It’s a dry heat they say.

{Insert your favorite dry heat meme or GIF here}

Think what you want about whether or not the lack of humidity makes living here more tolerable, but if you think the dry heat means we’re stuck in the middle of a desert in 110+ degree summers without water, you need to think again!

Sure, we live in one of the hottest and driest cities in the US, but that just means we have to work a little harder than people in other cities to find fun activities on the water.

Luckily, we’re up for a challenge and did the research so you don’t have to (you’re welcome). Whether you’re looking to hit the water with your friends or prefer a relaxing solo trip, there are plenty of places nearby with an abundance of water fun to be enjoyed by all.

Read below for 4 of our favorite water spots around Phoenix that will help keep you and your friends refreshed this summer, and make sure to share your own water fun by tagging #FrayLife in your social posts!

Float the Salt River

Photo Credit: Saguaro Lake Ranch

Is there anything better than cooling off on a lazy river? Imagine one large enough to float for several hours all while tied to your friends and a cooler. On the Salt River you can do exactly that, and Salt River Tubing – aka AZ’s Floating Beach Bash – is a one-stop shop that takes care of your tubing gear, transportation, and safety training, so you get to be lazy before, during, and after your float. There’s no bad time to float through Tonto National Forest with your friends, but if you want the ultimate experience, we recommend hitting the river on a holiday like July 4th when there’s sure to be a big party crowd!

#FrayLife Tip: Make sure to bring a ton of sunscreen, a sheet to wet and cover your tube, and bottled water (in addition to whatever adult beverages you bring along).

Wet’n’Wild

Photo Credit: Arizona Daily Sun

With several water parks around the greater Phoenix area, trying to pick one can certainly be a challenge. We’ve done some field research for you and think Wet’n’Wild has the perfect mix of recreation, both in and out of the water, because there are different areas for thrill-seekers and more laid back park-goers. The lazy river is the most relaxing place to be, while the Maximum Velocity water-coaster is a fast-paced tandem race where you can challenge a friend for bragging rights. Season passes are a great option at Wet’n’Wild because you get unlimited visits, discounts for friends, free fireworks and movie nights, discounts, and more.

#FrayLife Tip: While all the slides, rides and pools are must-see attractions at Wet’n’Wild, don’t forget to stop over at Sharky’s bar on site for a boozy, chardonnay smoothie!

Tempe Town Lake

Photo Credit: Tempe Tourism

If you’re looking for more of a relaxed day on the water, Tempe Town Lake has an activity for you. With rentals ranging from electric boats to paddleboards to kayaks, they’ve got every water toy you could possibly want. Prefer to sit back and watch the water vehicles go by instead of hitting the lake yourself? No problem. Several embankments and overpasses offer prime people-watching opportunities.

#FrayLife Tip: Rent a paddle boat for a workout and float all in one. Top the day off with a bike (seats 5) you can peddle to several restaurants and bars in Tempe!

Lake Pleasant

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is only about an hour outside of Phoenix and is an oasis that offers pretty much every water activity you know and love. Bring a big group and rent a pontoon for an afternoon, grab a few friends for kayaking, or just bum around the beaches for the day. Whatever water activity you want to try or toy you want to ride, you’ll find it at Lake Pleasant, which is why it’s one of our go-to day-trips for when you’re itching to get out on the water.

#FrayLife Tip: Pack a tent, picnic, and your lake gear for a weekend of lake lifestyle and camping along the shores of Lake Pleasant.

No matter your side of the valley, there’s definitely a water attraction nearby. Where do you go when you want to beat the heat and refresh in the summer? Show us how you keep cool by tagging your water fun with #FrayLife on social media.

Want other ways to enjoy the summer? Check out the #FrayLife guide to running in the summer (and surviving)!

View More Articles By Jessy Harbach