With summer in full swing, there’s no better way to cool off than a day of high-speed slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping rides or kid-friendly splash zones, the Valley is home to some of the best water parks in the Southwest.
From long-time favorites to hidden gems, here are the top water parks to dive into this summer.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale offers a family-friendly indoor water park experience, providing a cool retreat from the heat. The 80,000-square-foot facility maintains a comfortable 84°F year-round and features a variety of attractions suitable for all ages.
Highlights include the Talking Stick Treehouse, a multi-level play structure with interactive water features and a giant tipping bucket, and Slap Tail Pond, a wave pool that generates ocean-like swells every five minutes. For those seeking relaxation, Crooked Creek offers a gentle lazy river experience. Access to the water park is included in hotel stay. Non-resort guests can purchase day tickets online.
Where: 7333 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale.
More information: greatwolf.com/arizona.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
As the state’s largest water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor spans 35 acres. Offering a classic mix of thrill and chill, the park is filled with options for every age—from adrenaline-pumping slides like Bahama Blaster to the gentle currents of the lazy river.
Families will appreciate the shaded splash zones and play structures at Coconut Bay, while older kids and adults can test their nerve on the park’s steep drops and twisting flumes.
Where: 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale.
More information: sixflags.com/phoenix.
Golfland Sunsplash
Offering a mix of classic summer fun and all-ages entertainment, Golfland Sunsplash features a variety of slides, a wave pool and play areas designed for younger kids. The adjacent Golfland side features mini golf, an arcade and go-carts.
The local water park scene also just got a major upgrade with the debut of Riptide, a towering new slide that opened in 2025. Soaring over nine stories high, Riptide now holds the title of the tallest water slide in the state, delivering a heart-pounding thrill ride that’s quickly become a standout attraction.
Where: 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa.
More information: golfland.com/mesa.
H2-Woah
H2-Whoa at Lake Pleasant offers a one-of-a-kind water slide experience in Peoria. Located at Pleasant Harbor Marina, the park features the world’s tallest floating water slide at 34 feet. Visitors can choose from slides of varying lengths.
Where: 40202 87th Ave., Peoria.
More information: h2-whoa.com.
Oasis Water Park
Located within Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, access to Oasis Water Park is included for resort guests. Non-resort guests can purchase day passes and cabana rentals online.
The Oasis Water Park offers one of the biggest water park experiences in Phoenix, even earning a spot on the Travel Channel’s Top 10 list. Spread over seven acres, the park features towering slides, a massive wave pool, a roomy hot tub that fits 25 people, a side-by-side lazy river, and a kid-friendly splash area called Wild Cat Springs.
Where: 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix.
More information: arizonagrandresort.com/oasis-water-park.
Paqua Park at Scorpion Bay Marina
Known as “Arizona’s hottest floating oasis,” Paqua Park offers a unique water adventure on Lake Pleasant. The 7,000 square-foot inflatable obstacle course floats on the lake, providing a fun challenge for visitors aged seven and up. Participants can climb, slide and bounce through various obstacles during 45-minute sessions.
Paqua Park offers a refreshing way to enjoy the heat, combining physical activity with the scenic beauty of Lake Pleasant.
Where: 10970 Peninsula Blvd., Peoria.
More information: paquapark.com.
Revel Surf
Located at Canon Beach in Mesa, Revel Surf is the states first surf park, designed for both beginners and experienced surfers. The park features two wave technologies: a surf lagoon that creates traveling waves and a rapid surf pool with stationary waves. It also includes areas for cliff jumping, skateboarding, and lounging on real sand imported from Florida.
“Revel Surf is much more than a casual water park. It is a state-of-the-art surf facility. Surfers surf! If you don’t, we have areas to relax and have fun,” Cole Cannon, co-founder and developer of Revel Surf and Cannon Beach, said.
Where: 4503 S. Power Road, Mesa.
More information: revelsurf.com.
River Ranch Water Park
River Ranch Water Park at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak offers a refreshing desert oasis with a variety of attractions for all ages. The park features a 130-foot waterslide, a half-mile lazy river, and multiple pools. Day passes for the water park are available online.
Shaded cabanas are available to rent. Guests can also enjoy poolside snacks, specialty cocktails and more from Slim Pickens Cafe.
Where: 7677 N. 16th St., Phoenix.
More information: hiltonphoenixresortatthepeak.com/river-ranch-water-park.
Source link
Lauren Wong Dive into Fun at Arizona’s Best Water Parks | East Valley www.citysuntimes.com
www.citysuntimes.com – Arizona Local News Results in things_to_do of type article 2025-05-15 16:00:00
+
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings