It’s no surprise — summers get hot in the Valley of the Sun. As temps rise into the triple digits, the best way to get your daily dose of sunshine is by visiting one of Phoenix’s many pools, splash pads, and water parks. While kids race down water slides, ride the waves in simulated wave pools, and build sandcastles, parents, babysitters, and nannies can join in on the fun or opt to get their tan on in nearby lounge chairs.
There’s no shortage of water park fun around Phoenix. The area is home to several full-scale water parks meant for all-day adventures. Valley resorts with on-site sandy beaches, water slides, and lazy rivers cater to the local crowds come summer months with deeply discounted rates, perfect for family “staycations.” And many city-operated aquatic centers have more water features than just swimming pools, making these less-expensive destinations popular for regular visits.
Most Phoenix-area water parks operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but many have limited hours outside the summer months, too. The next time you and the kids need a cool down, get your swimsuits on and head out to one of these top 10 water parks around Phoenix.
Big Surf
Address: 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Open weekends only through Sept. 10)
Phone: 480-994-2297
This water park has history in the Valley of the Sun. Big Surf opened in 1969 with the nation’s first wave pool and was known to host numerous big-name concerts, including the Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others.
Today the water park is still a top destination during the summer months. It’s 2.5-million-gallon Waikiki Beach Wave Pool simulates ocean-style waves, which kids and adults ride in on air-blown boogie boards — or on surfboards during daily surfing sessions. The Otter Slides and Captain Cook’s Landing splash pad are perfect for tots, while a handful of big-kid slides appeal to those taller than 36 inches and 43 inches. Older daredevils race down the two Tornado Twisters, and even some adults shy away from taking the plunge down the fast and furious Hurricane Slides. It’s easy to spend all day here, so arrive prepared with extra sunscreen and money for lunch at the on-site concessions.
Wet ’n’ Wild Phoenix
Address: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, AZ 85310
Hours: Hours change per month. Click here to view the calendar.
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Aug. 11 – 27: Friday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Sept. 2 – 24: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Except Labor Day Weekend: Sunday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. (+ fireworks) & Monday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Phone: 623-201-2000
The thrilling water rides at Wet ’n’ Wild Phoenix are matched by none. Hop into a raft with your closest friends and family, and swirl around the funnel of the Tornado, or drop from 57 feet and slide back up the wall for a heart-pumping journey on Mammoth Falls (pictured). Finally, the tight turns of the Constrictor water slide earned it a spot on the Travel Channel’s “Xtreme Waterparks” program.
The Monsoon Bay wave pool and Crazy Cactus Roaring River offer more relaxing ways to spend the day. The younger ones are particularly fond of the Boogie Board Beach, a 10,500-square-foot water playground, and the Wet ’n’ Wild Jr. water park with smaller versions of some of the big-kid rides. For a VIP family experience, rent a cabana for the day with a ceiling fan, DirecTV, ice-cold water, snacks, and sunscreen — the perfect way to relax and unwind between adventures.
Golfland Sunsplash
Address: 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210
Hours: Hours change per month. Click here to view the schedule. (Hours below reflect Sunsplash operation only.)
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Aug. 12 – Sept. 2: Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Night Splash, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.) | Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.
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Labor Day Weekend: Sunday & Monday, Sept. 3 & 4, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Sept. 9 – 30: Saturday, noon – 6 p.m. + Sunday, Sept. 10, noon – 6 p.m.
Phone: 480-834-8319
Two destinations in one, Golfland Sunsplash caters to kids who want to splash in the sun as well as to those who would rather stay on dry land. Thrilling rides like the seven-story vertical drop Double Dare slide and the Sidewinder half-pipe give the most adventurous park-goers a reason to jump in line, while a handful of other slides are a bit more tame. The Thunder Bay Wavepool sloshes side-to-side as kids and adults balance on two-person floats, and the Lazy River drifts riders into relaxation. Little ones have several play areas, like the Toddler Tadpole Pool and the Shipwreck Rock Slides.
At Golfland, enter King Ben’s Castle to play more than 200 arcade games and take aim inside the laser tag fortress. Go-kart racing, bumper boats and cars, and mini golf are among other activities. Golfland is open year-round, and keep a lookout for Sunsplash’s special Night Splash hours on summer weekends.
Oasis Water Park, Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Address: 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85044
Hours: Hours change per month. Click here to view the schedule.
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Aug. 1 – Sept. 4: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Sunday, 10:3- a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Sept. 5 – Oct. 31: Saturday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Phone: 602-438-9000
Oasis Water Park, nestled against South Mountain, is a summer haven for resident families. The water park is located on the grounds of the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa and is open to hotel guests, making this among the most popular staycation destinations in Phoenix.
Two adrenaline-inducing slides have 225- and 220-foot free falls, and the Sidewinder twists and turns until riders reach the pool at the bottom. (There is a 42-inch height requirement for all slides.) Kids and adults stay cool with water jets and misters along the Zuni River and in the Oasis Wave Pool where 2-foot swells roll through. The little ones meander through fun water features in the Wild Cat Springs. Reserve a cabana and order from the Oasis Bar & Grill for a lavish experience. (Hotel reservations are required for access to the Oasis Water Park.)
Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch Water Park, Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
Address: 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
Hours: Hours change throughout the year. Click here for the current schedule.
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Through Sept. 4: Sunday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Friday & Saturday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Sept. 5 – Oct. 31: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Saturday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Sunday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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November & December: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 602-997-2626
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort offers killer deals for family staycations during the summer months, and one of the top activities on-site is spending the day at the Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch Water Park. This resort amenity features a lazy river, waterslide (for children 42 inches and taller), and an expansive pool with multiple waterfalls to explore.
During your stay, be sure to check out the other family- and kid-friendly activities, like mini golf and the daily Coyote Camp for kids ages 4-12. And keep an eye on the calendar for summer movies out at the pool. (Hotel reservations are required for access to the Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch Water Park.)
Adventure Water Park, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Address: 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Hours: Hours vary by attraction.
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Adventure Pool: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Fridays)
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Water Slide & Lazy River: Open daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (until 10 p.m. on Fridays)
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Kierland FlowRider: Open daily, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Open 8 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fridays)
Phone: 480-624-1000
Sure, you can relax in a cabana and dangle your feet over the edge of the gorgeous pool at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Or you can join the kids at the on-site Adventure Water Park. Float down the 900-foot lazy river, slide down the 110-foot water slide (42-inch height requirement), and follow little ones into the splash pad.
For a more extreme experience, opt for the Kierland FlowRider, where kids can practice their best bodyboarding and wakeboarding moves. Kierland FlowRider reservations are required and waivers are needed for those under the age of 17 who meet the minimum height. (Hotel reservations are required for access to the Adventure Water Park.)
Sunset Beach and Sonoran Splash, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Address: 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Hours: Ask front desk for current operating hours upon arrival.
Phone: 480-585-4848
And you thought Arizona didn’t have a beach! The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess opened the Sunset Beach in 2016, complete with 9,000 square feet of white sand leading into one of the resort chain’s largest pools. Dig your toes into the soft sand and build a sandcastle with the kids, or challenge them to a race down the 200-foot water slides in the Sonoran Splash zone (42-inch height requirement). Tots enjoy the dedicated children’s play area with plenty of sandbox toys.
The Trailblazers Family Adventure Center offers full- and half-day opportunities for kids ages 5-12 during your staycation at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, and the fireworks show for the Fourth of July is an event you just can’t miss. (Hotel reservations are required for access to Sunset Beach and Sonoran Splash.)
Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center
Address: 5901 S. Hillcrest Drive, Chandler, AZ 85249
Hours: Public swim hours vary by event. Click here to view the calendar.
Phone: 480-782-2635
In the East Valley, the City of Chandler offers multiple aquatic centers for inexpensive water park fun. Among the most elaborate is Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center, with its big-kid water slides, toddler water slides and play area, lazy river, and a variety of splash pad features, including a 752-gallon bucket. A lap pool and one-meter diving board are also on site. Admittance rates are minimal: $1 per child and $2.25 per adult, with a senior discount and punch cards available.
Hamilton Aquatic Center
Address: 3838 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85248
Hours: Hours vary by season. Click here to view the calendar.
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Aug. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, noon – 5 p.m.
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Sept. 2-4 (Labor Day Weekend), noon – 5 p.m.
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Sept. 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, noon – 5 p.m.
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Sept. 30 – Oct. 8, noon – 5 p.m.
Phone: 480-782-2630
Also in Chandler, Hamilton Aquatic Center is open to the public and hosts dozens of eager swimmers during the summer months. The interactive water features, slides, water “vortex,” and lazy river keep kids refreshed, and the eight-lane lap pool and 1-meter diving board appeal to the serious fish. Daily rates are the same as that of Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center.
Rose Lane Aquatics Center
Address: 5003 W. Marlette Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301
Hours: Closed for the season | Click here to view the schedule.
Phone: 623-930-7905
Located on the grounds of the 19-acre Rose Lane Park in the West Valley, Rose Lane Aquatics Center is open to the public for a nominal charge. The water park includes a zero-depth leisure pool with spray and splash pad features, several slides for kids big and small, and a larger pool with a diving well. Colorful awnings provide plenty of shade to escape from the sun, even in the water areas. Daily rates are $2.50 for children ages 3-17, $5 for adults 18-54, $3 for adults over the age of 55, and free for children ages 2 and younger.
