Enchanted Island Amusement Park551

For a stroll back in time, before video games and other high-tech diversions were obligatory entertainment, visit the Enchanted Island Amusement Park at Encanto Park in central Phoenix. Built in 1991, the park is definitely showing its age, but there's still a fair amount of charm in the carnival-style rides and concessions. Geared toward the toddler-to-primary grade set, the nine rides and other attractions are a nice change of pace from noisy pizza arcades.

The historic Encanto Carousel is the oldest continuously-operating carousel in Arizona. Originally installed in 1948 for Enchanted Island's predecessor, Kiddieland, the ride was completely refurbished by a group of local volunteers and rededicated at the park's grand opening. Some of the horses bear plaques acknowledging those volunteers and contributors.

Guests will get a nice view of Encanto Park while riding the C.P. Huntington Train, a one-third replica of the "Little Iron Horse" offering a seven minute tour of the park's perimeter. It's pretty tame stuff, but an enjoyable way to see the green lagoons and bridges around the area.

Other rides include the Parachutes, Rock-n-Roll, and Red Baron. Children under 54" will particularly enjoy the Bumper Boats, Mini-Enterprise (flying space vehicles), Combo Cars, and Dragon Wagon (a mini roller coaster). There are specific height restrictions on all rides, so take a look at the front gate to see which pricing option will best "fit" your family.

There is no admission fee to enter the park. Guests can purchase individual ride tickets, packs of ride tickets, or day passes. Annual passes are also available. The park also offers birthday party packages; call for pricing and reservations.

A small coin-operated arcade is available, as are carnival-style games of skill. The latter costs a small fee and offers surprisingly decent prizes to every player, win or lose. Face painting also available for a fee.

A splash pad opens in 2009, offering cool play during the hot Arizona summer. Splash pad admission is included with an all day pass, or purchase admission to only the splash pad for a small fee.

The area is full of park benches and picnic tables for weary moms and dads. No outside food or drinks may be brought into the park, but a snack bar offers the usual forms of refreshment. Restrooms could be cleaner, but they are easy to access and include diaper-changing stations.