It is undeniable that the landscape in Mesa, AZ, is gorgeous. It features the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the Tonto National Forest. While the people are extremely friendly, the summer climate can get hot. When you and your family need to get cool on a hot summer day, there are plenty of different locations that feature water to help both the young and the old cool off. Here is our list of the best aquatic centers, splash pads, pools, and marinas where you and the family can splash around and cool off in Mesa.

Mesa Aquatic Complex

A mother in a pool with an infant wearing wings and goggles in McKinney, TX

Pool! by Jim Kravitz is licensed with CC BY 2.0

The Mesa Aquatic Complex is a no-brainer for many Mesa natives. The public swimming facility is an economical way to keep your kids healthy, active, and entertained during the summer. The pool offers several activities and is a great place for kids to meet with friends and socialize in a safe environment. The pool has a zero-depth entry point, two 1-meter diving boards, a 3-meter diving board, a lazy river for relaxing, and a vortex pool for some fun. If you need a reprieve from the sun, there are shade structures and a turf area.

Those serious swimmers will appreciate the eight 25-yard lap lanes and the tumble bucket water feature. Daily entrance tickets for adult general admission start at $4, and youth and senior citizens can enter for $2. Patrons can also opt to purchase a summer swim pass. Individual passes range from $45 to $56 and family passes range from $125 to $225 depending on the date you purchase the pass. Check the website for details.

  • Location: 1630 E. Southern Ave., Mesa.
  • Hours: 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
  • Contact: 480-644-7529.

Riverview Park

Riverview Park offers a number of different activities that families appreciate. It has a lake for fishing, a playground with several climbing structures, and a new pathway along the Salt River bank for walking, running, and bicycling. The main feature of interest for families in the Mesa sun is a splash pad. After splashing around and playing in the water, kids can dry off as they climb along the 63-foot rope tower. The park also has reservable shaded picnic ramadas for $13 to $20 an hour depending on the size. Be sure to plan at least 24 hours in advance to secure your reservation. Check the website for details.

  • Location: 2100 Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
  • Contact: 480-644-7529.

Mesa Golfland Sunsplash

Mesa Golfland Sunsplash is a water park and family entertainment center that is ideal for the whole family. Attractions here include bumper cars, a splash pad, bumper boats, an arcade, laser tag, and miniature golf. Take the kids to King Ben’s Castle and let them choose their games while they await their order of delicious homemade pizza. Some exciting rides in the water park that experienced swimmers will want to check out are Double Dare, Thunder Falls, and Stormrider. Parents can relax on Lazy River, and the little ones can safely splash around in Toddler Tadpole Pool.

General admission tickets for water park passes begin at $52.63 for adults and $49.63 for juniors (those under 48 inches tall). The Golfland Funpass begins at $35. Bumper rides are $7, and laser tag sessions cost $12 for the first time and $6 for replays. To learn about available packages, discounts, or special events, call or visit online.

  • Location: 155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa.
  • Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.
  • Contact: 480-834-8319.

Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Mesa

If you want to pair learning with swimming, consider Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Mesa for your little guppy. This establishment offers world-class swim lessons for children of all ages and levels. Whether you have a swimmer looking to reach Olympic heights or one just learning how to hold their breath, the instructors here meet your child where they are and show them the best skills to keep them safe and loving the water.

Parents can opt to enroll their children in monthly lessons from one to three days a week. One-day-a-week lessons begin at $109 and three-day-a-week lessons are $245 for a group class. Semi-private and private lessons are also available. Check the website for details.

  • Location: 1122 S. Greenfield Road, Mesa.
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
  • Contact: 480-649-8687.

Saguaro Lake Marina

Saguaro Lake Marina is a proud oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert. Whether you want to rent a boat from Precision Marine, eat at the Lakeshore Restaurant, or take a narrated tour on the Desert Belle, there are numerous ways to enjoy the waters. The Desert Belle has two decks and the lower level is partially air-conditioned with an available snack bar and beverages. The tours are 80 minutes long and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Desert Belle website for more details.

  • Location: 14011 N. Bush Highway, Mesa.
  • Hours: Open 24 hours.
  • Contact: 480-986-5546.

So there you have it. Crème de la Crème of Mesa has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the best places where you and the kids can cool off and enjoy a dip in the water in Mesa, Arizona. While the heat is unavoidable during the warm summer months, having fun is always an option, no matter where your interests lie. Go and splash around in the splash pad, take a dip in the community pool, or enjoy cool breezes as you stroll around the lake. What do you think? Did we mention a new spot to cool down?

While you entertain the idea of experiencing a new water adventure, consider Crème de la Crème of Mesa for your future child care and day care needs. Our facility and staff are ready to welcome your family. For more information or to tour our facility, call our friendly staff at 480-210-2201. The on-site amenities we offer include coding and robotics, a tennis court, a gym with a basketball court, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Our staff will happily show you our state-of-the-art facility so you can learn about the benefits that await you and your child when you enroll with us.