Family travelers soon have even more reasons to enjoy a stay at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa with the all-new AquaRidge Waterpark. This 140,000-square-foot park sees water features designed for all ages and marks the next phase of an overall multimillion-dollar, resort-wide transformation.
© JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Within the new waterpark, guests can find Havasu Playground and lazy river. The playground features a full line-up of water park experiences for all ages and thrill levels. Highlights include Canyon Creek Lazy River, a family favorite enhanced to allow guests to float on tubes down the river surrounding Splash Island; Canyon Creek Day Suites, expansive suites offering a private bathroom, secluded lounge area, air conditioning and multiple televisions with premium access to the lazy river; and Splash Island, an active family area with two cabanas offering couch-style seating, as well as a kids splash pad. Guests at this new playground enjoy access to Havasu Bar & Bites for grab-and-go snacks and shaded, outdoor seating.
Also included in the new playground, Splash Canyon, set to open mid-summer, adds three new multistory waterslides. Gullywasher is the only dual-person, vertical wall tube slide at a resort west of the Mississippi. The Drop is a high-speed body slide accelerating riders with exciting twists and turns and a steep drop. For younger kids, Little Eddy features gentle slopes and small turns.
© JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Other features of the new waterpark like Wildfire Grove have been completely refreshed with two pools and new reservable chaise lounge chairs. For families, groups or couples, Sedona Cove now offers four upgraded plush lounge chaises, a couch, misting fan, TV and personalized poolside service.
Read This Next
Celebrate the Holidays on Italy’s Lake Garda
Europe
Oct 5, 2026#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedTravel Tips
Sep 23, 2026Move to the Music and Rhythm of Destinations Around the World
The true rhythm of a country is felt away from the main tourist traps. Galleries, museums and historic sites provide an overview, but you need to go elsewhere to experience the living, beating heart of a place. For instance, immerse yourself in the humid turmoil of a Durban underground club, or get to grips with the formal group dances of the Scottish Highlands, or become part of the foot-stomping camaraderie of a Galway pub, or ride the waves of neon-lit energy in a Seoul basement nightclub.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Caribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
ShareThis