It’s no secret that Arizona gets hot and steamy in the summer months. But that certainly doesn’t mean that Arizona summers are intolerable, as there are plenty of things to do this time of year. One of the best ways to stay cool and enjoy the heat is to visit one of Arizona’s many water parks.
These water parks are great places for families with kids because they allow little ones to splash around without getting overheated outside. Parents love these fun zones because they keep kids happy and entertained during summer vacation and are excellent places to socialize and work on your tan. Commercial water parks have more features and cost more, while community pools can provide fun, too, for a fraction of the cost.
Don’t miss out on these fun water parks in Arizona this summer!
Golfland Sunsplash, Mesa
Golfland Sunsplash water park is one of the best in the state and a premier destination for families in the area. Here you’ll find thrilling slides, a wave pool, a toddler area, and one of the best lazy rivers in Arizona. It’s easy to spend the whole day here playing arcade, mini-golf, and laser tag after you’ve put in your pool time. Go-karts and bumper boats are also here to provide a full day of entertainment.
Desert Oasis Aquatic Center, Chandler
There are a few water park options in Chandler, so this is a prime place to be this summer. One of the best water parks to add to your summer to-do list is the Desert Oasis Aquatic Center. Here you’ll find a large water slide, a zero-depth entry area, kiddie slides, a lap pool, and a spraying water feature to cool off. You can also hop out of the pool for a while to play some beach volleyball or run around on the playground. When you and the kids get hungry, there’s a concession area for snacks and drinks.
Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Did you know that one of the very best water parks in the state is located inside a Phoenix hotel? Book a stay at the Arizona Grand Resort, and you’ll have easy access to the Oasis Water Park inside. It’s made it onto Travel Channel lists and really tops the list. There’s an eight-story tower with water slides to ride down, lazy river tubing, a large hot tub, and a wave pool here. There’s also a low-key section for very young swimmers to cool off. When you swim here, you can check out the water sports area to play water basketball and volleyball too. The Oasis spans about seven acres, and there’s also a bar and grill to get some pool day refreshments. Parents can reserve a private cabana for a little peace and privacy. The pool is open all summer long, so it’s a great destination for your next Arizona vacation. Keep in mind that the water park can only be used by resort guests and that kids must be at least 48 inches tall to ride the slides.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Glendale
Another epic water park in the Phoenix metro area is Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, which is actually located in Glendale. The facility spans about 25 acres and is ideal for thrill-seekers who love the water. Favorite rides here include the half-pipe ride called Mammoth Falls, the mat racing slide called Desert Racers, and the funnel ride called Tornado. You’ll find a whitewater raft ride that has a 57-foot drop and is the next best to getting out on a real river. There’s also an area for toddlers, a family raft area, and a wave pool.
Surprise Aquatic Center, Surprise
It may surprise some visitors to learn that many of the great water parks in the state are located in community swimming pools and aquatic centers. The Surprise Aquatic Center is about 45 minutes away from Phoenix in an area bordered by the Sonoran Desert and a lake. When you visit this water park, you can swim and play on a tunnel slide, vortex whirlpool, flume side, diving boards, and a competition-size pool.
Hamilton Aquatic Center, Chandler
If you’re in the Chandler area, make sure to head to Hamilton High School this summer to spend some time at the Hamilton Aquatic Center. This is a very affordable water park that has a competition-size pool, diving boards, water slides, a play feature, a current river, and a large seating area. This is a water park that’s most recommended for younger children rather than older ones who want the thrills of big slides and rides. Little ones will enjoy the interactive play feature and toy whales.
Buckeye Aquatics Center, Buckeye
A great local aquatic center worth checking out if you’re in the Buckeye area is Buckeye Aquatics Center. This is an excellent place to come if your little ones are looking to learn how to swim because lessons are offered as well. Water safety and drowning prevention are taught here, in addition to the fun features of a traditional water park. Here you’ll find a 160-foot water slide, a high dive, and room to splash around.
Water Park at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
A great resort water park in Phoenix is the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. River Ranch has four acres of pools, a lazy river, waterfalls, and a waterfall. Kids must be at least 42 inches tall to use the waterslide and ride down it only feet-first. Families can also play 18-hole mini-golf and tennis, and Coyote Camp provides activities for kids. After your day of fun in the sun, head to Cactus Rock Creamery, the on-site shop that has ice cream treats, beverages, and gifts. Slim Picken’s also has = food and beverage options for poolside refreshments.
