14 Arizona Towns Named Among Most 'Playable' in U.S.

Not only is Arizona a great place to retire, it's also, apparently, a great place to be a kid.

The 2015 Playful Cities USA list, released this month by KaBOOM!, includes 14 Arizona cities and towns. The designation honors cities' "playability," defined as "the extent to which a city makes it easy for all kids to get balanced and active play." That includes public parks, playgrounds, trails and other activities available in town.

In the Phoenix area, this year's honorees are Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek and Tempe. Tucson made the list as well, as did nearby Oro Valley. The state's other honorees were Casa Grande, Coolidge, Florence and Prescott Valley.

It's the first time on the list for Avondale, Florence and Queen Creek; the other cities have all been honored previously. Chandler, Gilbert and Tucson lead the way, each making the list nine times.

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit that works to bringing balanced and active play into kids' lives.

Photo: Carol Hagood | Chandler