Use this guide to the best Arizona water park resorts to discover the best one for your family. Or better yet, just use it as a checklist and make sure to visit them all!
Resorts with Water Parks in Arizona: Phoenix Metro
Great Wolf Lodge Arizona in Scottsdale
Talking Stick Treehouse at Great Wolf Lodge, Scottsdale
Great Wolf Lodges always rank among the best water park resorts, and the one in Scottsdale is no exception. With 85,000 square-feet of fun including a wave pool, lazy river, and waterslides, the family can splash and play all day.
Don’t visit a Great Wolf Lodge property without first reading all of our amazing Great Wolf Lodge tips !
Toddlers love the Cub Paw Pool with its zero-depth entry, geysers, and tiny kiddie slides. Talking Stick Treehouse provides the perfect playground for elementary-aged kids. And brave ones can get their adrenaline pumping with the 20-foot free fall on the Wolf Tail waterslide.
My favorite waterslides were the River Canyon Run and Diamond Back Drop because the tubes are big enough for four or five people, allowing the whole family to ride together. My boys loved splashing in the wave pool or just lounging in the lazy river.
The day of check-in, guests receive access to the waterpark starting at 1pm , even though check-in isn’t until 4pm. Just leave the rest of the luggage in your car and take advantage of the changing rooms and lockers at the waterpark after grabbing your waterpark wristbands from the front desk.
Energetic staff members lead Morning Yoga
The water park is only the beginning of the family fun at Great Wolf Lodge. Nightly dance parties and storytelling, as well as morning yoga, are included in your resort fee. The event hosts are animated and enthusiastic, and kids get a little goodie bag with a couple coloring pages, crayons, and sometimes stickers at each activity.
A rope course, mini-golf, a magic wand game, mini-bowling, and Build-A-Bear are all on-site and available to play for an additional fee.
Many delicious dining options are on-site, too. Campfire Kitchen serves up a hearty buffet breakfast. For dinner, Barnwood offers gourmet meals and craft cocktails in a dine-in, rustic setting. When you are hungry, but ready to chill in your room, call ahead to Hungry As A Wolf for easy pick-up pizza.
While at the water park, dine at Buckets Incredible Craveables for burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. And grab a specialty drink at The Watering Hole .
Other resort dining options include Dunkin’ Donuts, Ben & Jerry’s, and Freshwoods Market with its grab and go foods. Dining packages are available for purchase at a discount before your stay.
The Kid Cabin Suite can accommodate up to 7 guests
The suites at Great Wolf Lodge were made for families. All include plenty of space and full baths-because we know kids (and my husband) prefer that to a shower. They also have a mini-fridge to store your snacks.
A variety of suite sizes are available, from the cave-themed Wolf Den Suite with a queen bed, sleeper sofa, and a bunk bed, to the premium Deluxe Kid Cabin Suite which includes multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and enough room for up to 13 guests.
These are the best things to do in Scottsdale on a family vacation.
Arizona Grand Hotel Resort & Spa in Phoenix
Slide Canyon Tower at Arizona Grand Resort, photo via Arizona Office of Tourism
Did you know one of the best water parks in the country is at the Arizona Grand Resort ? The Oasis Water Park boasts seven-acres of water rides, pools, and hot tubs.
Children love Wild Cat Springs featuring water jets arching into a shallow heated pool. And everyone can splash together in the gigantic zero-entry Oasis Wave Pool.
After climbing the eight-stories tall Slide Canyon Tower, thrill seekers can shoot down three different waterslides. The 220-foot Roadrunner and 225-foot Free Fall start at the top, then plunge a steep 51 feet. The Sidewinder offers milder thrills with a 300-foot gradual descent down a 31-foot drop.
When you are ready to relax, grab a buddy and float in a double tube around the Zuni River, which mimics the rolling effect of an actual river. Or soak your cares away in Caliente Springs, the giant 25-person hot tub.
Floating down the Zuni River, photo via Arizona Office of Tourism.
The Gila Cabanas are the perfect fit for families looking for some private shade. These cabanas, available for rent, are located by the Wild Cat Springs and Oasis Wave Pools.
Poolside dining is available at the Oasis Bar & Grill . A trip to this water park isn’t complete without one of their signature Typhoon-soft serve ice-cream blended with your favorite flavors.
Although you don’t really need any other activities besides swimming at Arizona Grand, they also feature a beautiful golf course and rejuvenating spa.
If you want to leave the water park to eat, there are a couple delicious and fun on-site options. The Lobby Grill is your best bet for a sit-down family breakfast, or order room service and eat in bed.
But for dinner, head over to Rustler Rooste for a classic cowboy dinner. A giant metal slide leads into the downstairs dining room (yes, there are stairs as well) where live Country-Western music is performed nightly. The view of the city lights from the large windows can’t be beat.
We love that all the rooms at Arizona Grand Hotel Resort & Spa are suites with plenty of room for families to play and sleep. Choose from 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom suites, or upgrade to a residential style villa featuring full kitchens.
In the mood for Mexican food? Here are the best Mexican Restaurants in Phoenix .
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak (formerly Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak)
The gorgeous River Ranch Water Park, photo via Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Spend the day at the four-acre River Ranch Water Park , located in the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak . The gorgeous family-friendly resort is a true desert oasis.
This water park features a half-mile lazy river that floats past beautifully manicured grounds, waterfalls, and three perfectly heated pools. And kids can get a thrill sliding down the 130-foot waterslide.
You can lounge among the palm trees on one of the many lounge chairs, or rent a private cabana for a shaded retreat. The cabanas are located near the most popular water features, making them ideal for families.
For poolside refreshment, order salads, burgers, and sandwiches from Slim Picken’s Cafe. They even have a kids menu.
Floating along the lazy river at River Ranch Water Park, photo via Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
Outside of River Ranch Water Park, kids at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak enjoy golf , including an 18-hole mini-golf course, a playground , and the award-winning Coyote Camp kids club program. This program offers exciting themed activities for kids ages 4-12 to experience while their parents sneak off to the full-service spa.
The Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint on-site restaurant serves up three meals a day, as well as room service. This restaurant has been serving up family favorites since 1976.
Families love the suites at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. Each room features a separate living room with a sofa bed, plus modern furnishing and comfortable Hilton Suite Dreams mattresses.
Pull yourself away from the resort and check out some of our favorite things to do in Phoenix with kids .
Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Sparkling blue waters at Falls Water Village, photo via Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Just minutes from downtown Phoenix, hidden in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve is Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort . This oasis boasts seven pools, plus hot tubs, waterfalls, and a waterslide to revive the heat weary traveler.
Start your swimming day at the Falls Water Village , the main swimming area of the resort. This area showcases two zero-depth entry pools with fun water features like fountains and waterfalls. Two spacious hot tubs provide an area to warm up and relax. And the 138-foot enclosed waterslide thrills young adrenaline seekers.
During the summer months, kids can participate in seasonal poolside activities ranging from kids water games, paddleboard/poolside yoga, family-friendly guided hikes, and dive-in movies.
Private cabanas are available to rent here and plenty of lounge chairs surround these pools. The Cascades Cafe poolside restaurant is also right at Falls Water Village and offers light meals and drinks.
Enjoying the view from a private balcony, photo via Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
In addition to Falls Water Village, several other swimming pools are scattered around the resort. These are great for a little private retreat with the family right by your room.
Surrounding Tapatio Cliffs is the Phoenix North Mountain Preserve . Head over to the adjacent North Mountain Visitor Center to learn about the trails, workshops, and classes available to teach about the Sonoran Desert.
Directly onsite, guests can enjoy golf, tennis, shopping, and a full service spa. The Tocaloma Phoenix Spa & Salon offers treatments for men, women, and children, so the whole family can enjoy some pampering together.
Pointe in Tyme onsite restaurant is the best choice for family dining. In the morning, try their breakfast buffet, then move on to the sandwiches, salads, pasta, steak, and seasonal dishes for dinner. Off-site you’ll also find lots of local family-friendly restaurants.
Tapatio Cliffs is an all-suites resort, making it ideal for families. Separate living areas and mini-fridges make hotel stays with kids so much more comfortable. There are also options for suites with multiple bedrooms. Each room has a private balcony to enjoy the desert from.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale
Kierland FlowRider at The Westin Kierland Resorts, photo via Visit Phoenix
The eclectic Westin Kierland Resort features award-winning golf-courses and luxurious accommodations. But the main attraction is the massive pool area called Adventure Water Park.
Take a ride on the iconic Kierland Flowrider , allowing families to experience surfing in the desert. Even if you aren’t quite brave enough to stand, the full-sized wave simulator can be programmed for boogie boarding and skim boarding.
Kids love the thrill of cascading down the 110-foot waterslide. And relaxing on a tube around the lazy river is always a treat.
In addition to private cabana rentals, guests can take their pool lounging to a whole new level by reserving the Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef. This area features a manufactured “island” inside a private section of the lazy river.
J. Swilling’s Poolside Bar & Grill serves up sandwiches, salads, and snacks to hungry swimmers. They also have a refreshing selection of frosty cocktails and beverages.
Sunset at Westin Kierland Resort, photo via Visit Phoenix
When you can pry the family away from the pool, go on a search for Prospector Pete’s hidden treasure with the Kids Compass Quest scavenger hunt. If you solve all the clues, you’ll be rewarded with a treasure bag.
Kids can also do this signature scavenger hunt at the Westin Family Kids Club. Drop your kids ages 4-12 here to have some supervised fun, while the parents get pampered at Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon .
If you stay over the weekend, be sure to head to the Kierland Campfire fire pits where families can roast marshmallows to make their own s’mores.
Dining options are plentiful at the Westin Kierland Resort and the nearby Scottsdale Quarter. The best on-site dining for families is at Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Cafe . This modern cafe reimagines “mining camp” recipes from the late 1800’s and has a kids menu.
Accommodations include standard guest rooms, suites, and casitas, all with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix
Splash and play at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort Pools, photo via Visit Phoenix
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort unveiled a new waterpark in 2023 and it is great for families. The AquaRidge WaterPark has a lazy river, three new waterslides, and several pools.
Private cabanas and daybeds available for rent are great for families who need a break but don’t want to leave the pool. Or take your pool time to the next level with a cabana suite overlooking the lazy river, complete with air conditioning and private bathrooms.
At the poolside Just A Splash Bar & Grill, families can rehydrate and refuel. Everyone loves their refreshing fruit smoothies and American fare.
After swimming, head to the Family Escape area where there are fun games and crafts for families to do together. And there are often fun resort activities like movie night and roasting s’mores.
The JW Marriott Desert Ridge is just across the street from lots of family dining choices in the Desert Ridge Marketplace. I suggest trying the tableside guacamole at Barrio Queen .
At the end of the day, take comfort in the spacious rooms and suites, designed to be family-friendly. Each room offers views of the surrounding mountains, pool, or resort grounds.
The Wigwam in Litchfield Park
The Tower Pool Water Slides at The Wigwam, photo via The Wigwam
Escape the heat and enjoy the pools, amenities, and restaurants at The Wigwam . This historic resort boasts 440-acres of family-friendly luxury and leisure.
Splash and play in two huge swimming pools and jacuzzis. The Tower Pool provides a three-foot deep area, perfect for wading, and then continues through a channel under a bridge to a deeper five-foot area where bigger kids can swim around.
Two 25-foot waterslides let you race side by side into the pool below. And an adjacent splash pad provides the perfect place for toddlers to get wet.
Shaded lounge chairs surround the pool, with attendants nearby to bring you whatever you need from the poolside restaurant, The Tower Pool Bar and Grill. You could also rent a private cabana that includes bottled water, chips & salsa, and other snacks.
The Wigwam abounds with recreational activities in addition to swimming. The main attractions of this, and most Arizona resorts, are golfing and tennis. But around the grounds guests will also enjoy Bocce ball, corn hole, sand volleyball, and ping pong.
There is no kids club, but if you get a chance to sneak away, head to LeMonds Aveda Salon-Spa for luxurious skincare and body treatments. Or try out the adults-only Oasis Pool.
There are plenty of onsite and nearby dining options at The Wigwam. Wigwam Bar is the best choice for breakfast, with its mouth watering churro waffle. In the evening, try Litchfield’s for farm-to-table cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
Casitas at The Wigwam, photo via The Wigwam
The Wigwam accommodations sprawl across the grounds surrounded by award winning rose bushes, citrus trees, and palm trees. The Adobe Collection rooms are best for families due to their proximity to pools and other activities. Traditional rooms feature stunning balcony views and lots of space for up to four guests, while spacious casitas and suites offer separate living areas and luxuries such as jacuzzi tubs and fireplaces.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
The perfect place to spend a summer day at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, photo via Visit Phoenix
Get ready for some fun in the sun at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale . This property features 2.5 acres of water playground fun with 10 pools, 25 waterfalls, and tons of fun poolside activities.
Splash around while participating in some water basketball or volleyball. Or zip down the three-story, high-speed waterslide. Then relax in the massive jetted hot tub or the amazing Grecian-style water temple.
The most unique water feature at Hyatt Regency is the sand beach and sand bottom pool. Your desert getaway can feel like a tropical vacation. Keep an eye out for fun poolside activities like face painting, water balloon tosses, sand castle building, and more.
Poolside cabanas and daybeds are available to rent, and H2Oasis provides family favorite foods and drinks, including frozen cocktails and mocktails.
Liberty Wildlife Experience , photo via Hyatt Regency Scottsdale and Spa at Gainey Ranch
The staff at Hyatt Regency loves to connect visitors to the local activities and traditions. During the holidays and seasonally you can roast s’mores around a campfire, take cooking classes featuring local specialties, or see Native American dance performances.
Year-round at the Fun Zone, families can practice putting skills, play giant lawn games, or even try the 28-foot climbing wall. And golf and tennis are always an option at most Arizona resorts.
For dining, SWB, a southwest bistro, creates delicious cuisine all day in their open kitchen. Kids will find familiar favorites on their menu while adults get more adventurous with dishes like lemon-amandine pancakes for breakfast and blue corn tostadas for dinner.
The stylish rooms and suites at Hyatt Regency offer breathtaking views and in-suite refrigerators. Upgrade to a casita suite for a fireplace, expansive living space, and rooftop views.
Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix
Sliding into the Paradise Pool, photo by Arizona Biltmore
Step into old world luxury at the Arizona Biltmore . The gorgeous architecture and awesome water activities make a vacation here a little slice of paradise.
Speaking of paradise, the Paradise Pool is the place to be for families. Splash and play in the perfectly heated pool while the youngest guests run through the splash pad. The hot tub completes the perfect pool package, keeping kids warm so they can keep on playing.
Upgrade your fun by racing down the dual Twist Waterslide. Or take the plunge down the third slide from atop the towering platform.
A swim-up pool bar makes families feel extra swanky. The Paradise Pool menu offers a variety of fun drinks for kids and adults. They also serve tasty snacks and frozen treats to keep families energized as they swim.
Paradise Pool at the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resorts, photo via Arizona Biltmore
Even the cabanas are top notch at the Biltmore. Rent a private slice of paradise for your family in an air-conditioned cabana , complete with its own shower, restroom, snacks, and attendant. Since the pool is open 24/7, it’s extra nice to have a little retreat by the water.
A variety of daily family programs also keep the fun going. Activities could include a treasure dive at the pool, family craft time, or indoor family-friendly games. There are also lawn games like giant chess and croquet.
For eating outside the pool, McArthur’s is a fun-onsite choice for families. While waiting for their meal, kids can perfect their foosball skills or learn how to play pool.
After dinner, or actually, anytime of day (this is a vacation!) stop by Cup & Cone for homemade gelato and baked treats. This art-deco inspired cafe is actually open all day and serves up handcrafted coffee and foods as well.
Arizona Biltmore ties their iconic, luxurious style into all aspects of the resort, including your rooms. All rooms include a mini-fridge, but you can upgrade to a balcony or patio to take in the lush resort views. Paradise Poolside Rooms offer direct access to the pool and even have a patio firepit.
The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale
The pool at cabanas at The Phoenician, photo via The Phoenician
Swim in luxury beneath iconic Camelback Mountain at The Phoenician . The expansive pool and exclusive Kids Zone provide fun and relaxation for the whole family.
The Kids Zone treehouse lets kids sway on the suspension bridge or pretend to sail a pirate ship. There is also a splash pad with tons of features including spray guns, shooting water spouts, and falling buckets of water. For those over 42”, the twisting 197-foot water slide provides mild thrills.
Relaxing lounge chairs surround the pool complex for anyone to use, but families could also choose to reserve a lounge chair, daybed, or cabana for the day. All reservations include a dedicated service member, but the cabanas offer comfortable seating, your own TV, and a personal refrigerator.
The poolside restaurant, Kalio Kabobery, creates frozen beverages for both kids and adults, as well as snacks, ice cream and more. I was very impressed with the variety of healthy options on the kids menu.
Grand Deluxe King Pool View, photo via The Phoenician
When you need a break from swimming, check out the game room on the ground floor of the Phoenician Athletic Club. Play arcade and video games, as well as pool, foosball, shuffleboard, and board games with the family. This entertaining area may even compete with the pool for the kids’ attention.
Also at the Athletic Club, families can rent bikes, participate in a tennis match, or learn to play pickleball. Two-hour bike rental and one-hour daily court access is included in your resort fee. Reservations are recommended.
The popular kids club, Funicians Club, is currently not available, but check their website for updates. Hopefully it will be back soon allowing parents to enjoy the golf course and spa without kids.
For a casual dining experience try Mowry & Cotton . They have a kids menu with all the favorites and serve up modern American cuisine for the more sophisticated diners. You can also find sandwiches, salad, snacks, and coffee at The Marketplace. This is a great place to stop by for some creamy gelato as well.
The luxurious rooms, suites, and casitas at The Phoenician are the perfect place to rest after a day of fun. Standard amenities include private balconies or patios and a Roman oval bathtub. The average room side is a spacious 600 square feet, but families can upgrade to a suite or casita for even more space and beds for up to six guests.
Best Waterpark Resorts in Arizona: Tucson
El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort
