Scottsdale Leisure

Scottsdale doesn’t have any particular claim to fame in the sports arena, unless you consider shopping an Olympic event. However the city of Phoenix, in general, is absolutely crazy for professional sports and is one of the few cities in the US with teams in all four major sports (basketball, baseball, football and hockey). Most of the city’s sporting centres revolve around these teams, as well as the Arizona State University Sundevils, who have a cult-like following. The Valley is also home to pro baseball spring training, and Scottsdale hosts a couple of the major league teams. Phoenix puts on two major golf tournaments, a pro tennis tournament and the annual Fiesta Bowl college football classic to round out the sporting calendar.

Spectator sports

The best month to visit is March, when almost all of the sports teams are in action. The Arizona Diamondbacks are the city’s pro baseball team and play downtown at the BankOne Ballpark with its innovative retractable roof and air-conditioned interior. Pro baseball’s spring training games are also happen in March, as the city hosts nine major league teams. The Phoenix Suns play basketball at the America West Arena and the Arizona Cardinals play their NFL football at their new stadium in Glendale. Believe it or not, the city even has an NHL hockey team, the Coyotes, who have their own state-of-the-art arena.

Racing

For those inclined towards motor racing, the Phoenix International Raceway offers NASCAR and Indy Car racing on the world’s fastest 1-mile oval track. For something different, try greyhound racing at the Phoenix Greyhound Park.    

Hiking

If team sports aren’t your thing, the Valley is surrounded by some stellar mountain parks which provide a quiet oasis of hiking and biking within the city limits. As Scottsdale sits on the eastern edge of the city, it is easy to get to a park or a trail in a matter of minutes. South Mountain Park, with over 16,000 acres and 93kms of trails, is said to be the largest city park on earth. North Mountain Preserve is also a great escape just on the northern edge of the Scottsdale. Papago Park is another beautiful desert preserve with easy mountain biking trails and amazing scenery.

Golf

With over 200 courses in the Valley, many of them in Scottsdale, golf is probably the most popular activity in town and one of the main winter draws. The unique desert environment, sunny days and warm temperatures are ideal for golfing. Resorts like the Phoenician and Biltmore have spared no expense to create lush, immaculate courses in the heart of the desert. Yet even with all of the courses in the Valley, it’s often hard to get a tee-time during February to April.

Water parks

Perhaps the best way to escape the heat with your kids is to head to one of the city’s water parks. Waterworld Safari and Mesa Sunsplash have wave pools, slides and all sorts of cool water adventures. You’re kids will be entertained for hours while you can sit back and soak up the sun.