Top 15 Exciting Activities and Attractions in Youngtown, AZ

Youngtown, Arizona, is a small municipality nestled within the greater Phoenix area, adjacent to the towns of El Mirage, Glendale, and Peoria.

While numerous towns in Arizona are experiencing rapid development characterized by sprawling neighborhoods and chain retail environments, established areas like El Mirage maintain their traditional charm, making them appealing and affordable options for families.

Although most local attractions lie outside the town limits, Youngtown serves as an excellent base for exploring the expansive offerings of Arizona.

Below are 15 distinguished activities in and around Youngtown.

1. Dine at the Legend – Garcia’s

Describing Garcia’s Las Avenidas as an Arizona institution would be accurate.

Situated on North 35th Avenue in Phoenix, the original Garcia’s has inspired numerous imitators sharing the same name, but it is essential to note that they are not all created equal.

For nearly 60 years, this family-owned establishment has been offering traditional Mexican dishes from the same location.

A personal favorite includes the machaca chimichanga, a deep-fried burrito filled with shredded beef and beans, generously topped with cheese and your choice of red or green chili sauce, or both—a combination affectionately known as a Christmas tree.

The restaurant is housed in a substantial hacienda-style building on the west side of North 35th Avenue.

2. Citadelle Plaza Farmer’s Market

Farmer’s markets represent more than mere shopping venues for essentials like milk, eggs, and vegetables.

They serve as communal hubs where local farmers, entrepreneurs, and food enthusiasts connect and support each other. Additionally, they provide opportunities to acquire unique products that are hard to find elsewhere.

Located just a short drive from Youngtown, the Citadelle Plaza Farmer’s Market distinguishes itself by hosting evening hours during specific seasons, likely to avoid the intense Arizona heat.

This market presents an excellent opportunity to purchase fresh produce and back local businesses.

3. Galleries Guadalajara

If you seek authentic southwestern artifacts such as plants, pottery, tiles, or decorations for your home and garden, Galleries Guadalajara in Surprise should be your primary destination.

This off-the-beaten-path treasure features a diverse array of merchandise and an ambiance that might transport you back to an era when this region was part of Mexico.

Many items are imported from Mexico, while others are crafted locally.

As a family-owned establishment, its extensive inventory and reasonable prices create a compelling reason to visit.

4. Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center

While Arizona is rich in history, art, and culture, these aspects may not captivate the younger members of your family.

Situated on West Olive Avenue in Peoria, Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center provides an exciting venue for children to enjoy themselves.

The facility boasts trampolines, slides, obstacle courses, and basketball nets designed for slam dunks, ensuring that children remain active and entertained.

Open seven days a week, the center is an ideal location for birthday celebrations, offering delicious food, private rooms, and dedicated staff to manage details.

5. The Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum

Positioned on West Camelback Road in Litchfield Park, the Litchfield Park Historical Society and Museum serves as an invaluable resource for gaining insight into the captivating history of west valley towns like Youngtown, Avondale, and Litchfield Park.

Open since 2012, the society and museum reside within the historic home of the individual for whom Litchfield Park was named.

The museum houses thousands of photographs, records, films, and artifacts pertaining to the local history, but the oral accounts recorded provide an engaging personal glimpse into the past for visitors.

6. Fightertown Paintball Park

Located on North 121st Avenue in El Mirage, Fightertown Paintball Park is the ideal venue for testing tactical abilities, releasing tension on opponents, and having an enjoyable experience.

The outdoor arena features obstacles, barrels, boulders, and ambush spots that allow players to outmaneuver teammates before they are aware of what is happening.

The facility operates on a seasonal schedule due to the extreme summer temperatures in Arizona, making it a preferred destination for private gatherings and corporate team-building exercises, which many professionals claim foster unity and cohesion.

7. Gateway Park

Situated on North El Mirage Road in El Mirage, Gateway Park is a delightful venue where visitors can stretch their legs, unwind, or engage in calorie-burning activities.

The park features covered seating areas for picnics and barbecues, a skate park, basketball courts, and a splash park, catering to families.

Facilities include restrooms, water fountains, and playgrounds catering to various age groups.

Considering all the activities, visitors may get hungry and thirsty, for which there is a small concession area offering snacks, shaved ice, and ice cream.

What more could one ask for?

8. The Heard Museum

If circumstances limit your visit to just one site focused on Arizona’s Native American art, history, and culture, then the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix emerges as the premier destination.

This accessible site is only a 20-minute drive from Youngtown and is widely regarded as the leading facility dedicated to indigenous peoples of the American southwest.

Founded in the late 1920s by the affluent Heard family, the museum has consistently preserved and highlighted the area’s rich history.

The museum also hosts numerous art, music, and historical events, in addition to featuring a gift shop and café.

9. See a Live Concert at Arts in the Park

During wintertime in the United States, there are few locales more appealing than the west valley towns, including Youngtown and Litchfield Park.

While much of the country grapples with snow and ice and endures early nightfall, many Arizona residents and visitors enjoy free outdoor concerts.

If you prefer to be among the latter group, plan your visit accordingly, as Arts in the Park is a complimentary outdoor concert series showcasing live performances spanning genres from country to oldies to bluegrass.

This event represents an excellent opportunity to spend an evening mingling with locals.

10. White Tank Mountain Regional Park

Situated a few miles west of Youngtown within the White Tank Mountains, White Tank Mountain Regional Park is frequently bypassed by hurried tourists due to its distance from the town.

The park derives its name from the prominent, sun-bleached rock formations resembling water storage tanks and is teeming with native wildlife as well as countless Native American petroglyphs.

Covering over 26,000 acres, the park is expansive, making it prudent to review trail routes before embarking.

Additionally, it houses the majestic saguaro cactus, many of which rise 40 feet above the desert floor.

The park is open daily, and parking is available free of charge.

11. Arizona Scenic Tours

Amidst the plethora of options Arizona provides, organizing activities for your trip may appear daunting.

When you consider the vastness of Arizona, enlisting the assistance of a travel and tourism professional may seem advantageous.

If this resonates with you, contemplate the diverse offerings provided by Arizona Scenic Tours.

Regardless of whether you are staying in Youngtown, Glendale, or Phoenix, accessing many renowned sites within Arizona, including the Grand Canyon, Colorado River, and Sedona among others, is quite feasible.

Although this approach may not be the most economical way to explore the state, it affords substantial value and alleviates the hassle of logistics.

12. Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Arizona boasts an array of parks and reserves that aim to safeguard its natural wonders, most of which are accessible to both residents and visitors.

Located just south of Youngtown in Litchfield Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park encompasses nearly 20,000 acres, offering opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The park also features a public golf course and, thanks to its riparian habitats, attracts an impressive diversity of wildlife that thrives near the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers.

13. Surprise Aquatic Center

For residents of Youngtown or those merely passing through, a prime method to combat the sweltering desert temperatures is a visit to the Surprise Aquatic Center, located in Surprise.

Featuring slides, tunnels, flumes, and even a whirlpool and vortex, the continually flowing water ensures that everyone enjoys a refreshing experience.

The center includes pools designated for toddlers, and for those seeking a more tranquil setting for swimming laps, there is an adult-only area off-limits to children.

The facility is operated by the City of Surprise, and details can be easily obtained online.

14. The Wigwam Resort

The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it was an exclusive haven for Hollywood celebrities and affluent business leaders from the Midwest and East Coast.

Located on East Wigwam Boulevard in Litchfield Park, it continues to be known for providing exceptional service to its guests and has expanded significantly over the years.

With over 300 private casitas, a golf course, spa, and gourmet dining options, one might not feel the need to leave the luxurious resort grounds.

A prominent new waterslide tower has also been added for the enjoyment of younger visitors.

15. Desert Diamond Casino

Whether you are feeling fortunate or simply in search of excellent dining and live entertainment, the Desert Diamond Casino is worth a visit.

Located approximately 15 minutes from Youngtown, the casino operates 24/7, ensuring accessibility at any time.

If live music, comedy, and other performances are of interest, you can find information on their website regarding upcoming events during your visit.

Local patrons frequently commend the casino’s cuisine, reportedly rivaling the food served in Las Vegas.