The best place to be in the summer is by the water – that’s no secret. The question is, what type of splash do you want to make? A lazy ripple in the resort pool, an arcing wave with your kayak paddle, or a canon-ball plunge at the end of a curvy waterslide? Grab your sunscreen and check out these wet and wild adventures.
Take a Slippery Slide
Nothing says wet-and-wild thrills like waterslides and you’ll find two towers of fun at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’ Sonoran Splash recreation area. This 6,000-square-foot water park boasts two of the state’s longest waterslides.
Dive Into the Movies
Combine two of your favorite things – movies and swimming – with summertime dive-in movies! Among the resorts offering these poolside family-friendly flicks for guests are The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale, Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch and Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.
Ride the River
The lower Salt River just east of Scottsdale is ideal for calm-water rafting, SUPing, kayaking and tubing. As you float along beneath towering sandstone cliffs, keep your eyes on the lush shoreline for wild horses, javelina and other desert wildlife.
Take a Float
Is floating along a river right outside your hotel room more your style? Grab an inner tube and take a ride down the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s 900-foot Lazy River. The resort’s water park also includes a 110-foot-long waterslide, children’s play area and Flowrider surfing simulator.
Splash in a Fountain
With upscale retailers, fabulous restaurants and lush outdoor areas, Scottsdale Quarter is a great shopping destination year-round. But in the summertime, the cool pop-jet fountains make a splash with kids of all ages.
Chill at a Pool Party
DJ-spun music, specialty cocktails and a see-and-be-seen vibe are the hallmarks of a Scottsdale resort pool party. Three resorts known for their hot summer gatherings include downtown’s trendy Hotel Valley Ho and W Scottsdale Hotel, as well as the nearby Talking Stick Resort.
Enjoy a Spa Cooler
Relax with a dip at one of Scottsdale’s resort spas. Many of these award-winning dens of Zen offer water-based treatments and amenities like the Watsu Aquatic Massage at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Hammam Bathing Ritual at the Omni Scottsdale Resort’s Joya Spa, and Celtic Mineral Pool at Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa.
