Castles N' Coasters
4.3(9.2K)google
3.4(491)yelp
Roller CoasterFamilyKidsThrillingOutdoor
Overview
Castles N' Coasters is Phoenix's premier 10-acre amusement park, offering a fun-filled day of excitement for families and thrill-seekers alike. The park features a diverse selection of attractions, headlined by the Desert Storm, a dual-loop steel roller coaster that delivers intense drops and inversions. Visitors can also brave the Splashdown log flume ride to cool down from the desert heat, or enjoy classic spinning family rides. A major highlight is its four elaborately landscaped, world-class 18-hole miniature golf courses filled with castles, water features, and challenges. Complete with a massive indoor arcade, it provides an energetic environment for all ages.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 3-5 hours
Best TimeThe best time to visit is after 5:00 PM on Fridays or Saturdays during spring or autumn. As the heat dissipates, the park's neon lights turn on, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor roller coasters and mini-golf in the cool evening air while skipping the daytime sun.
Getting ThereLocated in northwest Phoenix, right next to the former Metrocenter. By car, take Interstate 17, exit at Dunlap Ave, and pull right into the amusement park's massive free surface parking lot. Alternatively, you can use Valley Metro Bus Routes 35 or 27 to get nearby.
Travel Tips
- Ticket Bundles vs. Individual Pay: The park is split into a Rides area and a Mini-Golf/Arcade area. Buying an Unlimited Ride Pass online ahead of time is far more economical than purchasing individual ride tickets or pay-per-play tokens at the ticket booth.
- Extreme Heat Ride Closures: When Phoenix summer temperatures surpass 110°F, steel coasters like Desert Storm may temporarily close due to blistering track conditions. Visiting during extended evening hours is highly recommended during summer.
- Outside Food Ban & Token Tips: No outside food, snacks, or coolers are permitted past the gate, except for unopened factory-sealed water bottles. While the arcade utilizes tokens, exchange machines prefer small bills or card swipes; avoid large cash bills.
Reviews
Positive
- As Phoenix's iconic amusement park, the Desert Storm double-loop coaster delivers strong visual impact against the desert backdrop, fully living up to the thrill.
- The four on-site 18-hole mini-golf courses are beautifully designed with water features and miniature castles, greatly enriching outdoor family fun.
- The staff at the front desk and rides are highly energetic and warm; on-site order management is structured, ensuring reassuring safety protocols.
- Located right off I-17 with a massive free open-air surface parking lot, it offers exceptional transit and driving convenience for road-trippers.
Heads up
- During summer holiday and weekend evening crowd spikes, wait times for popular coasters and log flumes regularly exceed an hour, draining energy.
- Due to its older build, some ride mechanisms feel dated, and several minor arcade and token machines regularly bear 'under maintenance' signs.
- The on-site snack concessions and ice cream upcharges are highly overpriced with tourist-trap premiums, and shaded food court seating is insufficient.
- During baking Arizona summer middays, most outdoor queue lanes lack enclosed A/C coverings, risking heatstroke and dehydration for toddlers.