Although Arizona is known for the desert heat, there are places to cool off and have family fun. The city of Phoenix has resorts with lazy rivers and water slides for hours of family entertainment. In addition to these amenities, there is ample shopping in Phoenix, a zoo, botanical gardens and mini-golf. For those wishing to take a longer excursion, the Grand Canyon National Park is only five hours away.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort

The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort is a luxury spa situated in the desert mountain area of Arizona. This resort features a 1,600-linear-foot lazy river and an 89-foot water slide. There are three other pools to choose from. The Wildfire pool is 568 feet long, while the Sidewinder pool is 422 feet long. Sidewinder is the best for conversations because of the narrow shape. Finally, the Mesa pool is the smallest, but best for families.

The resort features 950 rooms, of which 81 are suites. There are 10 dining venues that range from casual poolside to elegant cuisine. In addition, the resort features Arizona's largest ballroom. In addition to the spa and golf, the resort offers a Nickelodeon getaway that operates on weekends throughout the year and all week long during the summer. This package offers children themed activities, shows and the opportunity to dine with popular Nickelodeon characters.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort 5350 E. Marriott Drive Phoenix, AZ 850554 480-293-5000 jwdesertridgeresort.com

Arizona Grand Resort

The Arizona Grand Resort is a luxury resort with its own water park. The oasis water park features three water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a special kids area called Wild Cat Springs. In addition, there is a large hot tub that will accommodate up to 25 people. The resort features 740 luxury suites and seven dining venues. There is a spa and an award winning golf course.

Arizona Grand Resort 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85044 602-438-9000 arizonagrandresort.com

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort

The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort has a four-acre water park called the Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch with a western theme. This water park has a lazy river, many pools and waterfalls, in addition to a water slide. The resort has 430 one-bedroom suites and 133 one- and two-bedroom luxury suites, called Casitas. There are three restaurants, a spa and golf.

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort 7677 N. 16th St. Phoenix, AZ 85020 602-997-2626 squawpeakhilton.com

About the Author

Carla Locke is based in Oberlin, Ohio, and has been writing since 1998. Her writing career began in technical writing and has expanded into Web content. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in biology and an Associate of Applied Business in e-business technology.

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