With summer right around the corner, the search for the coolest activities across the Valley begins!
While temperatures rise, cool down with several outdoor water activities available for the whole family to enjoy. From splash pads to water slides, friends and family can cool off this summer at the best Phoenix resorts and parks.
Soak in the sun in style at The Phoenician‘s pool complex. The multi-tiered Phoenician pools boast an upper level for seasoned swimmers, a lower-level, tranquil Mother-of-Pearl pool, and an adult-only center pool. Family-friendly and adult-only reserved seating, including cabanas, are available, making it an oasis for every type of guest.
Take a dip in the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale’s 2.5-acre water oasis with 10 swimming pools available to guests. Make a splash riding down the three-story waterslide, bring out your inner competitor in pool volleyball, or enjoy your amenities with daily activities at the pool. Poolside dining and drink menus are also available from outdoor restaurants Sandbar and H2Oasis, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Pools are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The Westin Kierland’s Adventure Water Park offers fun for the whole family with a FlowRider flowboard simulator for surfing, a lazy river, a 110-foot waterslide and Aguamiel pool, open for adults only. Families can splurge for added privacy by renting cabanas, like Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef, or a private “island” within the lazy river.
For the explorers, drive out to one of Arizona’s eight lakes and rivers within an hour’s drive of the Scottsdale area. Salt River offers activities like water rafting, tubing, kayaking, SUPing, canoeing and fishing. For free-floaters, opt for the serenity of Lower Salt River, while daredevils take on the thrills and chills of Upper Salt River whitewater rafting. Salt River is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Other rivers and lakes across the Valley include Verde River, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, Lake Pleasant and more. Find out more about the surrounding lakes here.
Those staying in Scottsdale limits this summer can cool off the kids while dining and shopping at Scottsdale Quarter where cool pop-jet fountains in the center’s quad bring the fun for kids of all ages. The City of Scottsdale also offers splash pads at its multiple city parks, including Scottsdale Civic Center, Paiute Park, Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park, Chesnutt Park and Pima Park.
Adrenaline junkies can travel out to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Great Wolf Lodge or Sunsplash and Nightsplash at Golfland. Featuring both indoor and outdoor waterparks, there are options for every type of outing, from overnight stays to a simple day trip.
