Top 10 Places to Cool Off in Arizona

by: Friedl Richardson|
- Arizona Living
- Things to Do

You don't have to sit indoors through the entire Arizona summer waiting for the cooler months to arrive. We all feel the familiar uncomfortable high temperatures that are here to stay for the next few months so making the most of the local resources can ease the heat pains.

Here are the top 10 places to cool off this summer in Arizona.

1) Water Wheel Fall

Located near Payson, Water Wheel Falls is home to a 40-foot tiered waterfall that is perfect for cooling off. Surrounding the falls you will find a wide range of swimming holes, and you can jump from the rocks high above these deep pools to enjoy a few thrills. The creek provides the ideal backdrop for a hike or picnic at this park and campground. You can enter Water Wheel Falls for free, but you will have to pay to camp.
2) Rattlesnake Cove

Considered one of the most beautiful places to swim in Arizona, Rattlesnake Cove is on the Bartlett Reservoir near Carefree but is completely protected from motorized watercraft. A gentle slope allows swimmers of all abilities to enjoy the cove, and you can bring your own grill to enjoy a picnic. Cost is just $6 per vehicle for the day.
3) Rim Country

Head to Greer in the White Mountains to beat the heat by escaping from the valley. Located over 8,500 feet above sea level, Greer is much cooler than the surrounding deserts, you can travel up to the 9,500 foot level to explore Big Lake, where you can camp, fish and swim above the deserts.
4) Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort

Voted into the Top 10 water parks by Travel Channel, the Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix is a great place to go to beat the heat. You do have to be a guest of the resort to play here, but the eight-story tall tower and three waterslides make it an excellent place to play in the hot summer months. It also has a toddler water play area for younger visitors.
5) Golfland Sunsplash

Located in Mesa, Golfland Sunsplash is a full entertainment zone for the family. The water park, with its thrill slides, wave pool and toddler play area, is the place you can cool off, but you can also play laser tag, race go-carts or try your hand at mini-golf at this family fun center.
6) Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix

Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix is a 25-acre water park with thrill slides, a lazy river, a family raft ride, toddler pool and, of course, the wave pool. This water park is in Glendale and is worth the drive as you will have a full day's worth of fun here.
7) The Lower Salt River

Tubing is a great summer pastime in Arizona, and the Lower Salt River, located near Mesa, offers exceptional tubing conditions. You can enjoy an all-day tubing adventure for just $15 with Salt River Tubing and Recreation. Tubing is relaxing and will help you beat the intense summer heat.
8) Lake Mead National Recreation Area

The Lake Mead National Recreation Area sits on the boarder of Arizona and Nevada. Here you can see the stark contrast of the Mojave desert against the beauty of Lake Mead. Water skiing, boating and even houseboat renting are all popular at this location, and there are several areas where you can swim.
9) Tempe Beach Park

Tempe Town Lake has a lovely splash playground called Tempe Beach Park. If you have younger children, you have to experience this. Children can run through a miniature ocean and ride on toy whales as they play in this free Temp attraction.
10) Breakers Water Park

Located near Tucson, Breakers Water Park has it all. Waterslides, tube slides, a wave pool and a splash park ensure that the entire family has plenty to do at this iconic area attraction.