Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Lake Nature Trails & Kids' Dino Dig

About this adventure

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a 110-acre peaceful wildlife oasis in Gilbert featuring seven water recharge basins and a scenic fishing lake. Over 300 bird species visit the preserve during the winter migration season, making it one of the premier spots in Arizona for kids to spot pelicans, herons, egrets, and rare waterfowl along 4.5 miles of flat, stroller-friendly packed trails. One of the biggest highlights for young children is the permanent outdoor Dino Dig site, a large shaded sand pit where kids can pretend to be paleontologists and unearth realistic cast dinosaur fossils. Bring small plastic shovels, buckets, and brushes to sweep away sand. The park is right next to the Southeast Regional Library and offers free parking and public restrooms.