Arizonans know that the way to enjoy summer is fun in the sun, but the No. 1 predicament Valley of the Sun residents must face is the heat. What better way to cool off than indulging in the many water parks the Grand Canyon State houses? To help beat the heat wave, here are 10 Arizona waterparks and resorts that help squelch triple-digit temperatures and entertain family members of all ages.
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Great Wolf Lodge
Calling all parents! Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect place to let your cubs loose. Notable features include a Talking Stick Treehouse, Slap Tail Pond, Crooked Creek and numerous thrilling waterslides. The indoor water park will be open from the beginning of your stay to closing time on your departing day. Book a stay on the mobile app and head over to Scottsdale off of North Pima Road.
Arizona Grand Resort and Spa
If you find yourself lost in the desert, head over to South Mountain’s Arizona Grand Resort to find their extensive Waterpark. Arizona Grand’s oasis boasts eight-foot tall slides, a wave pool, a side-by-side active river, and a 25-person hot tub, stretching over a span of seven acres. In addition to the waterpark, Arizona Grand contains two other pools to retreat to. Reservations can be booked on the Arizona Grand website or over the phone.
Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
Hurricane Harbor rolls into Glendale like a tidal wave, with a whopping 35 acres of waterpark fun. Dozens of colorful slides snake around the park, and parents can float along the lazy river while the kiddos can enjoy the Splash Island and Soak ‘Em playgrounds. The park also offers dining options to fuel your aquatic endeavors. Purchasing Six Flags Plus guarantees access to not only Hurricane Harbor Phoenix but also to all Six Flags waterparks and theme parks. A season pass and daily tickets can also be purchased on the website.
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Head over to the River Ranch Waterpark within Hilton’s Phoenix Resort at North 16th Street to experience lounging in a poolside cabana. From the comfort of a cabana, you can access water features like the slide, lazy river, as well as the adult and children’s pools. Hungry and thirsty after playing Marco Polo? Stop by their resident restaurant, Slim Picken’s, to grab a cocktail and a quick snack.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Looking to have a blast in North Scottsdale? Water you waiting for? Float over to the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort’s new Aquaridge Waterpark opening this year. Tired of slipping and sliding? No need to fear, try out the Canyon Creek Lazy River or Sedona Cove for some idle floating. With breathtaking poolside desert views, enjoying summer to the fullest at this resort is no problem.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
This jewel of Scottsdale includes six unique water-full accommodations. Experience the beach in a landlocked state at the Sunset Beach pool area. The classic Princess pool experience is the main pool, seated next to the famous TPC Stadium golf course. The real kicker is the Sonoran Splash pool, which is towered over by 200-foot water slides for the courageous. Book reservations on the website or visit the resort located off North Scottsdale Road.
The Wigwam Resort
A West Valley classic, the Wigwam Resort is a historic desert paradise located in Litchfield Park. Outfitted with hospitality, frolicking in the Wigwam’s pools is an exciting, yet rejuvenating experience. The Tower Pool lives up to its name, with a collection of dual slides for parents and little ones to enjoy. For the more reserved individual, retreat to the adults-only Oasis Pool for a dip and a drink.
The Westin Kierland Resort
After shopping at Kierland Commons, explore the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. Not only is the resort pet-friendly and an attractive golf destination, the showstopper of the property is its Adventure Water Park. The iconic “Kierland FlowRider,” flow-board simulator, allows visitors to experience surfing at the beach in the Sonoran Desert. For the reclusive guest, Westin Kierland’s lazy river’s “islands” can be rented out for relaxation. Book a reservation on the website or over the phone.
The Phoenician
The word of the day is luxury, and The Phoenician checks all the boxes. The resort provides private amenities tailored to each guest. While you enjoy the many other aspects of your stay, encounter the lavish Phoenician’s pool area, with three multi-tiered areas, each with a different character: The Kids Zone for your rambunctious rascals, the Mother-of-Pearl Pool for aquatic aficionados of all ages, and the adult-only center pool for mom and dad. Located off East Camelback Road at the foot of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, plan your trip to The Phoenician on the resort’s website.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
Nestled in a cacti forest in Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is the ideal Maricopa County summer hotspot. The abundance of water features of this resort include: 20 fountains, 45 waterfalls and a three-story waterslide. The resort’s charming H2Oasis presents guests with a bite and a tropical drink to fuel your water-filled fun. Reserve a stay at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch on their website or by calling the property directly.
