Make Waves

For the budget-minded, the city of Tempe in the Phoenix Metro Area operates an indoor pool where kids and adults alike can rent tubes and rafts to ride the three-foot-tall waves to the sandy beach shore. The Kiwanis Wave Pool includes a 127-foot tall double spiral slide for even more water time thrills. General admission is $6, and the pool is open year-round. A snack bar and outdoor patio is also on-site.

Splash Down

The Arizona Grand resort, formerly Pointe Hilton at South Mountain, is probably one of the most popular family resorts in the Valley of the Sun. With a gigantic wave pool, three water slides that you enter from an eight-story tower, and a 25-person hot tub, there’s plenty of water at the Oasis Water Park to create a splashing good time. Of course, you have to stay to play. Summer packages are available.

Float On

Salt River Tubing & Recreation has been around for more than 22 years. Located in northeast Mesa, just 15 miles north of U.S. 60 on Power Road, this is the sight of Arizona’s version of the wild beach party. For $11/person on the weekends, you and a bunch of your friends can rent inner tubes and float down the Salt River. Depending on how far you want to go, you could wind up spending five hours on the river. People bring coolers filled with their favorite drinks, including plenty of water, food and snacks to make it one big floating picnic. Shuttle buses take you back to the parking lot for your ride home.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler