With temperatures in the triple digits, you may be looking for a way to cool off and still have some fun. We have put together a list of 14 splash pads and water parks in the Phoenix area for your summer-time enjoyment.
Splash Pads
Photo Credit: Katherine Cook
Altadena Park
36th Street and Cactus Road
3711 E. Altadena Ave., Phoenix
At this splash pad, kids can run through loops, cannons, spraying bullfrog and monkey. The park also has a playground, Ramada and picnic area and grills.
Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, May 28-Oct. 1. Closed Sundays. Free. 602-262-6696, phoenix.gov/parks.
Downtown Phoenix, Patriot’s Park
1 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Amid the urban heat is a simple splash-and-play area with jets at CityScape. This is accessible by Metro light rail.
Details: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Free. 602-772-3900, cityscapephoenix.com/
Downtown Phoenix/ASU
424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
Solar panels and trees provide shade and cooling. Just off the light rail, so nearby parking is limited. A cafe is on-site and special events, such as movies, poetry, Fridays in the Park and more.
Details: May 1-Oct. 1, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. The city changes hours depending on the season and event schedules. Call for times. Free. 602- 262-6412. phoenix.gov/parks
Northeast Phoenix
21001 N. Tatum Blvd., near the movie theaters and Paradise Bakery.
Spray jets, plenty of seating for adults, and surrounded by restaurants and shopping.
Details: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day, all year. Free. 480-513-7586. shopdesertridge.com/
19th Street, north of Van Buren
901 N. 19th St., Phoenix.
The splash pad features spray fountains and jets, and the surrounding park also has lighted basketball courts, a playground, a Ramada, a picnic area, lighted softball field, a multipurpose field and volleyball.
Details: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., May 28-Oct. 1. Free. 602-262-6759, phoenix.gov/parks.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Encanto Park
1202 W Encanto Blvd., Phoenix
The Valley’s best places to take the family is conveniently located just west of 7th Avenue on Encanto Blvd, right in the heart of Phoenix’s picturesque Encanto Park. Enchanted Island is filled with charm and magic, offering nine fanciful rides and a variety of popular attractions geared especially toward children aged 1 to 10. Footwear required in park and for Splash Zone. (Examples for splash zone: water shoes, socks or rubber flip flops.) Children in diapers need swimmer pants.
Details: Wed.-Thur. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 9 a.m.-1 p.m./5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Splash Band $5 or All-Day Park Pass, Children under 1 FREE with a paying adult. Adults FREE with paying child up to age 10. 602-254-1200, enchantedisland.com.
Ahwatukee Foothills, 48th Street and Knox Road
13647 S. 50th St., Phoenix
The splash pad here has spray jets and a dolphin arch. The surrounding park includes lighted basketball and volleyball courts, a nearby playground and restrooms.
Details: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., May 28-Oct. 1. Free. 602-262-6111, phoenix.gov/parks.
Seventh Street and Buckeye Road
1433 S. Ninth St., Phoenix.
A shaded playground complements the spray pad. Restrooms and a picnic area are nearby.
Details: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., May 28-Oct. 1. Free. 602-262-6111, phoenix.gov/parks.
North Phoenix, Interstate 17 and Anthem Way
4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix
Seating, restrooms, a food court and lots of shopping surround this splash-play area, most suitable for younger children. This year, Outlets at Anthem is also having a weekly contest, where you can take photos from the splash pad with the hashtag #OutletsAnthem and have the chance to win free ice cream.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Free. 623-465-9500, outletsanthem.com.
48th St. and Pecos Rd. (48th St. south of Chandler Blvd. *No access via Pecos Rd.*)
17010 S. 48th St., Phoenix
The splash pad here has water jets and a soft surface, and it’s adjacent to a playground with shade structures. The surrounding park also has a skate plaza, a dog park, a pool, a community center and more.
Details: 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., May 28-Oct. 1. Free. 602-262-6111, phoenix.gov/parks.
Yakulla Caverns and Leapin’ Lagoon
Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
The Phoenix Zoo has plenty of ways to cool off and have fun, with three different water play areas for kids to explore, learn and splash. From the sandy Leapin’ Lagoon and its water jets to the stalactites and stalagmites of the Yakulla Caverns splash pad, there’s no end to the fun. These areas are open March through October.
Details: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily June 1-Aug. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 1- Oct. 31. $20 for adults, $14 for ages 3-13, free for ages 2 and under. 602-273-1341, phoenixzoo.org.
Water Parks
Big Surf
1500 N McClintock Dr., Tempe
Spend the day playing in the wave pool, or going down one of the many water slides. Big Surf’s wave pool, Waikiki Beach, is the original North American wave pool and is ranked as the third largest according to size/volume. It holds 2.5 million gallons of water and produces a wave every three minutes. The Hurricane Falls slides are a favorite among young and old that frequent Big Surf every summer. Play with your toddler in the Captain Cook’s Landing splash area, or let the dare-devil in you out as you zip-line over the wave pool.
Details: Monday – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sundays: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunset Fridays in June & July – Park will remain open until 9 p.m. $29.95 general admission. (480) 994-2297, bigsurffun.com.
Country Club and US 60
155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa
Golfland-Sunsplash is a series of water parks and family amusement centers, with its original located in Mesa, Arizona. The park is separated into two separate parks. Cool off at Sunsplash Waterpark, or play year-round at Golfland with mini golf, racecars, laser tag, bumper boats, pizza and more.
Details: Sunday-Tuesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunsplash general admission for guests over 48” is $29.99, guests three or older- up to 47” $21.99, ages two and under $3. 480-834-8319, golfland.com.
4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale
Family-friendly water park with lazy river and more than 30 attractions including slides and play areas. The park is situated on approximately 35 acres of land, making it the largest theme park in the state. Watch movies in the pool at their Dive-in Movie event every Thursday and Friday night June 2nd– July 29th.
Details: Sunday-Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Weekday general admission $39.99, weekday admission for children under 42” $29.99, children two and under free. Weekend general admission $42.99, weekend admission for children under 42” $32.99, children under two free. 623-201-2000, wetnwildphoenix.com