Whether you're seeking boisterous sports pools for splashy fun and games, man-made rivers for inner tubing with friends or even relaxation on your own private island, you’ll find them in Arizona. Keep cool at these resorts, where activities range from casual poolside games to challenging wave-pool surfing.
Resorts in Phoenix
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Aside from being located next to America's largest urban park and wilderness preserve, Arizona Grand Resort & Spa's central feature is its seven-acre Oasis Water Park. This water playground offers everything from a kid-friendly splash pad to an eight-story tower with three waterslides for teens and adults. Rounding out the water features is a zero-entry wave pool for splashing about, a tubing river with rolling rapids and a 25-person hot tub. Not staying at the resort? Non-guests can purchase a day pass to the park on select days starting around $45 for children and $55 for adults (reservations through ResortPass).
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak
A popular spot for families, Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak's four-acre River Ranch Water Park attracts guests with a variety of "splashy" activities. In addition to swimming pools, the park includes a 130-foot waterslide, a slow-moving lazy river and beautifully lighted waterfalls. And if you want some dry-land fun, the resort's tennis courts, basketball court and miniature golf putting course are just a few steps away. The park is reserved for guests only; however, during the summer, residents of Arizona and nearby states can save up to 20 percent.
Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort
Spread out and enjoy all-suite accommodations and plenty of family-friendly amenities at Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Relax poolside at your choice of seven pools, including The Falls Water Village featuring two large pools, 23 cabanas, 138-ft water slide, waterfalls, and outdoor bar and café. In addition to swimming pools, guests have access to newly resurfaced pickleball and tennis courts, a basketball court, nearby hiking trails just a few steps away, 18-holes of championship golf at Lookout Mountain Golf Club and pampering spa services at Tocaloma Spa.
During the summer months, resort guests also have access to kids’ scheduled water activities, Saturday night dive-in movies, zoo encounters with the Wildlife World Zoo and more. Residents of Arizona can save up to 20 percent. Many other money-saving offers are also available year-round. For those just looking for a “daycation” – purchase a Day Pass or Cabana at The Falls Water Village and enjoy a day by the pool with the family, your best friends or on your own. It’s the perfect way to change up the scenery and feel like you’re on a vacation!
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Non-resort guests can purchase a “daycation” pass starting around $20 for children and $35 for adults, which includes access to the village and cafe; however, only guests can stay and enjoy the weekly “Dive-In Movies” each Saturday evening during the summer.
New this summer 2023, the resort’s recently renovated Aquaridge Waterpark will unveil updates to its pools as well as three new water slides. Take advantage of the new features with the Suite Summer Splash package, which gets you a reserved poolside cabana for two days.
resorts in Scottsdale
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Fairmont Princess welcomes families for fun yet elegant staycations. There are twisty waterslides and family-friendly pools, such as Sunset Beach—surrounded by white sand—as well as adults-only spots like the tranquil Sonoran Landing with floating bean bags and poolside drinks. Smaller children will enjoy the Sonoran Splash Pool with its two twisting water slides, zero-entry pool deck and a sandbox play area with beach toys. Planned summer activities include an outdoor skating rink, vintage arcade, dive-in movies and fireworks.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
At this Scottsdale resort, zip along the 110-foot-long water slide or float the lazy river at the on-site Adventure Water Park. Learn to surf or bodyboard at the Kierland FlowRider wave simulator. Or rent your own private "island"—dubbed the Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef—on a quiet cove along the lazy river, where you and your party can nosh, soak and sunbathe. Don’t worry about leaving Fido behind either; this top resort is pet-friendly.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
Set against the McDowell Mountains, the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale has earned rave reviews from guests for its spacious rooms, chic contemporary decor, and its expansive water playground. There are a whopping 10 pools, 20 fountains, 45 waterfalls, and a 30-foot, three-story high-speed waterslide to entertain guests of all ages. For those who prefer to stay dry, four handcrafted Italian Gondola boats await to transport them along the lovely waterways—complete with serenading Gondoliers.
Resorts in Tucson
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
At this Scottsdale resort, zip along the 110-foot-long water slide or float the lazy river at the on-site Adventure Water Park. Learn to surf or bodyboard at the Kierland FlowRider wave simulator. Or rent your own private "island"—dubbed the Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef—on a quiet cove along the lazy river, where you and your party can nosh, soak and sunbathe. Don’t worry about leaving Fido behind either; this top resort is pet-friendly.
From now until early September, you can stay “Under the Tucson Sun” and receive extra resort credit during your stay. Use it for a special meal, an extra round of golf or some relaxing time at the spa.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
Tucked into the lush desert foothills north of Tucson, Loews Ventana Canyon features great hiking and cycling opportunities, as well as warm-weather water fun. The property features two signature pools and heated spas, as well as live music, games like table tennis and complimentary frozen treats by the pool. The resort prides itself on its poolside concierge service—chilled towels and sunscreen, anyone?—and summer weekend family events like live music and water games for the kids. Celebrate Summerfest by Loews this 2023 with special drinks, discounted rates and other summer-themed fun.
