Grande Sports World in Casa Grande, Arizona, is the state’s premier sports academy and facility training center. This unique complex features amenities for a wide range of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, flag football, and golf. If your team is traveling to Grande Sports World for a tournament, here are some attractions and restaurants for you to consider.

Things to Do

Casa Grande Ruins National Monument

While in Arizona, you and your team can discover a mysterious and complex network of structures and irrigation canals that was once part of an ancient Sonoran desert people’s farming community. This community, along with its “Great House,” are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. Was Casa Grande was a gathering place for the desert people? Or was it simply a waypoint amidst an elaborate system of canals and trading partners? No one knows for sure, so that’s entirely up for you to decide. 1100 W Ruins Dr, Coolidge, AZ 85128

The Promenade at Casa Grande

Another great destination near Grande Sports World is at the Promenade at Casa Grande. When you are 35 miles from the suburbs of a major city, a nice regional mall is a great way to spend a few hours. The Promenade will not disappoint, with its dynamic mix of department stores and specialty shops, a multiplex theater, restaurants, and entertainment offerings. It gives visitors a host of national shopping and dining options when visiting the Casa Grande and greater Pinal County area. 1005 N Promenade Pkwy N Promenade Pkwy, Casa Grande, AZ 85194

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch

Located a short 20-mile drive away from Grande Sports World in Picacho, this working ostrich ranch has been owned and operated by three generations of a family dedicated to providing affordable family fun for all ages. If your kids don’t love these big birds already, they will once they’ve experienced the Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch up close and personal. Find out why it’s been featured on television shows like Extreme Roadside Attractions, Amazing Animals, and Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy. 17599 E Peak Ln, Picacho, AZ 85141

Picacho Peak State Park

Also in Picacho is Picacho Peak State Park. It’s impossible to miss the prominent 1,500-foot peak in the park as you travel down I-10, so you definitely won’t have any trouble finding it. Enjoy unforgettable vistas as you trek trails that climb to the tops of rolling hills and overlook a sea of wildflowers when spring rolls around. Picacho Peak State Park and surrounding area are popular tourist destinations because of their unique geological features, beautiful desert landscapes, and historical significance.

In addition to vast desert landscapes, Picacho Peak State Park also features a visitor center. You’ll find informative exhibits about the park and its history, a gift shop, a playground, historical markers, campgrounds, and picnic areas. I-10, Picacho, AZ 85131

Makutu’s Island

Makutu’s Island is one of the biggest indoor play places in the whole country. If you don’t mind the 30-minute drive to Chandler from Grande Sports World, then you will certainly enjoy this tropically-themed park that’s centered around an enormous indoor tree filled with slides, tubes, and tunnels. It’s the perfect place for many hours of family fun.

Three play structures adjoin the tree, including the Pirates Cove. Oscar’s Lagoon is geared more towards smaller kids. The rest of the island features mysterious caves, towering trees, bungee jumps, and zip trackers; not to mention some fun climbs. Toddler Time is a fun-filled event geared for kids aged five and under. The little ones can sing and dance during story time with Makuta, while you grab something to chow down on at Kiki’s Cafe. The older kids will enjoy the latest games in the Inferno Arcade. 6919 W Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226

Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center

Also in Chandler, the Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center is a kid’s paradise, especially so when the summer sun in Arizona gets to be a bit too much for everybody. Start with the competition and lap swimming pool, then add a couple water slides and a family play pool with zero-depth entry areas. It even has toddler slides! Let the Lazy River and Water Vortex keep your kids active while you seek out the many shaded areas. Then, you can all get under the 750-gallon Big Blue Bucket for a big splashing! The place has reasonable admission prices for non-residents so a visit won’t break the bank. 5901 S Hillcrest Dr, Chandler, AZ 85249

To find hotel rooms closest to where your team is playing in Casa Grande or any city, visit hotels4teams.com. The Best Hotels at the Best Prices, Closest to the Action!

Places to Eat

Barro’s Pizza

Barro’s Pizza, a beloved regional chain, is the perfect place to bring your hungry team after a long day. The menu is chock full of classics that every kid can get excited over. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, chicken wings, pasta, hot or cold sandwiches, or a salad, Barro’s Pizza has it all. You can’t go wrong stopping by. 2820 N Pinal Ave #1, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Cook E Jar Bakery and Cafe

Cook E Jar Bakery and Cafe is a simple daytime diner in the Southwestern style that serves up delicious omelets and burgers. Their Mexican dishes are first-rate, and they make some mean cookies and brownies. Healthy options include bagel sandwiches, whole grain French toast, and the peanut butter and banana quesadilla. Start the morning healthy with the multi-grain pancakes or Sunrise Oatmeal. 100 W 2nd St, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Creative Cafe

Now in their 17th year, Tesa, Jim, Bill, and their family welcome you to the “fresh and unusual” casual dining experience Creative Cafe offers. It has the burgers, pizza, and sandwiches that people drive from Phoenix and Tucson to experience. A healthy variety of fresh sides and salads also draw the hungry to this “homey American cafe.” 1420 N Trekell Rd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122

Robson Ranch Grill

Only nine miles south of Grande Sports World in Eloy is the Robson Ranch Grill. The Robson Ranch Grill is a delightful centerpiece surrounded by scenic mountains, a golf course, and fountain views. Offering a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu and a full bar, it’s a place to savor special times and flavors and where your team can gather for a relaxing meal. 5750 N Robson Blvd, Eloy, AZ 85131

Besides staying in the team hotel together, make sure you check out these team building and fun activities when you are done each day at the Grande Sports World in Casa Grande. Above all, have a great time getting to know this part of the desert country of Arizona!