Parents, we hate to tell you this, but the countdown to summer break from school is officially on. Have you figured out what you’re going to do to keep your kids busy in the sweltering heat? Not to worry – we’ve got you covered. Lucky for us Phoenicians, we live in a resort town where prices drop during the off-season, leaving plenty of space for us locals to have a great time.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
If you haven’t been to River Ranch Water Park at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak before, you should change that STAT. The four-acre sprawl features a half-mile lazy river, 130-foot waterslide, sparkling pools and an 18-hole putting course. There’s endless entertainment for kids, too, including underwater scavenger hunts, cannonball contests and slippery slide races. Saturday evenings bring a series of kid-favorite dive-in movies.
Fresh off a stunning renovation, The Phoenician is revamped and ready for summertime fun, particularly at the new Phoenician Pools. You have to check out the Kid Zone – there’s a suspension bridge, tree house with its own swaying bridge, plus sails and a helm for little ones to explore their inner pirate. And let’s not forget the splash pad – our kids love the spray-guns, falling buckets and shooting water spouts.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
OK, let’s be honest…as a parent, is there anything better than a lazy river? One thing that’s absolutely on our summer to-do list is a poolside family-friendly cabana at Westin Kierland. Between the Kierland FlowRider surfing simulator, 110-foot waterslide and Adventure Pool, you’re going to need that lazy float down the river at the end of the day – trust us. And when you’re ready for a real break, sneak on over to the adults-only pool.
When it comes to seasonal celebrations, the motto at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess seems to be, “go big or go home.” This resort really pulls out all of the stops when it comes to family-friendly activities, so we’d be remiss to only mention their pools (but they are amazing…there’s SIX of them). The party is on all summer long with dive-in movies, Mermaid University, 4th of July Freedomfest and so much more.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
Snow in Phoenix? In the summer? Yes, it’s actually happening at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale! With a 2.5-acre water playground, the resort is hosting the ultimate “chill out” fete for families with Virtual Snow Adventures, an icy “summit” for climbing, Polar Plunge and Après Beach, which, apparently, will be “an arctic getaway with crafty cocktails and games.” Sounds like they’ve got the parents in mind, too, which is a total win if you ask us!
