Whether you're a Phoenix native or in town for a family vacation, we have to be honest with you...it gets hot here in the summer. You'll be looking for water anywhere you can find it.
The good news is that there are pools and splash pads all around the Valley. But, sometimes you're looking for something with a little more adventure to it. That's why we have water parks!
Here is three of the biggest water parks in the Valley that you'll definitely want to check out:
BIG SURF WATER PARK
Did you know Big Surf opened in October 1969? Throughout the years, besides the surf, it was used as a concert venue where Elton John, Beach Boys and Sting performed. Today, you can cool off with 12 rides and attractions, including the Waikiki Beach Wave Pool, The Black Hole, Tornado Twisters and Captain Cook’s Landing. If you’re not afraid of heights, why not try out the Mauna Kea Zip Line and check out the wave pool from 300 feet in the air. Daily admission is $29.95. Season passes are available for $79.95.
Special note: On May 10, a fire sparked at Big Surf. It damaged the gift shop and Men's restroom, but no rides or attractions were damaged. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
IF YOU GO:
Big Surf, 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281
Click here to check current hours, schedule
Website: www.bigsurffun.com
Phone: 480-994-2297
WET ‘N’ WILD
Whether you want to go for a dip in the pool or are looking for a “category 5 river rapid experience,” Wet ‘N’ Wild has an activity for everyone. Fight 4-foot waves at Monsoon Bay or climb through the 10,000-square-foot Boogie Board Beach jungle gym or go rafting along Mammoth Falls to beat the Arizona summer heat. Daily admission ranges from $29 - $42. Parking is $8. Season passes range from $54.99 to $84.99.
IF YOU GO:
Wet ‘N’ Wild, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, AZ 85310
Click here to check current hours, schedule
Website: www.wetnwildphoenix.com
Phone: 623-201-2000
MESA GOLFLAND SUNSPLASH
Golfland Sunsplash is a summer adventure waiting to be explored. The waterpark has 16 attractions to check out from the Lazy River to Thunder Bay Wavepool to Thunder Falls, which is close to 7 stories high (whoa!). Besides the park, you can go golfing at Golfland, race in bumper cars or boats and play in the arcade. Admission ranges from $3 - $37 depending on the activities you want to do.
IF YOU GO:
Golfland Sunsplash, 155 W. Hampton Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210
Click here to check current hours, schedule
Website: www.golfland.com
Phone: 480-834-8319
Some of the Valley's resorts also have water slides and lazy rivers, but are typically just for guests staying at the resort. If you're staying at a resort or planning to, make sure to check out their amenities. The Arizona Grand Resort has "Oasis Waterpark," Scottsdale Fairmont Princess has "Sonoran Splash Pool" with two water slides; J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge has five pools including a lazy river, and a water slide.
