Usery Mountain Regional Park, the perfect spot for a fun outing with the kids

March 25, 12:15 AMPhoenix Children's ExaminerBridget Burress

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Lately I have been in search of something inexpensive and somewhat educational to keep my  two toddlers busy before the summer heat kicks in. I usually find myself at the same places week after week, but not this time! Usery Mountain Park is a great place to take your kids for a mini outing. Whether you decide to go for an early morning hike, or decide to have an evening dinner in the desert, this is an amazing park.

Located on the Valley’s east side, Usery Mountain Park takes in 3,648 acres of beautiful Sonoran Desert. The park contains a large variety of plants and animals that call the lower Sonoran Desert home. With breathtaking views and great hiking trails, this is the perfect park for a family outing. During the month of April there will be a wide variety of events for children of all ages. If you are looking for something fun and new to do with your family, I highly suggest you check out some of the happenings at Usery Mountain Park.

• Little Desert Explorers
This one-mile hike is designed for parents and grandparents with small children, ages 3- 6 years old. Using their “powers of observation,” the kids will discover lots of cool things about the plants and animals that call our desert “home.” After completing the hike, kids will receive a Junior Ranger badge.
April 2, 2009/ 9:00 AM/ $6 per car

• Toddler Cruise
Along with Ranger B, the kids will howl like coyotes, do the “bobcat crawl” and learn how to hydrate by counting gulps of water on their fingers. They will explore the desert from the comfort of the well- manicured Merkle Trail. After completing the hike, kids will receive a Junior Ranger badge.
April 4, 2009/ 10:00 AM/ $6 per car

• Story Time in the Desert
Kids (including parents and grandparents) will learn about the desert through stories, games, and a nature walk. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the program.
April 10, 2009/ 10:00 AM/ $6 per car

Usery Mountain Regional Park