After a long drive with a toddler, this park and playground was a lifesaver! Fenced in playground has several slides, swings, climbing and spinning features. Really nice basketball court as well. Bathrooms closed during winter.
Trip Snapshot
Best Time to Visit
08:00–11:00 & 16:00–19:00, March–May & September–October
Open
Open now · 6:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Price Range
$ (Free)
Parking
Free gravel lot on Long Jim Loop; oversized‑vehicle space available
It's great to have a public playground in Tusayan! But watch out for dog poop, because there is a lot!
Great basketball court with good nets and nice and calm and have lights that work!
There bathroom had a rat omg, omg, omg
Why Visit Tusayan Sports Complex Playground
A family‑friendly playground inside the town‑run Tusayan Sports Complex, offering modern play equipment, open green space, and free parking just minutes from the Grand Canyon’s South Rim entrance.
Highlights
Colorful slides, swings, and climbing structures for multiple age groups.
Adjacent multi‑sport fields, picnic ramadas, and walking path for all‑day fun.
Hosts stargazing nights and community festivals under Grand Canyon’s dark skies.
Description
Opened by the Town of Tusayan to give residents and visitors a safe outdoor gathering spot, the Tusayan Sports Complex Playground sits at 6,600 ft (2,012 m) elevation in the pines of Kaibab National Forest. The fenced play area features rubberized surfacing, shaded benches, and equipment designed for toddlers through pre‑teens. Surrounding facilities include a softball diamond, soccer field, basketball court, and a paved loop popular with cyclists and strollers. Portable restrooms, drinking fountains, and low‑level lighting make the complex convenient from dawn until late evening. Because entry is free and the site is only a mile south of Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim gate, the playground is a handy stop for families looking to burn energy before or after sightseeing.
History
2014
Town of Tusayan purchases land along Long Jim Loop for a public recreation area.
2016
Sports Complex officially opens with fields, paved path, and the original playground.
2023
Playground upgraded with new ADA‑compliant swings and impact‑absorbing surfacing.
Features
Rubber‑surfaced play structures (slides, swings, climbing walls)
Shaded picnic tables & ramadas
Softball/baseball diamond & soccer field
Basketball half‑court & paved walking/cycling loop
Drinking fountains & seasonal portable restrooms
Night‑sky friendly LED lighting
Wheelchair‑accessible parking and ramped entrance
Getting There
Car: From Grand Canyon South Rim entrance station, drive 1 mi south on AZ‑64, turn right onto Long Jim Loop; lot is on the left. Shuttle: The seasonal Purple Route (Tusayan Route) stops at IMAX Theater; walk 0.4 mi west on Long Jim Loop. Bike/Foot: The Tusayan Greenway connects the park entrance to town and passes within 0.2 mi of the complex.
Insider Tips
Local advice to help you make the most of your visit.
01Good to know
Bring water; drinking fountains may be shut off during winter freezes.
02Be prepared
Shade is limited
pack sunscreen and hats in summer.
03Local tip
Evening visits are great for stargazing but carry a flashlight for the walk back to the lot.
04Save time
Restrooms are portable units; the nearest flush toilets are at the IMAX complex.
05Stay connected
Keep an eye on afternoon thunderstorms during monsoon season (Jul
Aug).
Want the perfect day plan?Checkout our planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the playground free to use?
Yes, entry and parking are free for everyone.
Are pets allowed inside the playground?
Leashed pets are welcome in the sports complex but not inside the fenced play area.
Does the complex have restrooms?
Portable toilets are provided year‑round; no running water restrooms on site.
Can I reserve the picnic ramada for a party?
Group use is first‑come, first‑served; contact Tusayan Town Hall (+1 928‑638‑9909) for special event permits.
Is lighting available after dark?
Low‑level LED lights illuminate the playground and parking area until closing at 22:30.
