5 Valley Waterparks You Still Have Time to Take Your Family to This Summer
If you’ve survived even one Arizona summer, you know the heat doesn’t mess around. We’re talking about that sidewalk-egg-frying, steering-wheel-burning kind of heat that makes you wonder how humans live here. When the kids are bouncing off the walls, the A/C won’t quit running, and even the dog refuses to leave the tile floor, there’s really only one thing left to do: hit the waterpark.
Lucky for us, the Valley is packed with spots that promise to cool you down, wear out your crew, and create those sunscreen-streaked memories you’ll be laughing about for years. Toddlers or teens, or a mix of both, these five waterparks are worth loading up the car and heading out.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
(Phoenix)
This is the big one. Hurricane Harbor is huge and has rides for every level of thrill-seeker. Older kids can test their bravery on the Bahama Blaster or the high-speed Tornado slide, while the little ones splash happily in Coconut Bay or Splashwater Beach. Feeling lazy? There’s a lazy river perfect for floating and maybe rethinking your life choices after a couple of hours in the wave pool. Bonus points if you’re all about that pool mom life because they have cabanas to rent. Keep in mind it gets packed, so plan for an early start. Also, bring water shoes because the concrete can get seriously hot.
Golfland Sunsplash
(Mesa)
If you want a little retro chaos with your water fun, Golfland Sunsplash delivers. It has all the essentials: tons of slides, a massive wave pool, and a lazy river. But the extras really make this spot shine. After your kids are thoroughly pruned, you can dive into the arcade, mini golf, bumper boats, or even go-karts. It’s basically a full-day adventure in one place. Thunder Falls and the Sidewinder are crowd favorites for a reason. Think big thrills, big screams, and just enough “Am I tall enough?” moments to keep things exciting.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
(Scottsdale)
Technically, this one is indoors. But when it’s 115 degrees outside and the pavement feels like the surface of the sun, indoor water fun becomes a blessing. Great Wolf Lodge is perfect for younger kids or if you want a cleaner, more contained experience. Body slides, a wave pool, water playgrounds, and a lazy river all live inside one giant, air-conditioned building. You don’t have to stay overnight to visit (day passes are available if you book ahead). Just a heads up: food and drinks here are pricey, and you can’t bring your own, so maybe plan for one big meal before or after.
The Oasis at Arizona Grand Resort
(Phoenix)
This spot is part of a hotel, but you can snag day passes through ResortPass, and honestly, it’s worth it. The Oasis feels like a fancy resort pool mixed with waterpark fun. There’s a huge wave pool, a lazy river, an eight-story slide, and splash areas perfect for smaller kids. It’s clean, beautifully landscaped, and much more chill than some of the bigger parks. If you want a little luxury without sacrificing fun, this is your place. Plus, the poolside drinks and snacks are a step above your typical nachos and soda.
Rhodes Aquatic Complex
(Mesa)
Looking for something low-key and budget-friendly? Rhodes is a city-run aquatic center that’s basically a mini waterpark. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and impressively clean for a public pool. There’s a big zero-depth play area for little kids, water slides, a splash pad, and even lap swimming if you’re one of those people who actually want to get a workout in the heat. It’s perfect for a last-minute trip that won’t wear you out but will still have the kids sleeping soundly that night. Just check the hours before you go because city pools often rotate their open swim times.
No matter which spot you choose, a day at the waterpark is always a win. Kids get to move around, you get to escape the house, and the heat isn’t a problem when everyone is racing down slides or floating in tubes. Just make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen, bring reusable water bottles, and stash some backup snacks unless you want to pay too much for treats. So go ahead and get the towels and swimsuits ready. This summer still has plenty of chances to splash around and make great memories. The Valley has you covered with all the best spots to cool off and have fun.