Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Tolleson, AZ

Located in Phoenix’s west Valley near Avondale and Litchfield Park, Tolleson is a town with nearly 7,000 residents in Arizona’s Maricopa County.

While surrounded by many rapidly developing municipalities featuring new neighborhoods and shopping centers, the historic town of Tolleson has maintained its unique character and charm.

If you are unfamiliar with the southwest, walking through Tolleson’s streets may evoke a sense of being across the border in Mexico, as a significant portion of the town’s residents are of Mexican heritage. Many markets, shops, and restaurants offer signage in both Spanish and English.

Below are 15 noteworthy attractions and activities in and around Tolleson.

1. Whoopee Daze Festival

Advance planning is essential to fully experience the Whoopee Daze Festival, which occurs for just three days in April.

This event takes place at Veterans Park on West Van Buren Street in Tolleson and features a parade, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, and even a softball tournament.

It is an ideal family-friendly event offering live entertainment and a variety of activities for children, such as face painting and carnival games.

The festival attracts a considerable audience, leading to street closures within the town, so consider walking if accommodations are nearby.

2. Tolleson Parks

If your visit does not coincide with the aforementioned Whoopee Daze Festival, there are still opportunities to enjoy Tolleson’s parks.

When not hosting events, Veterans Park is a local favorite, boasting covered ramadas with grills, an elaborate playground for children, a baseball field, and an amphitheater.

In close proximity, 95th Avenue Park, located at the intersection of 95th Avenue and Garfield, features a basketball court, playground, and picnic areas with grills.

Parks are excellent venues for relaxation, physical activity, and interactions with locals who may provide valuable insights on attractions and activities.

3. Corral West Horse Adventures

Situated on West Arena Drive in nearby Goodyear, Corral West Horse Adventures provides a delightful and affordable opportunity to transport your family back to a time when Arizona was characterized by sprawling, untamed landscapes.

Whether you are seeking a charming sunset ride, a wagon adventure for the entire family, or a cowboy cookout, you can find it here.

Options and pricing are varied to accommodate different preferences and budgets, ensuring that memorable experiences will be created regardless of your choice.

Tours include rides through the scenic Estrella Mountain Regional Park in southwest Phoenix.

4. Brass Armadillo Antique Mall

Brass Armadillo Antique Malls, located a short drive from Tolleson, are great venues to escape the heat, enjoy air conditioning, and peruse the vast aisles filled with art, antiques, and unique pieces of Americana.

Each mall features multiple individual vendors showcasing their unique collections and styles.

The vendors staff each mall, allowing them to assist you in locating specific items and answering any inquiries you may have.

While the malls feature a southwestern theme, a diverse assortment of items from across the country can also be found.

5. Monument Hill

Located just behind the Phoenix International Raceway, Monument Hill offers a free and picturesque vantage point for observing the activities at the raceway, as well as an opportunity to explore significant American history.

The monument was established to commemorate the Gadsden Purchase of 1853, which transferred large areas of what was then Mexican territory to the United States.

From the hill, visitors can also observe where the Salt and Gila Rivers converge, along with the Estrella Mountain Regional Park, which is worth exploring as well.

Aside from race days, you will likely enjoy some solitude at this location.

6. Goodyear Ballpark

Located in the west valley town of Goodyear, Goodyear Ballpark is a $100 million facility that serves as the spring training venue for major league baseball teams, including the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.

With seating for over 10,000 fans of America’s pastime, the park offers an excellent opportunity to catch cactus league games during the spring.

While it may be smaller than larger league facilities, the amenities make you feel as though you are experiencing a big-league event.

During the off-season, the complex hosts various festivals, live entertainment, and holiday events, such as Goodyear’s Star Spangled 4th and a fall festival.

7. The Bible Museum

Situated on North Litchfield Road in Goodyear, The Bible Museum serves as an enlightening pursuit for history enthusiasts, regardless of their faith.

Conveniently located just off Interstate 10, the museum provides a wonderful opportunity to spend an hour exploring the collection.

Should you visit during the week, you may encounter the museum’s curator, who is typically present during standard business hours.

Operating within the Hampton Inn, the museum is open all day, every day, allowing visitors to explore whenever convenient.

8. Tres Rios Wetlands

Tres Rios, or Three Rivers Wetlands, represents a hidden treasure favored by nature lovers, avian enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility in Arizona’s west valley.

The park, situated approximately five miles south of Interstate 10 on South 91st Avenue, is teeming with desert wildlife drawn to the relative abundance of water, a rarity in much of the surrounding terrain.

Of particular interest to birdwatchers are the herons, warblers, and waterfowl that frequent the area, which are usually visible from the trails.

It is important to remain cautious; the environment is home to snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas, so avoid wearing open-toed footwear.

Certain areas may require a permit for access.

9. Glendale Historic District

Glendale’s charming historic district is one of the premier destinations in the west valley for peaceful strolls among historic residences, antique shops, art galleries, and trendy eateries.

It embodies the essence of small-town America, nestled within one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.

The historic district is noted for its festivals and fairs, particularly the Christmas light event known as Glendale Glitters, which draws visitors from afar to view homes and businesses adorned with millions of sparkling lights.

This celebration commences on the weekend of Thanksgiving annually and hosts various other events throughout the year.

10. Rosson House at Historic Heritage Square

Located in downtown Phoenix’s oldest residential region, Rosson House at Heritage Square is now a museum, gallery, and visitor center that is worth visiting if you find the opportunity.

Restored to closely resemble its original state, this home was originally constructed in the late 19th century and exemplifies the Victorian architectural style prevalent in Phoenix during that era.

Inside, you will gain insight into urban life in territorial Arizona, guided by a knowledgeable docent.

Access is provided by guided tour only, and visitors should anticipate spending approximately one hour touring the residence.

11. Phoenix International Raceway

Located on South Avondale Boulevard, just a short drive from Tolleson, Phoenix International Raceway, now referred to as ISM Raceway, has served as Arizona’s NASCAR racing venue for decades.

The track hosts two NASCAR races annually, drawing in a significant number of visitors.

Completed in 1961, the track and amenities have undergone numerous updates over the years, now accommodating over 50,000 spectators.

The raceway also features live entertainment and various events throughout the year, with tours of the facility available, although securing tickets for NASCAR races can be quite challenging.

12. Estrella Star Tower

Located in the picturesque Estrella Mountain region of the valley’s southwest, the 50-foot Star Tower presents a stunning spiral structure adjacent to a gently flowing waterfall.

The summit of the tower is accessible by stairs, from which visitors are rewarded with elevated views of the surrounding Estrella Mountains and Sonoran Desert.

While beautiful at any hour, the sunset view from the tower is particularly spectacular as the sun sets beyond the horizon towards California.

The tower was erected as a symbolic monument at the entrance to the Estrella Mountain neighborhood and is open to the public at no cost.

13. Peoria Farmers’ Market

Operating year-round, the Peoria Farmers’ Market is situated on West Northern Avenue in Peoria, within the Park West Shopping Center.

As with most farmers’ markets, it is filled with fresh local produce, dairy products, arts and crafts, delectable baked goods, and coffee.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the market offers a wonderful opportunity to acquire Arizona-made products unavailable elsewhere, while supporting local entrepreneurs.

The market serves as an ideal location for unique souvenirs and gifts, such as cactus jelly, clover honey, and scorpion lollipops for friends and family back home.

14. Audubon Society

Many visitors to Arizona are surprised to discover the state is home to a diverse array of bird species.

Situated on South Central Avenue in Phoenix, the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center spans over 600 acres in the Salt River area, just a few miles from Phoenix’s city center.

This desert riparian environment supports more than 200 bird species, in addition to attracting an assortment of mammals, reptiles, and insects.

Admission to the center is free, featuring over 10 miles of hiking trails, a variety of exhibits, educational activities, and guided tours.

15. Avondale Friendship Park

After your adventures in Tolleson, Glendale, and Phoenix, a moment of rest and peace may be well deserved.

Avondale Friendship Park, located just a mile or two from Tolleson, features a farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, as well as covered picnic areas and a soccer field.

To combat the heat, there is a splash pad for children, an extensive playground, and a barbecue area with built-in grills.

The park is situated on West Avondale Boulevard, and evening soccer games under the lights provide additional entertainment for visitors.