Gilbert is a great place for parks--you'll find small (but worthwhile) ones in most neighborhoods, and there are some pretty nice big community ones. Before the weather sets in with 100-degree heat, it's probably best to explore around and find the one(s) you like most. Here's a quick summary of a few that I would recommend, along with what sets them apart from the rest.
Location: On Juniper Ave (between Elliot and Guadalupe), east of Lindsay Rd
What's there: Two lakes, ball fields, playgrounds, batting cages, a snack bar, rides for kids (including a carousel), a train, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, a half basketball court, and a skate park.
Keep in mind: To ride the carousel, other rides, or the train, you have to buy tickets. Note that the hours of operation for the ride are mainly limited to weekends. Here's the information about ticket prices and hours for the rides. If you're wanting to do the batting cages, here's the info for that.
Location: On McQueen Park (between Elliot and Guadalupe), east of McQueen Rd
What's there: A lake, ball fields, sand volleyball, basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pit, 2 toddler play areas, and 2 slightly bigger playgrounds
Keep in mind: In my opinion, this park is set up mainly for community baseball/softball teams to play games against each other, but there are some good features if you're just looking for a place to go and have fun with kids. Also, this park has a great, steady following with people who get together to play sand volleyball. Something you might note is that this park is next to a Gilbert activity center that holds events, classes, a fitness center, and other "goings-on," so you might think about checking that out.
P.S. If you go on a night when games are going, there's a chance that the snack bar will be open. :)
What's there: 2 lakes, soccer fields, basketball courts, sand volleyball courts a walking path around the park, swings, and a rock climbing play area
Keep in mind: This park doesn't really have a playground for kids, but it's great for walking, being by the lake, and has some BIG fields.
Location: On the west side of Santan Village Pkwy, north of Ray Rd
What's there: A lake, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, other big fields, a half-basketball court, sand volleyball, a dog park, and a playground
Keep in mind: I haven't been to this park yet, so I can't really vouch for it, but I did read that the playground is currently under re-construction, so you might want to check the Gilbert Parks website.
What's there: A lake with a bridge that winds along one side, paved and dirt walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a unique playground
Keep in mind: The Southeast Regional Library is located along one side of the lake. The playground is not traditional (as in, I wasn't even sure if it was a playground at first), but after spending a few minutes, my two-year old seemed to figure out all sorts of fun things to do, and we had a great time. For more reviews on this park, see the comments on Yelp or Google.
Founders' Park in Queen Creek
Location: On the east side of Ellsworth Rd, south of Ocotillo
What's there: A splash pad, a skate park (lighted), a playground with swings, horseshoe pits, baseball fields, basketball courts, and a community center.
Keep in mind: As the name above suggests, this park is in Queen Creek, but I love coming here, and it's so close to Gilbert. This park is close to the Queen Creek Library, which is part of the Maricopa County Library District. Remember, this park has a splash pad, so make sure you bring swimsuits (the splash pad is open seasonally, so check the website for hours of operation). For more parks in Queen Creek, see the Queen Creek Parks and Trails website.
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