Will it be a lazy river or a Flowrider surfing simulator day?
Nothing says wet-and-wild thrills like waterslides and other fun water activities, and you’ll find some of the best of these at Arizona resorts. From thrilling rides to family-friendly games and other exciting programming, here are a few resorts to consider when you plan that next family vacation or holiday reunion in Arizona.
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa | Phoenix
Head straight for the AquaRidge Water Park at JW Marriott to make the most of Canyon Creek Lazy River, four signature pools, and three thrill-inducing waterslides: The Gullywasher, a two-person tube slide; The Drop, for twists, turns, and a steep drop; and Little Eddy, for the younger kids in the group with a few gentle slopes and turns.
Westin La Paloma | Tucson
The Westin La Paloma has pool options for the entire family. The main pool boasts Tucson’s longest waterslide at 177 feet. The kids will love that and then some fun in the heated kids’ pool area. Adults meanwhile can take advantage of the Dead Sea mineral pool which comes complete with a mineral waterfall.
Great Wolf Lodge | Scottsdale
Arizona’s only indoor waterpark is at Great Wolf Lodge. The temperature here is maintained at a balmy 82 degrees year-round so you’ll always feel cozy indoors. And while it may not have waterpark in the name, there is a large water complex with a variety of games and rides to indulge in. If you are not staying overnight, then a day pass gives you access for a few hours.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | Scottsdale
Kids can race down two 200-foot twisting water slides of fun at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Sonoran Splash. The family-friendly area also has zero-entry waters so younger kids can easily access the pool with their parents. In the summer, head for Dive-In Movies scheduled at the Sunset Pool shown on a giant, inflatable screen while you are floating in the pool!
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa | Phoenix
The Oasis Water Park at Arizona Grand Resort gives you a 7-acre area full of fun water activities for the family including a giant wave pool and three 8-story thrill rides at Slide Canyon Tower. Younger kids can head to the Wild Cat Springs area where three jets shoot into a heated pool, there’s also a spray deck nearby and the largest side-by-side active river for tubing.
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort | Tucson
On Tucson’s west side in the heart of Tucson Mountain Park, surrounded by majestic saguaro cacti, check out The JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort where the Starr Canyon Lazy River is heated, making it comfortable to swim in year-round, and attaches to their Monsoon Falls waterslide—175 feet of twisting fun that plunges you right into the lazy river.
The Phoenician | Scottsdale
The Phoenician’s multi-tiered pools include an upper level for aquatic recreation; a lower level, tranquil Mother-of-Pearl Pool; and an adult-only center pool. The Kids Zone, showcasing a tree house complete with a swaying bridge, sails, and a helm for children’s inner pirate to explore, also features a splash pad with spray guns, falling buckets of water, and shooting waterspouts.
El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort | Tucson
To the north of the city, at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains, you’ll find the El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort with their Desert Springs Oasis featuring five pools and Sliderock—the exhilarating 143-foot water slide. There’s a splash pool for younger kids and the main pool area features a swim-up bar.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | Scottsdale
A 110-foot-long waterslide, children’s play area, and Flowrider surfing simulator welcome kids to the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa which also features a 900-foot Lazy River to float along in a tube. Larger groups can choose the Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef to experience a private island field with exclusive access to a private section just for the family.
