McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center

When the temperatures reach triple digits here in the Valley, I pack a picnic for my family and head over to the City of Scottsdale’s newest water park, The McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center. For $4 a person, we can spend most of the day cooling off on the waterslide, lying in a tube on the lazy river, jumping off diving boards, swimming in the lap pool, playing a game of water basketball or splashing with the kids in the beach-entry play area.  In the evenings, my husband and I love to take advantage of the special dining offers in the Valley during the summer.  One of our favorites is Eddie V’s (located in DC Ranch). During the summer, they offer all-night, every-night happy hour. I believe parents deserve to stay refreshed during the summer as well.

When we can’t take another minute of the heat, we spend time inside at AZ on the Rocks. This is an indoor, air-conditioned rock-climbing gym. No membership is required; you can just walk in and try it out.  For a small fee, you can rent all the rock-climbing gear you need, including shoes. The instructors are very fun, and they teach you how to safely belay and climb.  They also have automatic belays if you need to take a break. It’s a great workout, and the whole family can enjoy this together. Because I can burn a lot of calories rock climbing, we love enjoying the Southwest flavors that Roaring Fork offers. All summer long, they offer a special happy hour menu. You can also cool off your insides with one of their $5 margaritas.” —June Kleier of Take a Hike Arizona and six-year Valley resident