One summer while vacationing in Phoenix, I was swimming in a pool when my mother told me to make sure I was drinking lots of water. Since then, that’s how I’ve always thought of the Arizona city: It’s the kind of place where you have to worry about staying hydrated while located inside a giant bowl of water. 

Right now, Phoenix is going through a heatwave that’s crazy even by local standards. Temperatures are reaching record highs and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of it stopping. Phones are melting, drivers need to use oven mitts to touch their steering wheels, and doggie paws need special shoes to make sure they don’t burn on the hot pavement. 

Obviously, people in Phoenix need to be smart, find shady spots, and stay hydrated. But you can’t just sit around the house forever waiting for things to get to a balmy 95 degrees. If you want to get out and have some fun without frying in the sun, here are some options for you.

Head to the Waterpark

Photo Courtesy of Big Surf Waterpark

What better way to cool off than to spend the day at Big Surf Waterpark in nearby Tempe? Sure, a lot of people probably have the same idea but considering they have the third-largest wave pool in North America, there’s room for everyone. You’ll also find tons of waterslides, lots of kids’ play areas, and a 300-foot zip line that runs over the wave pool.

If you want to stay closer to home, consider swinging by Wet ’n’ Wild Phoenix. They’ve got plenty of slides, pools, and beaches as well. As a special bonus, swing by on Thursday or Friday to watch a family-friendly movie in the wave pool. 

You might not think a place called Golfland would be a smart stop on an 110-degree day but you might be surprised to learn this Mesa hangout has tons of water attractions, slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Plus if you’re done with the water, you can head inside to play arcade games, laser tag, or mini-golf. 

Stay Cool in the Pool

Maybe you want to chill out while in the water. Well, there are over 100 pools and splash pads to choose from in Phoenix, so figure out which ones are closest to you. It’s the ideal way to spend the day with friends and family while keeping cool and not spending a fortune.

Cool Off in a … Lava Cave?

Photo by Brady Smith / Credit: U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest.

Don’t let the name fool you. This lava cave is actually pretty chilly. This underground tube, which was formed 650,000 and 700,000 years ago, is a steady temperature of 42 degrees. Sometimes you might even encounter ice, and jackets are recommended — not a bad change of pace from the temperature above ground. You’ll find the cave around 14 miles west of Flagstaff. It’s free to enter.

Don’t Sweat the Smart Stuff

Photo Courtesy of Modlar / Pinterest

It’s too hot to be outside, so why don’t you head inside and use this time to do some learnin’? The Burton Barr Central Library is a gorgeous building that always seems to have an event going on, while the Scottsdale Public Library often hosts exhibitions and speakers. If you want to take all that learning to the next level, head to the Arizona Science Center where you can sit under the planetarium sky without fear of sunburn.

Get High

No, we don’t mean what you think we mean — we mean it literally. Mount Lemmon, the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, is routinely 20 degrees cooler than the rest of the region. Sure enough, they’re looking at temperatures in the 70s all week up there. So, if you want to stay outside without risking heatstroke, get in your car and head up there. The views are amazing and Rose Canyon Lake is a perfect spot to take a dip.