Water isn’t only for hydration in Tempe – it’s for fun too! Tempe has a variety of splash pads, water parks, and pools to choose from when the summer days get toasty.
Here are a few options in Tempe to keep you cool all summer long:
Kiwanis Wave Pool
The Kiwanis Pool is perfect for the whole family. No need to re-apply sunscreen here – the pool is indoors. It has lap swimming and 3’ waves – rafts are also available for rent (the water slide will be closed until winter due to supply issues). Daily wave sessions are from 1-5 p.m. daily. Admission is only $5 for adults and kids 13 years and older. For children from 2-12 years old, admission is $4. Check the website for more details and to confirm hours of operation before going.
Splash Pad At Tempe Marketplace
The splash pad at Tempe Marketplace is surrounded by a shaded seating area for parents and it’s close to a few spots where you can get an iced beverage or dessert, such as the cafe inside Barnes & Noble, Panera Bread, Churroholic and Mojo Yogurt.
It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Parents can also enjoy live musicians who play within earshot of the splash pad on Friday and Saturday evenings. And, if you plan it correctly, you can even schedule your visit around a blockbuster movie at the Harkins Theatre at Tempe Marketplace.
Boating In Tempe
There are two places in Tempe where you can get out on the water: Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake.
Boat Rentals of America at Tempe Beach Park offers electric boats (with surrey tops for shade), stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, pedal boats and the snazzy new swan pedal boats. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Monday-Thursday & 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Boat Rentals of America at Kiwanis Lake rents kayaks and pedal boats by the half hour or hour. A signature part of Kiwanis Park, this smaller lake is perfect for a family outing. You can also rent cruiser, tandem and surrey bikes by the half hour or hour.
Riverbound Sports schedules sunset paddle board meetups at the Tempe Town Lake Marina on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The paddle boards can be picked up from their shop located at 1425 E. University Dr. Ste. B-102 Tempe, Arizona 85281. Check their website for more information and a calendar of events.
Northshore WaterSport Rentals provides rental kayaks, stand up paddleboards, large party boards (that accommodate more than one person) and e-bikes. Check their website for rates and directions to their location on the north side of the lake.
Tempe Neighborhood Splash Pads
Check out one of Tempe’s neighborhood splash pads. Kiwanis, Esquer, Hudson and Jaycee neighborhood parks are open through October 31.
- The Cloud at Kiwanis Park – 5233 S. Ash Ave. Tempe, AZ 85283
- Jaycee Park – 817 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
- Esquer Park – 2407 E. McArthur Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281
- Hudson Park – 1430 S. Cedar St., Tempe AZ 85281
The Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo, located in beautiful Papago Park, has several splash pads and water play areas.
Leapin’ Lagoon Splash Pad is perfect for babies and toddlers. Adults can take a break and watch from shaded benches or join in the fun if they don’t mind a good soaking. There’s also a changing area.
Yakulla Caverns with its stalactites, stalagmites and a splash pad is great fun for kids five and over.
At the Virginia G. Piper Enchanted Forest, kids can take the bridge over a trickling river to the treehouse, slide down the giant tree trunk and end with a splash through the river bottom.
Golfland Sunsplash
Waterslides and mini golf in the same spot? Yes please! Featuring over 30 rides and attractions, Golfland Sunsplash is sure to please everyone in the family. Thrilling waterslides, a huge wavepool, a winding lazy river and more, are all there to take advantage of to cool off this summer. Check the website for hours, as they vary throughout the summer.
155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210 | (480) 834-8319
Check out more summer fun ideas that are happening all summer long in Temp: tempetourism.com
