Summer Water Fun
What to do with the family in the summer in Arizona? Cool off at one of the valley water parks, and we’ve included some here. Don’t be put off by fact that some are located at resorts. With summer deals, the price for a family of 4 to stay overnight at a resort may be comparable to the cost of 4 admissions to a stand-alone water park.
Pointe South Mountain
The big daddy of resort water parks is The Oasis at the Pointe South Mountain Resort. The bravest of water park lovers can fly 67 feet down the resort’s biggest waterslide. The rest of us can manage the winding slide that still manages to thrill. Hit the surf at the Oasis wave pool, or relax at the lazy river. Whatever your speed, this park is big enough to satisfy all tastes.
The accommodations at the Pointe South Mountain are a big deal too. All of the rooms at this AAA four-diamond rated resort are suites, that allow your family to spread out instead of being jammed into one hotel room. Website Phone: 1-866-267-1302
Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
One of the newer valley resorts is the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. They’ve decked out the resort water park with a 900-foot-long lazy river, 110-foot winding waterslide, and a shallow beach-entry area for small children.
The 735 luxury guest rooms boast balconies or terraces. The resort also has a club for kids and a spa for the adults.
Besides the new-resort feel, perhaps the best perk of this destination is the proximity to the Kierland Commons shopping center. Kick back at the water park all day, and then enjoy dinner, shopping, and even free Saturday night concerts at Kierland Commons. Website Phone: 480-624-1000
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort
Another brand new resort that has luxury on sale this summer is the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. Behind the Desert Ridge shopping center, on highway 101 near the highway 51 exchange the resort boasts a water park, golf and upscale accommodations. The water park has a lazy river, with a water slide and 5 pools. Although this resort is Arizona’s largest, the water park has a cozy feel because of the way the landscaping and the buildings surround the outdoor amenities.
For a fine-dining experience, head to Roys Restaurant for indoor or outdoor Hawaiian fusion cuisine. The kids (probably inappropriate for very young children) can enjoy their own upscale multi-course "kid’s meal," making the perfect mix of family and fine dining. Website Phone: 800-835-6206
Other Great Water Parks
Waterworld Safari
A stand-alone water park with a 6-story water slide, wave pool, and children’s play area. Admission: $19.99, $16.25 for kids 3-11. Locker and tube rentals are extra. 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale; 623-581-8446
Tempe Big Surf
Arizona’s original water park with over 2 million gallons of water spilling over slides, making waves at the giant wave pool (the only place to boogie board!), and just hanging out in the toddler pool. 1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe; 480-947-2477
