By local contributor
JoAnne Zeterberg
When it comes to summertime in ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, it’s all about staying cool. One of the best ways to do that is by seeking outdoor water activities the whole family can enjoy. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the best water activities for the kiddos (and the young at heart!). From sky-high water slides to splash pads, your family will be playing all summer long with these ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ vacation adventures! Check out these things to do with kids!
Nothing says wet-and-wild thrills like waterslides, and you’ll find some of the best at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ-area resorts. Kids can race down two towers of fun at the , zip down the 197-foot waterslide at , fly down the three-story slide at the , or slide down a 110-foot chute at .
ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ boasts eight lakes and rivers within an hour drive. The options for getting out and exploring nature via water are vast – kayaking, rafting, boating, stand-up paddleboarding and more! Grab your sunscreen and plan to spend the day outdoors.
If floating along a manicured river more your style? Grab an inner tube and take a ride down the 900-foot Lazy River. The resort’s water park also includes a children’s play area and FlowRider surfing simulator.
With upscale retailers, fabulous restaurants and lush outdoor areas, is a great shopping destination year-round. But in the summertime, the cool pop-jet fountains on the center's quad make a splash with kids of all ages.
The City of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ also offer splash pads at several of its city parks, including , , , and . The kids will love alternating between the playground and the splash pad.
If you need somewhere to spend an entire day, we highly recommend waterparks. These sprawling venues are filled with waterslides, wave pools, surfing simulators and more! The boasts Arizona’s only indoor waterpark, which kept at a temp of 82 degrees year-round. And while they may not have “waterpark” in their name, many of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ’s resorts have large pool complexes and offer day passes for guests not staying overnight.