Cool down this summer on rafts, slides and pool sides at the fancy new Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix Water Park.

Over the July 4th weekend, Arizona welcomed its newest and largest water park, Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix. The $30 million park covers more than 35 acres and boasts more than 30 slides and attractions.

Inside this H20 utopia, thrill-seekers will head straight to Maximum Velocity, the first and only ride of its kind in the world. This gravity-defying, dueling water coaster races over 830 feet of uphill water jets, heart-pounding drops and unexpected hairpin curves. (Maximum Velocity measures “Extreme” on Wet ‘n’ Wild’s Thrill Meter!) Throw caution to the wind and waves again on rides like Tornado, Phoenix Flyers, Raging River and Desert Racers (which tears along at 20 feet per second!).

The gentle rolling waves of the Monsoon Bay wave pool will appeal to anyone with slightly less desire for adrenaline rushes. The nearby Cactus Cooler offers 1,200 feet of lazy river delight, and young ones are sure to love the interactive Soak ’em Sprayground area.

When your stomach starts to growl, seek out the Point Break Café for a sandwich, salad or slice of pizza. Bayside Snacks also serves stuff to nosh on; decide for yourself whether their foot-long hotdog is the local favorite Wet ‘n’ Wild believes it will be.

If all that splashing and snacking makes you sleepy, sunbathe by the wave pool or retire to a cabana, rentable for $85-$100. Like any good water park, Wet ‘n’ Wild also offers locker and tube rentals, showering and changing facilities, and free life jacket rental.

Though still a new park, Wet ‘n’ Wild has no shortage of great events planned—from Friday night Dive ‘n’ Movies on the wave pool big screen to Season Pass holders’ discounted Bring-A-Friend days. Share the fun with all your friends, relatives and coworkers: Wet ‘n’ Wild does picnics and birthday parties in their private shaded pavilion, with discounted admission for groups of more than 25.

Summer and fall hours vary, as do admission prices, though general admission tickets bought online cost less than at the gate. Plus, if you buy an Early Bird Season Pass before July 12, you get all the benefits of a regular Season Pass, but for $5 to $10 less.

Wet ‘n’ Wild promises to be a great place to cool down during the dog days of summer, so go ahead, dive in!

Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix Water Park, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale. 623.201.2000, www.phoenixwetnwild.com.