
Kiwanis Recreation Center and Wave Pool
A vibrant community park featuring a thrilling wave pool and hosting popular free events like outdoor movies and seasonal festivals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free movies under the stars!

Kiwanis Recreation Center and Wave Pool
Best Time
Free movies under the stars!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant community park featuring a thrilling wave pool and hosting popular free events like outdoor movies and seasonal festivals.
"Great time for the price, but be aware of the waves and lifeguard attentiveness!"

🌊 Rent a Float Tube
Strong waves can be intense. Renting a float tube for $5 is highly recommended for safety and enjoyment.
🎟️ Check Event Schedules
Free 'Movies in the Park' and special events like the Water Lantern Festival happen seasonally.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 106 reviews
Type
Swimming Pool
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wave Pool Thrills
Wave Pool Area
Experience exhilarating waves that can be surprisingly strong. Rent a float tube for extra fun and safety!
Movies in the Park
North Soccer Field
Enjoy free outdoor movie nights under the stars during select spring and fall evenings. Bring blankets and snacks!
Water Lantern Festival
Kiwanis Park
Witness a magical display of thousands of lanterns floating on the water during this special autumn event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wave Pool Safety First
Event Check & Water Quality
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Rent a Float Tube
Strong waves can be intense. Renting a float tube for $5 is highly recommended for safety and enjoyment.
🎟️ Check Event Schedules
Free 'Movies in the Park' and special events like the Water Lantern Festival happen seasonally.
🛟 Utilize Free Life Jackets
Life jackets are available for kids, offering peace of mind for parents.
💧 Confirm Water Quality
Occasionally, the wave pool may close due to water quality issues. It's wise to confirm operational status.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Rent a Float Tube
Strong waves can be intense. Renting a float tube for $5 is highly recommended for safety and enjoyment.
🎟️ Check Event Schedules
Free 'Movies in the Park' and special events like the Water Lantern Festival happen seasonally.
🛟 Utilize Free Life Jackets
Life jackets are available for kids, offering peace of mind for parents.
💧 Confirm Water Quality
Occasionally, the wave pool may close due to water quality issues. It's wise to confirm operational status.
💰 Value for Admission
Admission prices are very reasonable, making it a budget-friendly family outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Kiwanis Recreation Center and Wave Pool to be a fun and affordable outing, especially for families. The wave pool offers exciting waves, and the park hosts enjoyable seasonal events like free movies. However, some guests have raised concerns about lifeguard attentiveness and the strength of the waves, recommending extra safety precautions.
"Loved it! my kids loved it, snack bar was good food! Everyone was friendly. Only negative thing to be said was the teenage boy life guards were goofing around and I saw a small girl getting tossed around by the waves in the deep end and I had to go and bring her back to the shallow area. I also cannot swim too well. So it was quite scary for me but I wasn’t going to leave her out there. They didn’t not see her because they were too busy messing around with each other. I think there sound be management monitoring teens lifesavers at all times."
Michelle Nunez
"My family had a good time overall, but beware of the waves! They are very strong and easily pull you under no matter how good of a swimmer you are. I almost drowned as the waves were going, and none of the lifeguards did anything to help. I was desperately reaching for my tube that was floating away. The lifeguards are young, I don't know if they don't scan as they should be doing, or if they saw me but assumed I would be fine just because I'm an adult. I do know how to swim, but in these waves I can't swim well. I do like that they have life jackets for the kids to wear for free, it really gave me some peace of mind with my child that was stubborn to use a float tube. I highly suggest that anyone in the wave pool rent a float tube for $5. Do not let your kids swim without a life jacket or at least a tube. FYI if kids use the water slide, they can not wear the life jacket on the slide. I was also told by a lifeguard that the weight limit is 250lbs to use the slide. He mentioned this to me as I was ready to go down the slide after my child went. I was offended by his comment because I am nowhere near 250 or even over that weight limit. Overall this was a good time for the price, but I feel the lifeguards could use some extra training & also learn how to appropriately speak to guests without being offensive."
Vee
"I am highly unsatisfied on how Kiwanis wave pool. They closed down the pool almost till 2pm because water quality was bad and we just showed up and my daughter was in tears when we she heard the news. But that is not the worst part. They didn't want to give me or anyone who paid back their refund or even a voucher to go again for free next time. Like I'm furious about how they handle the situation and also I'm not the only either. I paid$22 and I can only imagine the people with bigger parties. Kiwanis wave pool staff shame on you!"
Adrian Jacobo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kiwanis Park is located at Baseline Rd and Ash Ave in Tempe, Arizona. It's accessible by car, with parking available. Public transportation options may also serve the area, check local transit schedules for routes and times.
Yes, ample parking is typically available at Kiwanis Park for visitors. Arrive early during popular event times to secure a good spot.
While the Snack Shack is available for purchases, bringing your own snacks or a picnic dinner is often allowed, especially for events like 'Movies in the Park'. Check specific event rules.
Operating hours can vary, especially for the wave pool and specific events. It's best to check the official Kiwanis Recreation Center website or their social media for the most up-to-date hours of operation.
Kiwanis Park generally offers accessible pathways, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Specific areas like the wave pool deck will have accessible entry points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are generally considered affordable. Specific costs can vary, so it's recommended to check the official website for current pricing.
For regular wave pool access, tickets are usually purchased on-site. However, for special ticketed events like the Water Lantern Festival, advance purchase is often required.
Information on discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking their official channels for any special offers.
Refunds or vouchers may not be automatically provided if the pool closes due to water quality issues. Some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with this policy.
In cases of closure, it's unclear if vouchers are consistently offered. It's best to speak directly with management at the time of closure to inquire about options.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The waves can be quite strong and may pull swimmers under, even if they know how to swim. Using a float tube or life jacket is highly recommended.
Yes, lifeguards are present. However, some visitors have noted that younger lifeguards can sometimes be distracted. It's important to remain aware of your surroundings.
These are free events held on Friday evenings in October and May. Movies start at dusk on the north soccer field. Bring blankets and chairs for a cozy experience.
While there's a shallow area, the strong waves can be challenging for very young children. Free life jackets and float tubes are available to help ensure their safety.
Kiwanis Park hosts various events, including 'Movies in the Park', the Water Lantern Festival, and seasonal celebrations like the 'Monster Splash Bash'.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Yes, the Snack Shack offers food and drinks for purchase. However, some reviews suggest the quality could be improved.
Typical concession-style food items are usually available, such as snacks, drinks, and possibly light meals. Specifics may vary.
Bringing your own food and picnic dinners is generally permitted, especially for events like 'Movies in the Park'. This can be a good option if you have specific dietary needs or want to save money.
Being located in Tempe, there are numerous restaurants and dining options within a short driving distance of Kiwanis Park, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Typically, alcohol is not permitted in public parks like Kiwanis Park. It's always best to check the park's specific regulations regarding outside beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture dynamic shots of the wave pool action, especially during peak wave times. The 'Movies in the Park' events offer a charming ambiance for evening photography.
Yes, the Water Lantern Festival provides a visually stunning backdrop for photography with thousands of illuminated lanterns.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
Late afternoon or early evening can offer softer lighting. However, the energy of the wave pool is often best captured during its operational hours, regardless of the time.
Beyond the wave pool, the park grounds offer green spaces and trees that can provide a pleasant contrast for photos, especially during events like 'Movies in the Park'.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit