When summer temperatures in the Valley of the Sun soar past 110°F, Phoenix locals know exactly where to cool off. From the family-friendly splash zones at Golfland Sunsplash to the refreshing waters of Canyon Lake nestled in the Superstition Mountains, beating the desert heat becomes an art form.
The city’s network of public pools, including the recently renovated Paradise Valley Pool and the historic Encanto Park Pool, offers affordable relief from scorching Arizona afternoons. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Glendale adds high-energy water adventures to the mix.
Dive into the Valley’s best water spots below!
Featured Water Activities in Phoenix
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Glendale)
- Canyon Lake (Apache Junction)
- Golfland Sunsplash (Mesa)
- Encanto Park Pool
- Papago Park Pool
- Madison Pool
- Paradise Valley Pool
- Marivue Pool
- Maryvale Pool
Fishing in Phoenix
Papago Park Pool
What to Expect
Papago Ponds fishing lagoon
Description
Papago Park offers water-based recreation through its Papago Ponds fishing lagoon, where visitors can enjoy fishing in a scenic setting. The park is also home to several lakes and is known for its unique rock formations and diverse recreational activities.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Papago Park Pool
Swimming in Phoenix
Encanto Park Pool
What to Expect
ADA-accessible pool facilities
Description
Encanto Park Pool offers a variety of amenities for water-based recreation, including a baby pool, diving boards, and play equipment. It is part of the larger Encanto Park, which features a lush 222-acre oasis with additional recreational activities like urban fishing and sports fields. The pool provides swimming lessons and is equipped with ADA-accessible facilities.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Encanto Park Pool
Golfland Sunsplash (Mesa)
What to Expect
Thrilling waterslides and water coaster
Description
Golfland Sunsplash offers a diverse range of water-based attractions, including thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It features over 30 rides and attractions, making it a comprehensive destination for family fun. The water park includes unique slides like the Dragon Tail body slides and a water coaster, providing an exciting experience for visitors.
Where: Mesa | More Info: Golfland Sunsplash
Madison Pool
What to Expect
ADA accessible facilities
Description
Madison Pool offers a variety of amenities for a comfortable swim experience, including a baby pool, diving boards, water basketball hoop, and ADA chair lift. It provides essential services like swim lessons and open swim times, making it an ideal spot for both recreational and learning swimming activities.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Madison Pool
Marivue Pool
What to Expect
Accessible water basketball facilities
Description
Marivue Pool offers a baby pool, diving boards, and a water basketball hoop. It features ADA chair lifts and stairs, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The pool provides a welcoming environment for family recreation.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Marivue Pool
Maryvale Pool
What to Expect
Sustainable solar-powered facility
Description
Maryvale Pool offers a vibrant community space with a baby pool, drop slide, water basketball hoop, and ADA accessible features. It provides a variety of programs including youth and adult swim lessons, lifeguard certification, and water sports like water basketball and volleyball. The pool's design incorporates natural daylight and evaporative cooling in its changing rooms, while solar panels generate more than 100% of the facility's needed power.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Maryvale Pool
Paradise Valley Pool
What to Expect
Structured swim lessons for all ages
Description
Paradise Valley Pool offers a variety of swimming sessions and classes, including Starfish Swim School for beginners and Stroke School for more advanced swimmers. The pool provides a welcoming environment for both recreational swimming and structured lessons. It is particularly well-suited for families and individuals seeking a community-focused water-based recreation experience.
Where: Phoenix | More Info: Paradise Valley Pool
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Glendale)
What to Expect
Tornado water slide
Description
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is a 35-acre water park featuring over 30 attractions. Thrill-seekers can enjoy slides like the Anaconda and Tornado, while families can relax on the Adventure River or play at Coconut Bay. The park includes a 700,000-gallon wave pool and offers amenities like lockers and cabanas. It is particularly well-suited for water-based recreation with its diverse range of slides and pools.
Where: Glendale | More Info: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Water Sports in Phoenix
Canyon Lake (Apache Junction)
What to Expect
Scenic red-rock canyon walls
Description
Canyon Lake offers over 28 miles of shoreline and 950 surface acres of water, ideal for boating, fishing, and water sports like waterskiing and jet skiing. Its picturesque setting includes steep red-rock canyon walls and abundant wildlife. Visitors can rent boats or take a cruise on the Dolly Steamboat. The lake is part of the scenic Apache Trail, making it a great spot for both water activities and exploring the surrounding landscape. Features multiple campgrounds and picnic sites.
Where: Apache Junction | More Info: Canyon Lake
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