Scottsdale does family vacations right: lazy rivers, white-sand “beaches,” pools galore, and even an indoor water park. These standout resorts offer kids’ clubs, waterslides, splash pads, and plenty of room to relax under the sun. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a desert environment or prefer a lush poolside getaway at a luxury resort, here’s where to book a sun-soaked escape to satisfy the whole fam.
Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale
This resort is made for families who want the Sonoran Desert to be the main event. Kids can try junior golf on top-flight fairways with mountain views, splash in serene pools, and enjoy guided nature walks between the agave and saguaro. After dark, families can stargaze. By day, grab paddles for some pickleball. Spacious casitas and villa options give the whole family plenty of room, many offering kitchens. Compared with Scottsdale’s more water-park-centric resorts and hotels, Boulders stands out for tranquility, scenery and hands-on desert discovery. It’s best suited for kids who are a bit more adventurous, but any child would love a few days here.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Princess is paradise for families. It has six pools, all different. Don’t miss Sonoran Splash with its towering twin water slides (kids can race!) and Sunset Beach with white sand, palm trees and dive-in movies. A kids’ club offers crafts, games and supervised play. The rec center brings ping-pong, arcade games and fishing poles you can carry to the west pond. Seasonal spectacles are what sets the Princess apart: daily fireworks and Camp-themed games during summer, and a famous Christmas spectacular with a holiday light show, ice skating, s’mores, and a nighttime train ride. Rooms are practical for families, with villa options available.
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort
Recently reimagined, the Grand Hyatt brings the big, luxury-resort dream to life: ten pools connected by lagoons, a white-sand “beach” and shallow areas for young children. Expect a waterslide, splash zones and cabanas where you can relax and store snacks. Ample paths make stroller maneuvering easy, and lawn games keep downtime between swimming and meals fun. Dining options are flexible, with two new restaurants plating Italian favorites and Spanish tapas. The Grand Hyatt offers great variety and luxury amenities that are sure to please. Families have options for just about every age, mood, and swim level.
The Phoenician
The Phoenician has a blend of luxury, sophistication and deep appeal to kids. First on the pool complex agenda: a surprisingly twisty waterslide. There’s also a lively splash pad with a few gentle water cannons. When lounging poolside, kebabs are a must. Inside, a game room with air hockey, pool and retro arcade games awaits. A kids’ club rotates activities by the day, from STEM-centric to candy art using M&Ms. After swimming, there’s a gelato shop and plenty of golden-hour Camelback Mountain views. Compared with other icons, the Phoenician stands out for blending polish with kid-centric variety.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Westin Kierland is a fantastic, centrally located property with a highly memorable central feature: the FlowRider. This wave simulator keeps the kids busy for hours. But there’s so much more to do here, including riding a 110-foot waterslide, floating the lazy river or simply enjoying a frosty poolside marg or smoothie. A kids’ club keeps the little ones immersed in activities and crafts. The OK Corral lawn offers Jenga and cornhole. At night, the whole family can toast s’mores. Both Kierland and Scottsdale Quarter are walkable from the resort, bringing a new layer of shopping, dining, and kids’ activities.
Great Wolf Lodge Arizona
Imagine a water park and a hotel rolled into one, with climate controls to keep everyone comfy on even the hottest summer days. Welcome to Great Wolf Lodge, a wonderland of pools and slides designed to make kids happy. A huge indoor water park offers slides, splash towers, a lazy river, a wave pool, and zones designed for tots. The possibilities extend to dry activities as well. You’ll find a ropes course, bowling, scavenger hunts and an arcade. Kids also can enjoy a nightly story time. Hotel suites decked out with cabin-themed bunk beds make bedtime part of the adventure. There aren’t many adult escapes (like a spa or golf), but for a kids-first experience you can’t do much better.
Hilton Vacation Club Scottsdale Villa Mirage
This Scottsdale resort stands out from the rest for its apartment-style accommodations, ideal for families wanting space, kitchens and a home-like atmosphere. A pool, mini-golf and basketball keep kids entertained by day. Grills and picnic spots are perfect for evening meals with a sunset view. An activities calendar gives families the option to layer in crafts and games. No wave machine or giant slides, but compared to the water parks and large resorts, Villa Mirage makes its mark for value and convenience. There are fewer crowds, laundry at hand and zero pressure to chase every last activity. For many families, that’s a great way to relax and reset.
