Visiting Gilbert, Arizona, you'd never know you're in one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. In the last decade and a half, Gilbert has grown at a pace unparalleled by most communities in the United States. As Gilbert has grown, the community has recognized the need to develop a strong, diverse economy while preserving its highly desirable quality of life. In Gilbert there are always fun things to do, the community is active and the businesses are thriving.

Here are some of the top picks for things to do in Gilbert, Arizona:

• Riparian Preserve
  At the Riparian Preserve over 200 species of birds can be seen throughout the year. There are 4.5 miles of walking trails, and fishing at the recreation lake at Water Ranch. This unique area was designed to utilize recycled water to create community wetland wildlife sanctuaries for recreation, education, and research. The Riparian Institute also offers programs and classes to the public, like birds walks, kids camps and programs, and public viewings at the new observatory.
   
• Topgolf
  No matter what your level of golf expertise, you and your family and friends can have a great time playing target golf at Topgolf. It's about food and fun -- and it is climate controlled. You don 't need your own equipment, and all ages can play.
• San Tan Village
  Stop by and shop 'til you drop at more than one hundred stores of all sizes and styles, as well as salons, restaurants, movies and more. It is an outdoor shopping destination.

• 9-11 Memorial
  In 2011 the Town of Gilbert erected a permanent, outdoor memorial to the victims of 9-11. You can visit during the annual 9-11 ceremony, or any other day of the year.
• Southeast Regional Library
  Located on a 127-acre site, the Southeast Regional Library not only offers books, videos, CDs and access to the web, visitors also have spectacular views of the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
• Heritage District
  An officially recognized and established historic area, the Heritage District marks the original Gilbert town site and is still the historic center of the community. The Heritage District includes one-of-a-kind restaurants, shops and offices.
• Hale Centre Theatre
  The Hale Centre Theatre has a legendary heritage as the longest continuously running, privately owned and operated theater company in America. You can found it now in the Heritage District in downtown Gilbert, presenting a variety of theatrical performances.
• Higley Center for the Performing Arts
  Plays, concerts and entertainment by local theatre companies as well as nationally and internationally known artists. Special daytime performances and ticket prices for schools.
• Gilbert Town Square
  Gilbert Town Square, an urban village created by Triple Five Arizona Development, features a 14-screen megaplex theater, retail shops and restaurants.
• Gilbert Days
  November marks Gilbert Days, a unique, three-day celebration that marks the paving of Gilbert Road through downtown. Gilbert Days provides fun-filled activities for the entire family including the Gilbert Days 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run, a parade through downtown, and IPRA Rodeo action and carnival.
• Gilbert Historical Society Museum
  The town's history has been captured in the Gilbert Historical Society Museum. Located in a building that was once the original Town School at 10 S. Gilbert Road, phone 480-926-1577.
• Central Trail System
  Gilbert's multi-use trail system offers 135 miles of enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. There are 40 miles of equestrian trails, 54 miles of marked bike trails, 3 miles of one-side only marked bike trails, 16 miles of unmarked bike trails, 17 miles of multi-use trails along the canals and 5 miles of non-canal trails.
• Freestone Skate Park
  From the novice in-line skater to the extreme skateboarder, Gilbert's 22,000 sq. ft. skate park offers features that accommodate all skill levels. The skate park located in Freestone Park offers free, non-supervised skating to visitors.
• Freestone Park
  Gilbert's flagship park truly is a wonderful place to visit and play. Freestone Park features ball fields, sport courts, a train, batting cage concession, playgrounds and picnic ramadas for visitors to enjoy. Located at the park you will also find and amphitheater, Gilbert's Skate Park and the Freestone Recreation Center.

Enjoy yourself in Gilbert, Arizona!