Here are all the water parks coming to metro Phoenix and when they could open
A trip to a water park or theme park is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Several are under construction right now in Arizona, and one is set to open this spring.
Locations such as Cannon Beach, PHX Surf, Revel Surf Park and VAI Resort have a lot to offer like spas, cocktails, a surf lagoon and a beach grill that can keep you satisfied and relaxed all day long.
As Sharpay Evans once said in “High School Musical 2” during her song “Fabulous,” “A dip in the pool, a trip to the spa, endless days in my chaise, the whole world according to moi.”
Yes please.
Here’s what water parks, surf parks and theme parks are coming to Arizona and when they’re expected to open.
Revel Surf Park at Cannon Beach
With an expected soft opening in spring 2024, Revel Surf Park has a goal of getting people surfing by this summer. The surf park will be open year-round.
Attractions at Revel Surf Park include a 2-acre Surf Lagoon, Rapid Surf, Revel Rocks for jumping and diving, Surf Skate including a pump track (an adventure course for bikes, scooters, skateboards and inline skates), a beach grill and athlete training area. They will plan to host beach activities, live music and other events throughout the year.
Revel Surf Park will be in Cannon Beach, a multiuse development that will also have a four-story hotel, office buildings and a co-working space. There will be a gym, dining, stores and community spaces.
The 37-acre venue is being built at Power and Warner roads in Mesa.
VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park
Tentatively set to open toward the end of 2024, VAI Resort in Glendale will have a 5-acre swimming oasis, a two-story nightclub, a party island, premium restaurants, a stage for live performances, a spa and fitness center.
It will also have the Mattel Adventure Park which will contain two Hot Wheels-themed roller coasters, a Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor attraction with rides, a full-scale Barbie Beach House with a Barbie Dream Closet Experience, a Masters of the Universe laser tag arena, mini golf and food options.
VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park are being built south of State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
Cactus Surf Park
Originally announced in 2019 as The Strand @ Gilbert, Cactus Surf Park could open by September 2025.
Highlights of Cactus Surf Park include a surf lagoon; a sand beach; kayaks, canoes and paddleboards; a restaurant; swimming areas; cabanas; and inflatable play structures.
Occupying 25 acres at Higley and Queen Creek roads in Gilbert, it is described as a “much-anticipated state-of-the-art water park” within Gilbert Regional Park.
PHX Surf
PHX Surf is billed as a “world-class surf experience” in Maricopa, Arizona, south of Phoenix. It's projected to have a substantial completion date (when a large portion of the surf park is expected to be ready) of February 2026.
The surf park was supposed to have sandy beaches; a hotel; play pools; and food, beverage, retail and outdoor recreational elements, according to the lease agreement approved by the Maricopa City Council in May 2021.
Updated plans for 2023 reflect that the location will include one pool and no lazy river, slides or music venue.
PHX Surf is being built about 35 miles south of central Phoenix. It was originally planned to occupy more than 70 acres of vacant land at the southeast corner of State Route 238 and Loma Road in Maricopa.
Now planned for 13 acres, the park will be built in the same area but the layout is not confirmed.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Every water park coming to Phoenix: VAI Resort, Cannon Beach and more
