 basketball courts, 6 volleyball courts, 2 indoor soccer fields, and a 4,000-square-foot multipurpose recreational field.

The best way to enjoy the American Sports Centers is by spectating the various sports that take place there.

Different events happen daily, and you’ll see all the action simultaneously.

The best part about this multi-sport complex is that spectating is free, and you also get to watch some of the best athletes in Arizona.

If you’re looking for a great way to spend your day in Avondale, then the American Sports Centers are worth checking out.

Let the Kids Run and Play at Las Ligas Park

If you’re in Avondale with the family and looking for someplace to spend quality time without spending a lot of money, the city parks will be your best bet.

Las Ligas Park is one of the most popular parks in Avondale, offering plenty of free activities for the kids.

Las Ligas Park in Avondale is a recreational park with many outdoor features that the kids will love.

The park features a playground with slides, swings, an obstacle course, and an open field for them to run around.

There are also basketball courts, several walking paths, and a picnic area.

Las Ligas Park is an inviting park that will keep your children entertained for hours without spending a single penny.

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to spend a relaxing and enjoyable day with the family in Avondale, head to Las Ligas Park.

Other Things to Do Nearby

With areas like Goodyear and Phoenix near Avondale, there are more free things to do in the area that you can try.

Here are some you can do nearby that won’t require you to spend money:

Explore Nature at the Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Scenic view of Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Norm Lane / Shutterstock.com

The Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear is a beautiful park that offers plenty of outdoor opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

The park features large, mountainous regions with parts of wetlands and even desert areas.

It is also home to many plants and animals, and you’ll find some interesting geological features.

A large cactus at Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Norm Lane / Shutterstock.com

There’s a great hiking trail system that will take you through the different habitats of the park, and there’s also a lake where you can go fishing or kayaking.

The best time to visit the Estrella Mountain Regional Park is spring and fall when the mild temperatures and the wildflowers bloom.

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, check out Estrella Mountain Regional Park.

Cool Down at the Goodyear Community Pool

The Goodyear Community Pool is great for swimming on a hot day.

You’ll only need to pay a small fee to access all of its facilities, and there are plenty of activities for adults and children.

The Goodyear Community Pool features two large pools, a lazy river, a slide complex, and a small toddler pool.

It also has a large outdoor area with picnic tables and grills where you can enjoy lunch.

The place is large, and there’s plenty of room for everyone to splash around and have a great time.

The pool is open every day from 12 noon to 4 p.m., so be sure to plan your visit accordingly and make the most of your time.

Visit the Bible Museum

The Bible Museum in Goodyear is one of the few places in Arizona where you can learn more about the bible and its history.

The Bible Museum is one of the more interesting and unique places you’ll ever visit, and it’s free for all visitors.

It features a wide variety of bibles from around the world, both old and new.

It also holds some of the rarest bibles, as well as theological books, that you will ever come across.

The most interesting part about the Bible Museum is that you get to turn the pages of some bibles, giving you a unique and intimate look at this important book.

The museum is free to visit, and it’s open 24/7.

However, you can also opt to donate to help support the good work that they do.

Watch a Free Event at the Ak-Chin Pavilion

Welcome sign of Ak-Chin Pavilion

Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Ak-Chin Pavilion is great for watching an event in the Valley of the Sun.

Since it’s an open-air amphitheater, you can enjoy a larger event while enjoying the natural beauty of Arizona.

Since it’s an outdoor amphitheater, most of the events held here are free to the public.

This large outdoor venue can accommodate up to 8,106 people, with an additional 12,000 lawn seats available on the hillside behind the main stands.

The Ak-Chin Pavilion is great for watching concerts, plays, and other events without paying for tickets.

It hosts many free-entry events yearly, so watch out for announcements.

If you’re looking for free things to do near Avondale, add the Ak-Chin Pavilion to your list.

Witness the Magical Glendale Glitters

The Glendale Glitters is a light and sound festival in the heart of Glendale.

This amazing event is held in Murphy Park and is completely accessible to the public.

Glendale Glitters features a dazzling light show that will leave you in awe and amazement.

This festival runs for three months, from November to January, which means ample time for you to witness the magic of Glendale Glitters.

The free festival is open to everyone and features live music, artisan markets, food trucks, and more.

Don’t miss some notable activities during this event, such as the Hometown Christmas Parade and Movies by Moonlight!

If you’re ever in Avondale or nearby Glendale during the festive season, check out Glendale Glitters for a truly magical experience.

Final Thoughts

While it may be hard not to spend money when in Avondale, there are plenty of free things to do that you can still enjoy.

From swimming pools and museums to outdoor amphitheaters, you can find many fun activities without breaking the bank.

Include these free things to do in Avondale, Arizona, in your itinerary, and make the most of your time while you’re there.

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