McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
Scottsdale's affordable aquatic gem, offering lazy river thrills, water slides, and family fun to beat the Arizona heat.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scottsdale's affordable aquatic gem, offering lazy river thrills, water slides, and family fun to beat the Arizona heat.
"It's such an amazing place, so relaxing and very kid-friendly. Highly recommend!"
☀️ Beat the Heat
Arrive early to secure shaded spots and beat the peak afternoon heat.
💰 Resident vs. Non-Resident
Check pricing differences; residents often get a better deal. Season passes are available!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lazy River Relaxation
Main Pool Area
Gently float your cares away on this popular lazy river, perfect for a relaxing escape from the Arizona sun.

Thrilling Tube Slide
Near Diving Boards
Experience a fun, moderate-thrill tube slide that's a hit with kids and adults alike.

Zero-Depth Entry Play Pool
Kid's Area
Little ones can safely splash and play in this zero-depth entry pool with fun water features.

Diving Boards
Diving Well
Test your bravery on the 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards for some aquatic acrobatics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Affordable Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Beat the Heat
Arrive early to secure shaded spots and beat the peak afternoon heat.
💰 Resident vs. Non-Resident
Check pricing differences; residents often get a better deal. Season passes are available!
🎈 Party Island Paradise
Book 'Party Island' in advance for a dedicated space for team parties or family gatherings.
🛟 Bring Your Own Rafts
While rafts are available for the lazy river, bringing your own can ensure comfort.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Beat the Heat
Arrive early to secure shaded spots and beat the peak afternoon heat.
💰 Resident vs. Non-Resident
Check pricing differences; residents often get a better deal. Season passes are available!
🎈 Party Island Paradise
Book 'Party Island' in advance for a dedicated space for team parties or family gatherings.
🛟 Bring Your Own Rafts
While rafts are available for the lazy river, bringing your own can ensure comfort.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It's Arizona! Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days.
🎶 Glow Up Nights
Don't miss the 'Glow Up' events for a unique DJ, foam party, and nighttime swim experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center for its family-friendly atmosphere, fun water features like the lazy river and slide, and its excellent value. It's described as a relaxing and safe retreat, perfect for beating the Arizona heat. Some minor drawbacks include potentially tight parking and the seasonal nature of certain attractions.
"We absolutely loved it! It’s such an amazing place so relaxing and very kid-friendly. I recommend this place"
Gustavo Miguel Rosa
"The whole family loves this place! Whether you swim or not, it's a great retreat to the cool, clean water. There is an area 18" of water perfect for young ones who don't swim, and there is so much fun. Highly recommend. Safe and clean."
Deanna Peters
"Did the dunkin' for pumpkins night, and it was amazing. Best way to get your Halloween pumpkin!!! We come here in summer as well the water slide and lazy river are so much fun. Hope to you there"
Robert Sotomayor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located at 15525 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ. Driving is the most common way to get there, with parking available on-site.
Public transportation options may be limited, so check local transit schedules if needed.Yes, parking is available. However, it can get tight, especially during busy events or weekends. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Waterpark hours are typically daily from 1 PM to 5:30 PM during the summer months (June and July). Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Scottsdale Parks and Rec website.
While specific policies can change, picnic areas are available, suggesting that outside food is generally permitted. However, it's always wise to confirm current regulations before your visit.
The center features a zero-depth entry pool, which is ideal for accessibility. Specific accessibility information can be found on the Scottsdale Parks and Rec website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary for residents and non-residents. Typically, residents pay around $7 for adults and $5 for kids, while non-residents pay $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Season passes are also available.
For general admission, tickets are usually purchased at the gate. However, for special events like 'Glow Up' nights, it's advisable to check if advance booking is recommended or required.
While specific group discounts aren't always advertised, the pricing structure is already quite affordable for families. Consider season passes for frequent visitors.
Policies on re-entry can vary. It's best to inquire at the entrance upon arrival or check the official website for the most current information.
Refund policies for inclement weather are typically at the discretion of the facility. It's recommended to check the weather forecast and inquire about their policy if you have concerns.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include a lazy river, a large tube water slide, diving boards (1m and 3m), a zero-depth entry play pool with water features, and a lap pool.
Yes, there's a popular lazy river where you can gently float on rafts. It's a relaxing way to cool off.
There's a large tube water slide that's a hit with visitors. It's described as easy to run up and down.
Absolutely! The zero-depth entry play pool is perfect for toddlers and young children, offering a safe and fun environment with spray features.
Yes, there is a 13-lane, 25-yard lap pool available for fitness and lap swimming.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific concessions aren't heavily detailed in social media, the presence of BBQ and shaded picnic spots suggests that bringing your own food is a viable option.
Picnic areas are mentioned, which usually implies that coolers are allowed. However, it's always best to confirm the facility's specific policy on coolers and outside food.
McDowell Mountain Ranch is in North Scottsdale, an area with numerous dining options ranging from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. A quick search for 'restaurants near 15525 N Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ' will provide many choices.
Concessions at similar aquatic centers often include typical snack bar fare like hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, and beverages. It's advisable to check the facility's website for current offerings.
If concessions are available, options may be limited. Bringing your own food provides the most control over dietary choices. Many nearby restaurants will offer a wider variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the fun with shots of the lazy river, the tube slide in action, and kids enjoying the zero-depth play area. The diving boards also offer dynamic photo opportunities.
Yes, personal photography and videography are generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other guests' privacy.
Professional photography or videography for commercial purposes may require special permits. It's best to contact the facility management for their specific policies.
During daytime hours, the lighting is bright and sunny, typical of Arizona summers. Evening events like 'Glow Up' offer unique, low-light photography opportunities.
The lazy river with people floating, the splash from the water slide, and the vibrant atmosphere during 'Glow Up' nights are all memorable photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎉 Group & Party Goers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Summer Waterpark Experience
Beyond the waterpark features, the center also caters to fitness enthusiasts with an 8-lane lap pool. This dual functionality means you can get your workout in or simply relax and play. The availability of BBQ and shaded picnic spots further enhances the day-trip experience, allowing visitors to spend extended periods enjoying the facilities.
It's important to note that some of these waterpark features, like the lazy river and tube slide, are often seasonal and only available during the designated summer waterpark hours. Always check the official schedule to ensure your favorite attractions will be open during your visit.
Family-Friendly Features & Events
Beyond the daily offerings, the center hosts special events that add an extra layer of excitement. The 'Glow Up' nights are particularly popular, transforming the aquatic center into a nighttime wonderland with a live DJ, foam parties, and glow games. These events are a fantastic way to experience the facility in a unique setting. For group outings, the 'Party Island' reservation option is a great value, providing a dedicated space for celebrations like soccer team parties.
Parents appreciate the thoughtful amenities like shaded picnic spots, which are crucial for managing the Arizona sun. The overall sentiment from reviews is that it's a place where families can create lasting memories, with many already planning return visits.
Value and Affordability
Admission fees are structured for both residents and non-residents, with residents typically enjoying lower prices. For those who plan to visit multiple times during the season, season passes are often available, offering even greater savings. The 'Party Island' rental is also noted as a good value for group events, providing a dedicated space for a reasonable price.
Reviewers often describe the facility as having 'all the amenities of a club' at a public pool price point, highlighting the excellent value proposition. This combination of fun attractions and budget-friendly pricing makes it a highly recommended destination for a cost-effective day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit