14 Awesome Resorts with Water Parks in Arizona

All the best family-friendly resorts have great pools, and you’ll find a better selection of resorts with waterparks in Arizona than anywhere else. You can zip down waterslides, splash in giant pools, or just float down lazy rivers. 

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 

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. 

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 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

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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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

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. 

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

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

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

The beautiful El Conquistador Tucson is a great place to take in the desert scenery while you soak up some sun. With five pools, poolside activities, and poolside dining, everyone is sure to have a great time.

A shallow kiddie pool with zero-depth entry and spraying water features keep the little ones happy, while those over 42” enjoy the adjacent 143- foot waterslide. 

The spacious main pool provides plenty of rooms for splashing or lounging. And a hot and cold plunge pool offers a refreshing experience.

Grab a bite to eat at the poolside Desert Springs Bar and Grill. Their hickory smoked turkey wrap or steakhouse burger taste even better in your wet swimsuit.

Games, dive-in movies, and a poolside DJ make the swimming experience even more unforgettable during certain seasons. Check with the concierge to see what poolside events are happening during your stay.

For fun outside the pool, explore the 30 miles of trails surrounding the resort. Included in your resort fee is a two-hour bike rental. Kids bikes are not available, but there are scooters.

Other activities include the kids club, full service spa, golf and tennis. You can also go horseback riding from the onsite stables. 

Need more to eat? Try the Southwestern-style breakfast at Sundance Cafe. This casual eatery serves up fresh, regional ingredients to make favorites like the Conquistador Burrito. 

Or for a more formal dining experience, make a reservation at Epazote Kitchen. Dine on Southwestern-infused food, like the charred vegetable quesadilla, while viewing the majestic cliffs of Push Ridge.

El Conquistador is perfect for those traveling with large families. The property offers casitas with one to three rooms, separate living areas, private patios, and fireplaces. The main building also houses traditional rooms and suites with beautiful views and balconies.

JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass

At the luxurious JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort, kids love racing down the 175-foot waterslide, Monsoon Falls. Parents can watch as they float on an inner tube down the Starr Canyon Lazy River. 

The resort also features a giant two-level pool complex, where kids love to jump from one section to the next. And toddlers always love running through the splash pad.

Poolside cabanas are available for rent, perfect for luxurious breaks from the hot, desert sun. Even without a cabana, it’s easy to spend the day poolside in one of the many lounge chairs.

When you get hungry, no need to leave. Plunge Poolside Dining provides tasty drinks and dishes delivered right to your seat. They even offer a kids’ menu.

But the fun doesn’t have to end when your kids are done swimming. Kids will enjoy the kids club, with a variety of supervised activities. And teens love playing video games and relaxing in the teen lounge. 

While the children are having their own fun, consider some adult time at the spa. The three-level Hashani Spa has a salon, private pool, yoga studio, full gym, and lounges. They also offer full service massages, facials, and body treatments.

If you can tear yourselves away from the pools long enough, check out the award-winning golf courses, nearby hikes, and tennis courts. 

In addition to poolside dinner, JW Starr Pass Resort serves up gourmet meals in their onsite restaurants. Try Salud for small plates and amazing cocktails. 

Or head to Signature Grill. They make delicious huevos rancheros for breakfast, and amazing red-wine braised short-rib for dinner. They also have a kids menu. 

JW Starr Pass Resort offers a variety of room options, including standard hotel rooms. Experience a bit more luxury by choosing suites with views of the golf courses, pools, or beautiful Sonoran Desert.

Explore the region. Here are the best things to do in Tucson with kids.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Tucked away in the Tortolita Mountains, you’ll find the secluded Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. This resort offers the perfect mix of family-friendliness and luxury, as well as providing a perfect place to swim the day away.

Three perfectly heated pools offer respite from the desert heat. And kids love to run through the splash pad or zip down the 235-foot waterslide.

Although there is plenty of seating surrounds the pools, cabana rentals offer an added touch of seclusion and luxury.

Getting hungry? No need to leave the pool to eat. Turquesa Latin Grill delivers locally-inspired dishes along with refreshing drinks to your cabana or lounge chair. Nothing beats munching on street tacos and sweet potato fries while watching the kids splash around.

Even though it’s hard to leave the sparkling pools, Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain’s location amid sprawling mountain terrain makes it perfect for mountain biking and hiking. The concierge can set up a guided hike, rent mountain bikes, or fill you in on the local geocaches. 

Kids ages 5-12 can explore even more with the Ritz Kids program at the Ranger Day Camp where they learn about the desert through hikes, crafts, and games. While they are there, parents should take advantage of the holistic focused spa where they use a natural approach to wellness.

For breakfast and dinner, head to CORE Kitchen. In the spring, diners can pick their own citrus from the onsite orchards to accompany their meal. And be sure to choose outdoor seating in the evening to allow you to enjoy the nightly live Native American flute music.

The adventure doesn’t have to end at bedtime. Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain offers an in-room camping experience for kids. Choose this add-on and your room will come with a kid-size tent furnished with down bedding, a stuffed animal, book, and flashlight. 

Rooms here range from spacious standard rooms with spectacular balcony views to secluded casitas with multiple bedrooms, living areas, and sleeping accommodations for up to eight people. 

The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa

Get ready for a day of poolside fun at Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. Five pools glisten in the shadow of the Santa Catalina mountains, waiting for those ready to wash off the desert dust.

The highlight of the pool area for kids is the 177-foot waterslide, although hopping from pool to pool comes in a close second. Adults love the tranquil waterfall features. 

Be sure to rent a secluded cabana to enhance your experience. Or just snag one of the chaise lounge chairs around the grounds. 

While there you can order snacks and drinks from the poolside restaurant, Sabinios. Get delicious burgers, salads, and cocktails (or mocktails) delivered straight to your seat.

When you are done swimming, kids can have a blast at the kids club while you try out the amazing golf or tennis onsite. You could also take advantage of the full-service spa and fitness studio.

For your dining pleasure, Westin La Paloma serves up authentic regional cuisine all day at its open-air restaurant, AZuL. In the evening, make a reservation for Contigo Latin Kitchen to try foods inspired from Cuba, Spain, and Mexico.

After a day at the pool, you will love collapsing into the legendary Westin Heavenly beds. Standard rooms include either one king or two queens, but all include a private balcony with gorgeous Tucson views.

Want more great Tucson hotels for families? Check out our guide to the best Tucson Resorts for Families.