Summers in Arizona are hot! We love to take to the water to cool down. Here in Peoria, we have an assortment of splash pads to cool the kids down—Pioneer Community Park, Camino á Lago park, Rio Vista Community Park and Pioneer Park all have splash pads open in July daily from 10 a.m to 8 p.m.
But what about something with even more of a splash? Whether it’s water skiing, renting a boat, sailing, heading out on a jet ski, paddle boarding or hydroflying, you can find it all nearby. Waterpark adventures await as well, with everything from a lazy river to adrenaline-pumping thrills and spills. Here are our favorite water adventures for this summer.
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
Take advantage of the 23,362-acre water park in your own backyard. Lake Pleasant has 114 miles of shoreline and it’s only about 15 minutes from North Peoria. You can enjoy camping, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, water sports and dining on the lake. There are two full-service marinas: Scorpion Bay Marina (ScorpionBayAZ.com) and Pleasant Harbor Marina (PleasantHarbor.com).
41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Rd., Peoria/Morristown
MaricopaCountyParks.net/lake-pleasant-regional-park-lp/
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
If you want some serious water fun, head to Hurricane Harbor Phoenix. You can find rides for those who want to get the adrenaline pumping. In fact, The Anaconda was voted a Top 5 Water Slide by the Travel Channel’s Extreme Water Parks show. If you prefer, head to the family-friendly play area or hop on a raft and float the lazy river. Afterward, chow down at Beachside Grill or Cowabunga Street Tacos.
4243 W Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale
Paqua Park at Scorpion Bay Marina
New at Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant is Paqua Park, offering more than 7,000 square feet of inflatable water fun. Open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday during the summer, you book 45-minute sessions. This is for anyone age seven and older and you will jump, flip and slide your way in and out of the water. You must book online in advance.
10970 Peninsula Blvd, Peoria
H2-WHOA!
Slide your way to some cool fun in the floating waterslide at Pleasant Harbor. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. now through August. Slide down one of the three long slides or do the 22-foot jump into the lake. You can get 1-hour ($35), half-day ($55) or full-day passes ($70). Check out Night Flights every Thursday through Sunday from 8 to 10 p.m. ($30) when lights and music change the slide experience.
40202 87th Ave, Peoria