Thrilling water slides and lush golf courses are trademarks of the finest Phoenix family resorts. And lucky for us, Phoenix has lots of resorts with both!
Is Phoenix a good place for families? Absolutely! On top of outdoor recreation, Phoenix family resorts offer top-notch dining, spacious rooms and suites, and exciting on-site activities. We’ve put together this guide of the best family resorts in Phoenix to help your family plan the perfect desert getaway.
What are the Best Family Resorts in Phoenix?
We have visited dozens of Phoenix resorts over the years and some are definitely more family friendly than others. We have put together a list of 11 awesome Phoenix family resorts that are worthy of your vacation dollars. Eachof these resorts have amazing pools and plenty of restaurants and activities to keep everyone happy.
The Best Phoenix Family Resorts for 2024
Arizona Biltmore
Experience classic Arizona luxury at the Arizona Biltmore. The exciting water activities and stunning architecture combine to create elegant fun for all ages.
At the Paradise Pool, families love to wade in the heated water. Little ones run nearby on the splash pad while parents melt their worries away in the hot tub. Three water slides exhilarate guests as they take a plunge from a towering platform or race down the dual twist water slide.
Feel extra swanky by grabbing a drink from the swim-up pool bar. Adults and kids can find fun drinks on the Paradise Pool menu. It also features delicious snacks and frozen treats.
Not quite enough luxury for you? Rent an air-conditioned cabana with a private restroom, shower, and attendant, just for you.
Keep the fun going with daily family programs. The various activities could include family crafts, a treasure dive in the pool, or indoor games for the whole family. Outside, play a game of lawn croquet or giant chess.
Looking for a fun place to eat? At McArthur’s, kids can learn to play pool or challenge their parents to a game of foosball while waiting for their food. For dessert, pickup some baked goods or homemade gelato at the art-deco inspired Cup & Cone. They also serve food and coffee all day long.
The rooms at Arizona Biltmore incorporate the iconic style found throughout the resort. In each room, guests will find a mini fridge, but an upgrade to a patio or balcony provides a lush resort view as well. Enjoy direct access to the pool straight from your room as well as your own patio fire pit by booking the Paradise Poolside rooms.
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Arizona Grand Resort & Spa
Arizona Grand Resort boasts one of the top water parks in the nation, Oasis Water Park. The amazing water park, in addition to first-class dining and spacious accommodations makes Arizona Grand Resort one of the best Phoenix family resorts.
The Oasis Water Park features seven acres of pools, water rides, and hot tubs. Spend the day floating in the Zuni River or jumping waves in the Oasis Wave Pool. Kids love splashing in Wild Cat Springs, with arching water jets.
Three thrilling water slides erupt from the eight-foot tall Slide Canyon Tower. Try the 225-foot Free Fall or 220-foot Roadrunner for an adrenaline rush. Or take a milder ride on the gradually descending Sidewinder.
Cabanas are available to rent. And guests can enjoy poolside dining at Oasis Bar & Grill. Be sure to try the signature Typhoon-soft serve ice-cream.
In addition to water fun, Arizona Grand features an award-winning golf course and tranquil spa.
Bring your family to breakfast at The Lobby Grill, or just order room service and bask in your luxurious suite. But in the evening, head out to Rustler’s Rooste where families chow down on cowboy fare surrounded by the best view of the city lights and live country-western music.
In addition to water fun, Arizona Grand features an award-winning golf course and tranquil spa.
All-suite hotels are a great choice for families. At Arizona Grand Resort & Spa guests can choose from one or two bedroom suites, or even stay in a residential style villa complete with a full kitchen.
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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Experience an amazing luxury getaway when you stay at the AAA Five Diamond resort, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Massive, landscaped ground invites visitors to relax in the pools, reenergize in roomy accommodations, and recreate with imaginative amenities.
Six sparkling pools sprawl across the resort, offering a refreshing escape from the Arizona heat. At Sunset Beach pool, enjoy a beach retreat with palm trees and soft white sand. Then zip down two 200-foot long water slides at the Sonoran Splash pools.
It’s easy to stay the whole day playing at the pool, especially with poolside activities including games and dive-in movies. Consider renting a cabana for a private retreat.
Around the resort, guests can enjoy an abundance of other amenities including a desert tortoise enclosure, fishing lagoon, and playground. Get active on the sports courts and challenge family members to a little friendly competition.
The Recreation Center offers fun for the whole family with arcade games, ping-pong, pool, and more. Or kids can enjoy supervised fun without the parents at the Trailblazers Kids Club.
While the kids are entertained, take a break in the two adults only pools. Or head to the spa for a luxurious massage or skin treatment.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess was voted Arizona’s best dining resort and once you’ve sampled the variety of delicious offerings, you might agree. Choose from fine dining at Bourbon Steak, or just grab a quick snack or drink at the Princess Coffee Shop & Retail Market.
Authentic Mexican flavors and classic favorites fill the menu at La Hacienda. Try the guacamole sampler for a unique treat. And Ironwood American Kitchen serves up locally sourced comfort food in a casual setting.
The guestrooms, suites, and villas at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offer a variety of floor plans and views for every type of family. And pets are welcome, so you can bring your furry family member on vacation as well.
Great Wolf Lodge
Swim and slide the day away with 85,000 square feet of fun at Great Wolf Lodge. A giant wave pool, relaxing lazy river, and thrilling water slides make this Phoenix family resort a favorite among kiddos. This probably the grandaddy of all the Phoenix family resorts water parks.
Don’t visit the Great Wolf Lodge without first checking out all our great Great Wolf Lodge tips.
Start out with a thrill on the Wolf Tail water slide, which features a 20-foot free fall. Or go a little milder on the River Canyon Run and Diamond Back Drop with ride-on tubes big enough for the whole family.
The wave pool and lazy river are a great place to take a little break from the adrenaline rush. Kids also love Talking Stick Treehouse, the water playground. And the Cub Paw Pool is perfect for toddlers.
Great Wolf Lodge is much more than a water park. Join the staff for morning yoga, as well as nightly storytelling and dance parties.
Your resort fee covers these events, and each attendee receives a little goodie bag with a couple coloring pages and crayons. Other onsite activities available for an additional fee include a rope course, a magic wand game, mini-golf, and even a Build-A-Bear.
The dining at Great Wolf Lodge includes a variety of options, perfect for families. Try Campfire Kitchen for a delicious breakfast buffet. Craft cocktails and gourmet meals are served at Barnwood. If you want to just enjoy your themed suite, try calling ahead for pizza at Hungry as a Wolf.
Buckets Incredible Craveables, located inside the water park, offers sandwiches, salads, burgers, and snacks. And when you get thirsty, grab a specialty drink at The Watering Hole. There is also Freshwoods Market with grab and go foods, a Ben & Jerry’s, and a Dunkin Donuts. Check out the dining packages available for a discount before check-in.
Themed family suites boast full-sized baths, mini-fridges, and plenty of space. Choose from a variety of suite sizes, ranging from the simplest Wolf Den Suite, which sleeps up to six to the Premium KidCabin Suite with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, sleeping up to 13!
Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak (formerly Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak)
Gear up for some serious family fun during your stay at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. Entertaining amenities, including the four-acre water park, River Ranch, provide hours of fun without leaving the resort.
At River Ranch Water Park, a half-mile long lazy river winds through stunningly landscaped resort grounds, past three heated pools and cascading waterfalls.
And a 130-foot water slide invites kids to experience some mild thrills. Lounge chairs rest beneath palm trees, awaiting sunbathers. Or guests can rent a private poolside cabana and lounge in peaceful seclusion.
While at the resort, kids love to explore the playground, try their hand at mini-golf, and play at the Coyote Camp kids’ club. The award winning kids’ club program takes children ages 4-12 on themed adventures while their parents escape to the full-service spa.
For dining, hit up the poolside Slim Picken’s Cafe for burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Or enjoy the historic Hole-In-The-Wall BBQ Joint which serves up three meals, as well as room service.
The suites at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak feature the signature Hilton Suite Dreams mattresses. Each room includes a separate bedroom and living room with a sofa bed, perfect for naps or a little nighttime privacy.
Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort (formerly The Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort)
Nestled in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve hides the fabulous Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. The desert surroundings invoke secluded feelings, yet this resort is just minutes from downtown Phoenix, putting families close to top attractions and dining.
Since Arizona gets hot in the summer, cool off at the Falls Water Village. Zero-depth entry pools showcase water features like waterfalls and fountains. And a water slide, plus two hot tubs, keep the fun going all day.
Poolside cabana rentals offer a private escape, or visitors use the lounge chairs that surround the pool. Seasonal poolside activities like dive-in movies and water games provide even more water fun.
In addition to the pools located at Falls Water Village, swimming pools dot the resort grounds, offering a more private, calm place to escape with your family.
When the weather is cooler head into the hills of the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The adjacent North Mountain Visitor Center teaches visitors about the Sonoran Desert through displays, workshops, and classes. You can also pick up a trail map before heading out on a family hike.
Around the resort, families can play golf or tennis, go shopping, and luxuriate in the full-service spa. The Tocaloma Phoenix Spa & Salon provides treatments for the whole family, including a kids mani/pedi.
Many local family-friendly restaurants can be found just minutes from the resort. The best onsite restaurants for families is Pointe in Tyme. For breakfast, try the buffet. And come back from pasta, steak and seasonal dishes later in the day.
The poolside restaurant, Cascades Cafe, keeps swimmers energy up by providing refreshing drinks and light meals.
All accommodations at Tapatio Cliffs are suites, making it perfect for families. The comfort of separate living areas and mini-fridges make your room feel almost like home. Suites with multiple bedrooms provide even more comfort for larger families. The private balconies in each room offer a relaxing place to enjoy the desert from.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch
Families love the huge water playground, seasonal events and family-friendly luxury of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch. This resort is packed with entertainment and amenities.
The water playground features 25 waterfalls, 10 pools, and numerous poolside activities. Participate in a game of water basketball and volleyball. Or take a spin down the three-story high speed water slide. The Grecian-style water temple and giant jetted hot tub offer the perfect place to relax.
Hyatt Regency features a sand beach and sand bottom pool. Experience a little taste of a tropical vacation in the middle of the desert. Check out the poolside activities like water balloon tosses, sand castle building, face painting, and more.
H2Oasis serves refreshing drinks, snacks, and family favorite foods for poolside dining. Daybeds and Poolside cabana rentals are available as well.
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Head to the Fun Zone to practice putting skills with the family. You can also play giant lawn games or scale the 28-foot climbing wall. And of course, tennis and golf can be played here year round.
Local activities and traditions are an important part of experiencing a destination, and the helpful staff at Hyatt Regency can connect you with it. They offer seasonal activities like roasting marshmallows for s’mores, cooking classes, and Native American performances.
SWB, a southwest bistro, cooks creative cuisine in their open kitchen all day long. The kids’ menu features kid-friendly favorites. More adventurous diners might enjoy the Lemon-Amandine Pancakes for breakfast or for dinner, Blue Corn Tostadas.
Breathtaking views and in-suite refrigerators can be found in the rooms and suites at Hyatt Regency. For an upgrade to a fireplace, rooftop views, and expansive living space, try a Casita Suite.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort
Refreshing pools, delicious dining, and family fun await visitors to JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.
Renovations are underway at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. The summer of 2023 should make a splash with three adrenaline pumping water slides and a special family zone with a splash pad and playground.
During renovations, the heated Mesa and Wildfire outdoor pools remain open. Guests can also run through the splash pad and relax in the hot tubs.
The Family Escape area offers families a place to play fun games and create crafts together. Fun resort activities like roasting s’mores and movie nights frequently appear on the resort daily activities list as well.
Six high class restaurants and bars reside onsite, including some great choices for families. Tia Carmen features inventive flavors of the southwest in a smart casual setting for three meals a day. For a more relaxed atmosphere, try Just a Splash Bar & Grill’s American fare, smoothies, and refreshing drinks.
The spacious rooms and suites showcase the resort, pool, or surrounding mountains through floor to ceiling windows. Each luxurious room was designed to be family-friendly and invoke a peaceful atmosphere.
The Phoenician
In the shadow of the iconic Camelback Mountain sits the lavish resort, The Phoenician. With its engaging amenities and opulent accommodations, families can experience a uniquely luxurious family vacation.
The main attraction for kids is The Kid Zone Treehouse. A swaying suspension bridge and play pirate ship capture their imaginations and entertain children for hours. They also love the splash pad;s fun water features and the 197-foot water slide.
While the little ones work off excess energy, unwind in the lounge chairs surrounding the pool complex. Or upgrade your pooltime by reserving your own cabana, complete with a TV, personal refrigerator, and dedicated attendant.
For more family fun, head over to the Phoenican Athletic Club. On the ground floor, explore the game room entices families with arcade games, pool & foosball, and board games for all ages. Families can also rent bikes, play tennis, or learn to play pickleball here.
Funician Club, the popular kids’ club, is not currently available. But when it opens again, children love the activities and parents love to drop kids off while they escape to the spa or golf course. Check The Phoenician’s website for updates.
Mowry & Cotton offers the best casual dining onsite. In addition to modern American cuisine, kids can order their favorites from a special kids menu. For a treat, try the gelato at The Marketplace. Salads, sandwiches, coffee, and snacks are also available here.
Poolside dining is also an option at Kalio Kababery. The kids menu presents a variety of healthy options, which is awesome.
The luxurious accommodations include rooms, suites, and casitas at The Phoenician. Each standard room features a Roman oval bathtub and either private balconies or patios. Spacious rooms offer 600 square feet to relax, or families can book an even larger suite or casita to accommodate up to 6 guests.
The Wigwam
The historic Wigwam boasts family-friendly luxury on 440-acres of manicured grounds. The amenities, pools and restaurants provide a perfect place to make family memories.
Two huge swimming pools beckon for families to splash and play. In the Tower Pool, the three-foot deep area is perfect for wading before connecting through a channel under the bridge where big kids can swim around in five-foot deep water.
Race down twin 25-foot water slides into the pool below while the little ones get wet in the adjacent splash pad.
Lounge in the shaded chaise chairs surrounding the pool waited on by attendants from the Tower Pool Bar and Grill. Or even rent a cabana, complete with cold bottled water and snacks like chips and salsa.
Fun family activities can be found across the resort grounds. In addition to golfing and tennis, guests will find bocce ball, corn hole, sand volleyball, and ping pong.
If you happen to get a break from the kids, sneak away to the LeMonds Aveda Salon-Spa for rejuvenating spa treatments. Or just float around in the adults-only Oasis Pool.
Hungry? The Wigwam Bar’s mouthwatering churro waffle makes a decadent breakfast. And head to Litchfield’s for farm-to-table cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
Award winning rose bushes, palm trees, and citrus trees mingle among the accommodations sprawling the grounds at The Wigwam. The proximity to the pools and other activities make the Adobe Collection rooms a great choice for families.
Spacious suites and casitas provide separate living areas and luxuries such as fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs, while stunning balconies and plenty of space are available in traditional rooms.
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Experience the luxurious accommodations and award-winning golf courses of the eclectic Westin Kierland Resort. Adventure Water Park, the massive pool area, makes this one of the best Phoenix family resorts.
The iconic Kierland Flowrider allows families to experience boogie boarding in the middle of the desert. Once your skills improve, the full-sized wave simulator can be programmed for stand-up surfing.
Zip down the 110-foot water slide for a thrill. Then hop aboard a tube and float around the lazy river while you work on your tan.
J. Swilling’s Poolside Bar & Grill provides poolside dining, which you can even enjoy from your private cabana rental. Cool down with one of their frosty cocktails and refreshing beverages.
Did you know Prospector Pete hid a treasure around the resort? Families can complete the Kids Compass Quest scavenger hunt by solving clues to win a treasure bag.
Take advantage of the Westin Family Kids Club and get pampered at Agave, The Arizona Spa & Salon. The kids’ club provides supervised fun for children ages 4-12.
On weekends, bring your family to the Kierland Campfire fire pits and make s’mores after roasting your own marshmallows.
For onsite dining, families love Nellie Cashman’s Monday Club Cafe. Mining camp recipes from the late 1800’s are transformed into delectable dishes at this modern cafe. Plenty of other dining options can be found at the nearby Scottsdale Quarter.
Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed can be found in all Westin Kierland rooms. Accommodation choices range from multi-rooms casitas to standard guest rooms.