Places to Make a Splash this Summer Around the Valley of the Sun

When Arizona turns up the heat, there is only one thing to do, find water. Whether your family wants a full water park day, a lazy river float, a surf session, or a quick splash pad stop, the Valley has plenty of ways to cool off this summer.

1. Revel Surf Park in Mesa

Revel Surf Park brings beach day energy to the desert with a sandy beach area, surf lagoon, tide pool swim area, cliff jumping, skate park access, cabanas, and an on site bar and grill. Beach passes are required for the beach, diving lagoon, skate park, and wave pool entry area, and the park recommends reserving in advance since beach passes are purchased by day through the online calendar.

Good to know: Revel currently lists happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, plus live music on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.

2. Lake Pleasant and Paqua Park

Lake Pleasant is a classic Arizona summer escape for boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and spending the day on the water. For families who want something extra fun, Paqua Park at Scorpion Bay Marina is a floating obstacle course on Lake Pleasant, and kids must be at least 7 years old and 45 inches tall to participate.

Good to know: Paqua Park is seasonal, with weekend sessions in April and May, expanded Thursday through Monday sessions from Memorial Day through August 2, then weekends again until closing in September.

3. Salt River Tubing in Mesa

Salt River Tubing is a must do Arizona summer tradition, with a relaxing float through the Tonto National Forest, desert scenery, cool water, and maybe even a wild horse sighting along the way. Tube rentals include the tube, shuttle ride, and parking, and guests must be at least 4 feet tall.

Good to know: Weekdays are a smart choice because the official site includes a guest review noting weekday visits were much less congested with shorter ticket scan wait times. Salt River Tubing also offers an Endless Summer Season Pass that includes one tube rental with shuttle ride per day through the end of September.

4. Golfland Sunsplash in Mesa

Golfland Sunsplash is a longtime family favorite with more than 30 rides and attractions, including waterslides, mini golf, laser tag, bumper boats, race cars, and an arcade. Their new Riptide slide officially opened in April 2026 and has been described as Arizona’s tallest waterslide.

Good to know: Golfland advertises online savings, including admission as low as 30 percent off when purchased ahead online. Night Splash runs Wednesday through Saturday through August, and weekday Night Splash gate pricing is listed lower than Friday and Saturday gate pricing.

5. Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale

Great Wolf Lodge is a great option when you want water fun without baking in the full summer sun, thanks to its indoor water park and family resort setup. A stay includes indoor water park passes for each day of the visit, plus complimentary family activities like story time, dance parties, character meet and greets, and daily events.

Good to know: Great Wolf Lodge says families can save by booking weekday periods, using package deals, purchasing dining plans, and watching for promotional offers. Their Summer Camp In celebration runs May 21 through August 23, 2026, and includes seasonal games, arts and crafts, and a Splash and Dance Pool Party as part of the stay.

6. Kiwanis Wave Pool and Tempe Splash Pads

Kiwanis Wave Pool in Tempe is a budget friendly indoor wave pool with 3 foot waves, a 122 foot spiral water slide, and tube rentals available. Tempe Tourism notes the wave pool is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays in April, Saturdays and Sundays in May, and every day beginning June 1.

Good to know: For a free splash stop, The Cloud at Kiwanis Park is Tempe’s largest community splash pad, with 5,000 square feet of interactive water features, open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from April through October.

7. Hurricane Harbor Phoenix

Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is one of the Valley’s bigger water park options, with thrill slides, kid play areas, and full day water park fun in Phoenix. Current offers include season passes, drink plans, dining options, and ticket plus drink bundles, which can be helpful for families planning more than one visit.

Good to know: Their special offers page lists an All Day Dining Plan starting at $28, a Drink Plan Plus starting at $25, and a ticket plus all day drinks bundle starting at $40, with the bundle advertised as saving up to 50 percent compared with gate pricing.

Quick Summer Planning Tip

For the best experience, check each location’s calendar before you go, book online when possible, and choose weekdays when you can. You will usually find better pricing, lighter crowds, and a much easier parking situation.