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Beat the Summer Heat: Top Water Attractions and Activities in Tempe

Summer in Tempe means embracing water-based fun amid the Sonoran Desert's dry heat. Locals love their backyard pools, but nothing beats venturing out to premier aquatic spots for swimming, surfing, sliding, and splashing. Pack your sunscreen and hat—here are our top recommendations for refreshing H2O adventures.

Surf the Waves at Big Surf Waterpark and Kiwanis Wave Pool. America's original wave pool, Big Surf Waterpark, is back for summer thrills. From toddler play zones to adrenaline-pumping rides, there's something for all ages, plus on-site dining. Waves crash every three minutes at "Waikiki Beach," with surf lessons available. Visit the Big Surf website for hours, deals, and details.

Tempe's crown jewel, the Kiwanis Wave Pool, offers unbeatable value: $7 for ages 13+, $5 for kids 2-12. Rent tubes or rafts for slides or lazy floats—all indoors, no sunscreen needed. Check the Kiwanis Wave Pool website for hours.

Chill at Tempe's Splash Pads. The Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad sits in The District, shaded for parents, near shops and eateries like MoJo Yogurt, Cold Stone Creamery, and Nekter Juice Bar. Open daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; enjoy live music Fridays and Saturdays.

The Cloud, Tempe's newest splash playground at Kiwanis Park, complements wave pools, batting cages, and boat rentals. Visit the website for the official opening.

Nearby in Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo features kid-friendly water play:

  • Leapin’ Lagoon Splash Pad: Ideal for babies/toddlers with shaded benches and changing areas.
  • Yakulla Caverns: Stalactite-themed splash fun for ages 5+.
  • Virginia G. Piper Enchanted Forest: Bridge, treehouse slide, and river splash.

Prefer water views? Circle Tempe Town Lake on foot or rent kayaks, paddleboards, electric pontoons, or pedal boats from Tempe Boat Rentals (south side near Mill Avenue Bridge). Join Riverbound Sports' Tuesday sunset paddleboard meetups (415 E. University Dr., Ste A-112). Check their site for events.

Salt River Tubing: Float the 68°F waters—a relaxing 45-minute drive. Salt River Tubing & Recreation (Mesa) provides tubes, shuttles, and gear; open daily 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Learn more.

Travel Notes
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    Tempe, Arizona, stands out as an ideal destination for summer meetings and conferences. Nestled in the heart of metro Phoenix, this vibrant city offers exceptional dining, nightlife, Arizona State University events, Broadway shows, and more for attendees to enjoy after meetings. While summer brings warm outdoor temperatures, meeting planners benefit from substantial value through cost-saving deals at numerous hotels and venues. Tempe boasts diverse meeting spaces suited for groups of 10 to 500.

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    Lace up your walking shoes and get fit for the holidays while supporting vital causes! These family-friendly 5K walks and runs in Tempe during fall 2016 offered fun, fitness, and philanthropy. Explore the lineup through November. Running Scared – October 22, 2016 – Tempe Marketplace Kick off Halloween early with this festive family event benefiting the Veterans Support Organization. Enrich veterans lives through community efforts. Registration at 7:00 a.m.; walk starts at 8:00 a.m. Making Stride

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