Things to Do in North Hills

Small museum in a converted 1930s bungalow, showing old photographs, farm tools, and pioneer artifacts from the area's ranching days. Free donation box at the front desk.

🕐 Tue–Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 12pm–3pm

💡 Call ahead to check if the back room with the original stagecoach is open — it's sometimes locked. Allow 40 minutes max. Closed on Mondays.

Neighbourhood park with a playground, basketball courts, and shaded benches. Clean and quiet, mostly used by locals for dog walking or jogging.

🕐 Dawn to dusk

💡 The south-side bench under the mesquite tree has the best shade after 3pm. No water fountains at the far end, so bring your own bottle.

Outdoor concrete skatepark with ramps, rails, and a small bowl. Popular with skaters and BMX riders, but also has a grassy area for spectating or picnics.

🕐 6am–sunset daily

💡 Best on weekday mornings before 11am when it's empty. Helmets are free to borrow from the adjacent rec centre — just leave an ID. No lights, so closes at sunset.

Start of a 2.5-mile paved trail winding through desert scrub and alongside a dry wash. Benches every half-mile, but no shade — bring a hat and sunscreen.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Park at the small pull-off on Bell Road just east of 35th Avenue (free, no signs). The trail gets busy with cyclists on weekends, so walk facing traffic. No restrooms.

A large desert reservoir with hiking trails, fishing piers, and picnic areas. Entry costs $7 per vehicle (up to 4 adults), but walk-ins or cyclists pay just $1.50.

🕐 6am–9pm daily

💡 Arrive before 8am on weekends to avoid the queue at the main gate. The Discovery Loop trail is short and gives good lake views without paying extra for boat rentals.