We are a family that loves to travel to resorts with over-the-top resort pools and lazy rivers. We are self-proclaimed lazy river experts and we’ve compiled a list of the best lazy rivers in Arizona. You may think “Which is the Best Lazy River in Arizona” would be an easy question for us to answer… BUT is there such a thing as a bad lazy river?

We hope this list of the Top 10 Best Lazy Rivers in Arizona or the honorable mention Best Arizona Resort Pools can help you plan where to float off to next under the Arizona sun! Looking for something other than a lazy river? Check out our list of the Best Family Resorts in Arizona!

Top 9 Best Lazy Rivers in Arizona

2. Arizona Grand Resort and Spa – Phoenix, AZ 

The Arizona Grand Resort is an all-suite resort located in southeastern Phoenix with beautiful mountain views and “The Oasis” water park. It includes 3 water slides that start 8 stories high(!), a zero-grade entry wave pool, a resort pool complete with water volleyball, a 25-person hot tub (yes, you read that correctly), a splash area for kids, oh! and a lazy river!

The gentle river surrounded by waterfalls and rock formations winds under bridges and past the water slides with either single or double tubes to choose from. There are poolside loungers, day beds, and private cabanas around the lazy river for the ultimate day of relaxation!

Aside from the lazy river and “The Oasis” water park, The Arizona Grand Resort offers guests a luxurious desert retreat perfect for families seeking a memorable vacation in Phoenix. The spacious all-suite resort was designed with families in mind with separate living rooms, a dining table, and a mini fridge.

Guests can unwind at the expansive athletic club and spa offering a range of rejuvenating treatments and golf enthusiasts can tee off at the challenging 18-hole course. The resort’s dining options cater to all tastes, from casual poolside bites to gourmet dining experiences. We enjoyed dining al fresco at the famous Aunt Chilada’s which is a short walk from the resort and can be charged to your room. The Arizona Grand Resort provides a great, family-friendly setting for families to create lasting memories!

What we love most about it:

• The 8-story high water slides at “The Oasis” water park
• Floating away in the wave pool and lazy river
• The full-service spa… cause life is all about balance!

Read our full resort review here: Arizona Grand Resort and Spa

📍Arizona Grand Resort and Spa – 8000 South Arizona Grand E, Phoenix, AZ

3. JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort– Tucson, AZ

The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort is located in Tucson, Arizona (shocker, right?). The resort’s lazy river offers guests a tranquil escape overlooking the lush golf course in the heart of the desert. Soak up the Arizona sun and take in the beauty of saguaro-studded foothills and breathtaking mountain vistas on a pass (or four) around this lazy river. When you get tired of floating (like that could happen), be sure to check out the multi-tier pools, hot tub, and water slide.

The JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort also has three 9-hole golf courses with beautiful desert views and a full-service spa. Families can also bond over outdoor activities like guided hikes, bike tours, and evening telescope stargazing sessions. A couple of unique experiences you won’t want to miss at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort include a morning Native American ritual, Mitakuye Oyasin, and the nightly Tequila Toast on the patio. Cheers!

What we love most about it:

• A water slide that connects to the lazy river
• Desert views from the golf courses
• Evening stargazing sessions with the resort telescope

Read our full resort review here: JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort

📍JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort –  3800 W Starr Pass Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85745

5. Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak – Phoenix, AZ 

The Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak is located in northern Phoenix. It is a great family-friendly resort complete with an outdoor pool, baby pool, water slide, and (our favorite) a lazy river! The resort’s lazy river winds through the beautifully landscaped property, offering the feeling of an oasis with a palm tree-lined lazy river winding through the picturesque desert-scape overlooking the mountains. Float your worries away and make some family memories at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak.

Beyond the allure of the lazy river, the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak offers a cozy, all-suite desert retreat for families visiting Phoenix. Guests can enjoy dining poolside or grabbing some BBQ at one of the on-site restaurants. Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak also boasts a relaxing spa, and a fitness center, and while there is not a golf course on the property, there is mini golf… and no shortage of award-winning golf courses in Phoenix!

What we love most about it:

• Taking in the mountain views from the lazy river
• Playing kid-friendly mini golf with the whole family
• Enjoying a frozen drink poolside

Read our full resort review here: Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak

📍Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak–  7677 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85020

6. Great Wolf Lodge – Scottsdale, AZ 

The indoor lazy river at the Great Wolf Lodge located in Scottsdale, AZ ensures you’ll have a relaxing float even if it’s too cold or hot (looking at you, Arizona!) outside. The Great Wolf Lodge is a super kid-friendly resort within a water park that feels like a full-on Walt Disney World theme park, complete with character appearances!

The water park at Great Wolf Lodge is perfect for both little and big kids (and adults) with multiple water slides, splash pads, water playgrounds, and pools. There are plenty of activities to do outside the pool too and even themed suites for your family to stay in that do a great job of catering to a larger group. Gather your wolf pack entire family and jump in! You can also purchase day passes if you’re not planning to stay overnight at the resort.  

What we love most about it:

• Floating the lazy river with my “wolf pack”
• The indoor/outdoor water park is open year-round
• Themed family suites – so that you don’t have to fit the pack-n-play in the closet!

Read our full resort review here: Great Wolf Lodge

📍Great Wolf Lodge – 7333 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

7. Golfland Sunsplash – Mesa, AZ

Golfland Sunsplash is a family-friendly water park and entertainment center, offering an array of attractions for visitors of all ages in Mesa, Arizona. The Thunder Bay Lazy River provides a serene oasis for families seeking relaxation amidst the water park’s thrilling attractions. The lazy river at Golfland Sunsplash Mesa is the perfect spot for families to spend the day together and create core memories.

In addition to the lazy river, the Golfland Sunsplash water park features thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and a splash pad ensuring non-stop fun for the entire family. Brave the twists and turns of water slides like the Double Dare, Thunder Falls, and Master Blaster, or relax in the wave pool, enjoying the rhythmic ebb and flow of the water. The park also offers mini golf, laser tag, arcade games, and go-karts, providing an extensive variety of activities for family members of all ages.

What we love most about it:

• Floating the lazy river on a hot Arizona day!
• Family-friendly activities like laser tag, go-karts, and mini golf
• Splash pad perfect for littles to get in on the water fun!

📍Golfland Sunsplash – 155 W Hampton Ave, Mesa, AZ 85210

8. Waylon’s Water World – Yuma, AZ

Waylon’s Water World is a family-friendly water park in Yuma, Arizona, close to the California border. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the relaxing experience, providing a welcome respite from the exhilarating water slides and splash zones.

Waylon’s Water World features a wide range of attractions besides the lazy river, including thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and interactive play areas. For the little ones, a designated kids’ area with age-appropriate attractions ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s the lazy river’s tranquil journey or the park’s array of exciting water activities, Waylon’s Water World is the perfect destination for a fantastic family day out in Yuma!

What we love most about it:

• Traveling via lazy river around Waylon’s World Water Park
• Channeling a day at the beach splashing in the wave pool
• The variety of water slides to ride – fun for the whole family!

📍Waylon’s Water World – 446 E County 10th St, Yuma, AZ 85365

9. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix – Glendale, AZ

At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Glendale, Arizona, families can float the day away on the Castaway Cove Lazy River which serves as a tranquil respite amidst the adrenaline-pumping water park. The park features a wide variety of water attractions, including water slides, wave pools, splash zones, and kiddie play areas catering to visitors of all ages.

Thrill-seekers can brave towering slides like Tornado and Bahama Blasters, while little ones can splash around in the safe and fun-filled Buccaneer Beach. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is a splash-tastic time for families of all ages and sizes!

Update Summer 2024 – The Lazy River at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is temporarily closed with an unknown date for reopening. The water park continues to operate at normal hours.

What we love most about it:

• The lazy river – duh! It has just enough fountains to keep it exciting
• Kid’s play area is perfect for the littlest ones in your bunch
• Water Slides with thrilling and relaxing rides for the whole family to enjoy

📍Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix – 4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310

Honorable Mentions: Best Resort Pools in Arizona

Arizona Family Resorts that have over-the-top resort pools so great you won’t even miss the lazy river!

1. Arizona Biltmore A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Phoenix, AZ 

The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix is synonymous with luxury family resort. Choose your level of accommodation including a standard hotel room, a suite, a cottage, or a villa. There are 2 golf courses, a spa, and tennis courts on the property. The Arizona Biltmore has 7 (yes, seven) pools including an adult-only pool and a family-friendly pool with three water slides.

Wet your whistle at one of 5 onsite dining options ranging from upscale to casual with two vibey cocktail bars, one of which claims to be the birthplace of the Tequila sunrise! Family-friendly event programming includes activities like family yoga, dive-in movies, and family fitness walks. There is also Kids Night Out programming for kids aged 4-12 years old from 6-10 pm… tequila sunrise, anyone??

What we love most about it:

• Sipping a Tequila Sunrise at it’s (alleged) birthplace
• Setting a good wellness example at the family yoga class
• Kid’s Night Out programming that pairs perfectly with the vibey cocktail bar

Read our full resort review here: Arizona Biltmore

📍Arizona Biltmore – 2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016

2. Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch – Scottsdale, AZ

The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch is located on the Gainey Ranch Golf Club (27-hole course) in Scottsdale, Arizona. It has casitas, suites, and standard hotel rooms available for guests with options for private balconies and mountain views. The resort is in the process of undergoing exciting renovations to become a Grand Hyatt property.

The pool complex and guest rooms are already complete and the lobby, dining, and spa renovations are planned to wrap up by October 2024. The new pool complex includes multiple resort pools, a sandy beach pool, an adults-only pool, and a water slide.

There will be SIX restaurants on the property when the renovations are complete, led by celebrity chef Richard Blais of Top Chef fame. Both poolside restaurants are already open, one is family-friendly and one is adults-only – choose your own adventure! The property is located on the lake on the Gainey Ranch golf course which creates the perfect combination of desert, lake, and mountain vibes for your family getaway.

What we love most about it:

• Gainey Ranch Golf Club views and vibes – more Best Arizona Golf Resorts
• The Himalayan Salt Room at Avania, a full-service spa on the property
• Relaxing in the family-friendly outdoor resort pool

📍Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch–7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

3. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Scottsdale, AZ 

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona is a luxury resort with, wait for it… SIX pools. A family-friendly pool complete with 2 water slides, a white sand beach pool surrounded by palm trees, an adult-only pool, a spa rooftop pool, the main resort pool, and a private pool for guests staying in the Privado ultra-luxurious accommodations.

Make sure you take some time away from the pools to enjoy the 5 incredible restaurants, the full-service spa, and the beautiful resort grounds. Guests of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort have access to the best golf course in Scottsdale including the TPC Scottsdale of the PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open fame.

What we love most about it:

• Putting our toes in sand at the white sandy beach pool – Florida Beach vibes in Arizona!
• Full-service spa so our vacation is actually rejuvenating!
• Literally all of the six on-site restaurants – y.u.m.

Read our full resort review here: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort

📍Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort – 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

4. The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale – Scottsdale, AZ 

The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona offers guests a luxury resort experience with world-class golf, a full-service spa, fitness classes, a game room, and sports courts. There is a three tiered oasis with multiple pools for guests including an adult-only pool as well as a family-friendly pool area, a water slide, and a splash fort. There are 8 dining and drink options on the property ranging from upscale to casual.

What we love most about it:

• Making core family memories at the kid-friendly splash fort
• Getting some exercise on the sports courts
• Eight on-site restaurants and bars to choose from – something for everyone!

Read our full resort review here: The Phoenician

📍The Phoenician – 6000 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

5. The Wigwam – Litchfield Park, AZ 

The Wigwam is a historic resort in West Phoenix that first opened its doors as a resort in 1929. Don’t let that fool you this is a modern-day Arizona resort with upscale dining, 3 golf courses, a spa, and tennis and pickleball courts. Accommodations at The Wigwam include luxury suites and casitas with a tasteful, modern southwestern aesthetic.

There is a family-friendly pool and hot tub complete with 2 waterslides and also an adults-only pool and hot tub (parents on the loose!) if you’re looking for something a little more romantic.

What we love most about it:

• Relaxing at the resort pools and hot tub
• Playing a round at one of the 3 golf courses – more Best Arizona Golf Resorts
• The Wigwam resort history… if these walls could talk!

Read our full resort review here: The Wigwam

📍The Wigwam – 300 E Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Check out our other Best of Arizona Lists:

• Best Golf Resorts in Arizona
• Best Mountain Resorts in Arizona
• Best Family Resorts in Arizona

Do you love lazy rivers as much as we do?

• Top 17 Best Lazy Rivers in Florida
• Top 13 Best Lazy Rivers in Texas

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