Catalina State Park

About this activity

State Parks are always such a great way for kids to get out from in front of that television and out into nature, and Catalina State Park is no different!

This beautiful piece of Arizona wilderness is located at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, and is a haven for beautiful desert wildlife and plants. There are nearly 5,000 saguaros!

With 5,500 acres to explore, you might need more than the one family day out to enjoy it all! There are endless canyons and streams which are the perfect location for family picnics, camping and amazing bird watching. Did you know that over 150 species of birds call the park home?

There are also miles and miles of hiking and biking trails - great for those active families - and even equestrian trails where you can enjoy meandering through the countryside on horseback. These trails wind through the park, and even into the Colorado National Forest which are at elevations of nearly 3,000 feet.

At Catalina State Park itself for the family to enjoy, there is not only a campground, but picnic tables and grills for you to enjoy your own private meals under the sun, and an equestrian center that offers the horse rides. 

The park, with it's backdrop of amazing wildflowers and cacti, also put on fun events for families and kids! From family campout programs, to jazz concerts surrounded by nature...even geology walks...it makes for a fun experience! 

So turn off those televisions and enjoy a little slice of Arizona nature - right at your doorstep!