Top Splash Pads, Wave Pools, and Water Activities in Tempe for Summer Family Fun
Nothing beats the Arizona summer heat like a refreshing splash in Tempe. From family-friendly splash pads and indoor wave pools to boating on scenic lakes, Tempe offers endless ways to cool off and create lasting memories. Here's your guide to the best water attractions for all ages.
Kiwanis Wave Pool
Ideal for families, the indoor Kiwanis Pool eliminates the need for constant sunscreen reapplication. Enjoy thrilling water slides and 3-foot waves, with rafts available for rent. Admission is affordable: $5 for adults and kids 13+, $4 for ages 2-12. Visit the website for hours, details, and session capacity limits (max 125 people).
Splash Pad at Tempe Marketplace
This splash pad features shaded seating for parents and is conveniently near refreshing spots like Barnes & Noble café, Panera Bread, Churroholic, and Zero Degrees. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Time your visit for a movie at Harkins Theatre.
Boating in Tempe
Launch your adventure at Tempe Town Lake or Kiwanis Lake.
Boat Rentals of America at Tempe Beach Park offers shaded electric boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, pedal boats, and swan pedal boats. Open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer.
At Kiwanis Lake, Boat Rentals of America provides kayaks and pedal boats by half-hour, hour, or two hours—perfect for family outings. They also rent cruiser, tandem, and surrey bikes.
Riverbound Sports hosts sunset paddleboard meetups Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Tempe Town Lake Marina. Pick up boards at 415 E. University Dr., Ste A-112, Tempe, AZ 85281. Check their site for events.
Northshore WaterSport Rentals offers kayaks, SUPs, party boards, and e-bikes on the lake's north side. See their website for rates and directions.
Tempe Neighborhood Splash Pads
Open April 1 through October 31 at Kiwanis, Esquer, Hudson, and Jaycee Parks:
The Cloud at Kiwanis Park – 5233 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85283
Jaycee Park – 817 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281
Esquer Park – 2407 E. McArthur Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281
Hudson Park – 1430 S. Cedar St., Tempe, AZ 85281
The Phoenix Zoo
In Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo boasts multiple splash zones. Summer hours: 7 a.m.-2 p.m. daily.
- Leapin’ Lagoon Splash Pad: Toddler-friendly with shaded benches and changing areas.
- Yakulla Caverns: Stalactites, stalagmites, and splash pad for kids 5+.
- Virginia G. Piper Enchanted Forest: Bridge, treehouse, trunk slide, and river splash.
Golfland Sunsplash
155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210 | (480) 834-8319
Combine waterslides, mini golf, a massive wave pool, lazy river, and 30+ attractions. Check the website for varying summer hours.
Explore more Tempe summer events and book a hotel with a rooftop pool for the ultimate stay.
