Looking for a family getaway right in your own backyard? Arizona, renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, world-class golf, and luxurious spas, has added an exciting new attraction to its tourism scene: Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale. Opened in September 2019, this indoor water park resort is the first of its kind in the state—and it's making waves in more ways than one.
Its debut coincided with the closure of Big Surf in Tempe, once home to the country’s first wave pool, marking the end of an era and ushering in a new chapter for aquatic entertainment in Arizona.
The 350-room boutique resort sits on an 18-acre site adjacent to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Located within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Talking Stick Entertainment District, Great Wolf Lodge is more than just a hotel—it's a full-fledged family destination that redefines the vacation experience in Arizona.
Until recently, Arizona’s hot desert climate has limited water park activities to seasonal use. Great Wolf Lodge flipped that script with an 85,000-square-foot indoor water park, maintained at a balmy 84 degrees year-round. This climate-controlled aquatic playground provides families with a reliable, weather-proof destination—whether it's a sweltering summer day or a chilly winter evening.
The facility is the 18th Great Wolf Lodge resort in North America, but the first in Arizona. Its arrival signals a growing diversification in the state’s hospitality sector, which has increasingly embraced family-oriented tourism to complement its traditional appeal to snowbirds and retirees.
The Scottsdale location offers far more than swimming and slides. The water park includes attractions for all ages: toddler-safe splash pads, a large wave pool, a relaxing lazy river, and a variety of water slides ranging from gentle to exhilarating.
But what truly sets the resort apart is what lies beyond the water. The 27,000-square-foot Great Wolf Adventure Park is a hub of dry-land excitement. Families can tackle a multi-level indoor ropes course, scale a rustic-themed climbing wall, bowl a few frames at Ten Paw Alley, play a round of mini-golf, or embark on a magical quest in the interactive MagiQuest game.
Accommodations at Great Wolf Lodge cater to the needs of families with children. Themed KidCabin Suites come complete with bunk beds and separate sleeping areas, allowing parents to relax while kids enjoy their own space. The resort also hosts daily activities like dance parties, scavenger hunts, and seasonal events to keep young guests engaged and entertained.
Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale has prioritized health and safety with rigorous standards. The water park employs advanced water treatment technology to ensure pristine conditions, and daily sanitation of floors and common areas is a staple. The resort also encourages guests to follow CDC guidelines for healthy swimming, providing swim diapers and promoting personal hygiene habits for a safe, enjoyable experience.
Housekeeping across the resort earns consistently high marks, thanks to the use of green, effective cleaning products and a dedicated staff that keeps rooms and public spaces spotless.
While the resort is ideal for kids aged four and up, there’s something for everyone. Younger children will need a bit more hands-on supervision, but those eight and older can explore much of the park independently. For locals or day-trippers, day passes are available—making it a flexible destination for birthday parties, weekend adventures, or spontaneous fun.
Great Wolf Lodge isn’t just a new resort—it’s a thoughtfully designed destination that addresses a gap in Arizona’s leisure landscape. Its strategic location, diverse attractions, and commitment to family-friendly fun have made it a standout in the rapidly growing Talking Stick Entertainment District.
As Arizona continues to develop its reputation as a family tourism hotspot, Great Wolf Lodge stands at the forefront, offering a dependable, delightful, and dynamic experience—rain or shine, summer or winter.
Great Wolf Lodge is not just a fun escape—it's a full spectrum experience that blends play, relaxation and family connection.