Park of Canals

Enjoy spending family time at this park in Arizona's Salt River Valley.

The Park of Canals is located in Mesa, Arizona, next to the South Canal. Park of Canals encompasses 31 acres and has visual evidence of Hohokam Native American canal systems dating back to 700 B.C. There are 4,500 feet of preserved ancient canals here, and the National Geographic Society has listed this park as an important site for Native American heritage. Visitors are also welcome to explore the desert botanical garden. The gardens feature vegetation from four desert regions, trees, shrubs, and 25 varieties of prickly pear cacti. The Brinton Desert Botanical Garden is small but contains excellent information about the native Arizona plants.

Other amenities at Park of Canals include a large playground, shaded garden and picnic areas, restrooms, and a reservable picnic Ramada. There is no admission fee to enter the Park of Canals, and it has a smooth surface hiking trail that is ideal for children, strollers, or wagons. The information center is the best place to begin the trail, which leads directly to the playground area. If you're looking for a fun park in Mesa, Arizona, head to Park of Canals.