The Arizona Water Park You Should Head To For The Most Exhilarating Rides

Water parks have become a staple of outdoor entertainment across the United States. With over 1,000 locations to choose from — all offering a refreshing escape from the summertime heat — these aquatic playgrounds are designed to help you and your family cool down safely and in style. From first-of-their-kind waterless water parks to larger-than-life wave pools and must-visit indoor water park destinations, there's nothing like planning a water park getaway to get everyone in the mood for some major thrills.

And if you're looking for the perfect destination to make a splash, look no further than Hurricane Harbor Phoenix. One of the best water parks to visit in the U.S., Hurricane Harbor Phoenix — located about 17 miles north of Glendale — drew in an impressive 450,000 guests in 2023. This officially earned it its ranking as the twelfth most-visited park in the country according to the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).

Previously known as Wet n' Wild, Hurricane Harbor Phoenix is part of the Six Flags family and boasts an array of attractions designed for guests of all ages. Specifically, the park has all fronts covered with 15 attractions that range from gentle lazy rivers to heart-pounding slides with hundred-foot drops. As a good starting point for adrenaline seekers, the park's Bahama Blaster is a must-try experience that involves dueling slides (the first water slide of its kind in the world) and a breathtaking 830-foot drop marked by swerves and curves.

Alternatively, there's also the Anaconda. Hand-picked by the Travel Channel's "Xtreme Water Parks" as one of the top five water slides in the U.S., the ride features twisting tunnels and a spinning funnel that dramatically drops into the water below. Visiting with a group? Don't miss the Wahoo Racers — a six-slide water race track that's perfect for guests looking for a touch of friendly competition.

Meanwhile, families looking for some more kid-friendly fun can head on over to the Big Kahuna, which is designed for kids 42 inches and taller to get a taste of the excitement. As for the littlest and most cautious visitors, Hurricane Harbor Phoenix's Soak'em Playground and Splash Island have no height requirements and feature gentle slides and interactive water games for some age-appropriate water fun.

Planning your trip to Hurricane Harbor Phoenix? Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance, as pre-purchased admission usually starts from $40, while tickets purchased at the gate can set you back around $60. Along with that, parents might be happy to hear that children two and under can access the park for free. As for opening hours, Hurricane Harbor Phoenix typically kicks off its spring break season around mid-March, with opening hours running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come late May, the park switches into full gear for its summer schedule, which means it welcomes visitors seven days a week.

Alternatively, if you're a frequent visitor, Hurricane Harbor Phoenix also offers season passes that can ultimately lead to even bigger and better savings. On one hand, Platinum passes are available for $90 and include unlimited access to Hurricane Harbor Phoenix and Six Flags Magic Mountain — along with other perks like general parking and discounts on food and merchandise. As for ultimate flexibility, the Diamond Pass grants visitors access to all Six Flags parks nationwide — and also includes additional benefits like preferred parking and bigger discounts.

Lastly, in terms of dining, Hurricane Harbor Phoenix boasts a variety of fast food joints to suit all tastes — which means even the pickiest eaters will have something to nibble on. From tacos and burgers to frozen treats and funnel cakes, you and your party will have plenty of options to satisfy your appetite — and keep your energy up and your spirits high — throughout the day.