Looking for ways to pull your kid away from the video games this summer? Here’s a few ideas that are sure to keep both you and them entertained and stay cool.
Slide Rock State Park
Originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to the homestead. Visitors may slide down a slick natural water chute or wade and sun along the creek. If you want to stay overnight, Manzanita Campground is located just south of Slide Rock State Park in scenic Oak Creek Canyon. The campground is located right on Oak Creek. 19 campsites are small and some are now reservable. Come early and during the weekdays to have a chance at one of these prime campsites.
Big Surf Waterpark
Did you know that the world’s first wave pool was created here in Arizona? Created by Phil Dexter back in 1969, Big Surf’s wave pool, Waikiki Beach, is the original North American wavepool and is the third largest, holding 2.5 million gallons of water. You can also rent rafts, boogie boards and surf boards. Waikiki Beach is just one of several attractions in the park There are also several water slides and wading pools to help you and your kids stay cool this summer. For rates and hours, go to bigsurffun.com
Castles and Coasters
Built in 1980 alongside highway 17 in Phoenix, the 10-acre park features four mini-golf courses, a go-kart track, bumper cars and boats and an indoor video game arcade. They’re also the home of Desert Storm, where you’re carried through an upward climb followed by a plummeting drop and then through a series of loops and twists. After the thrillride, you and the kids can cool down on the old fashioned carousel and enjoy a round of golf. Park hours and rates can be found at castlesncoasters.com.
