5 Best Theme Parks in Phoenix | Easily Explained
The city of Phoenix has some very underrated theme parks that many visitors aren't aware of.
In this page, we will explain what the best theme parks in Phoenix are, and what makes them the best.
Table of Contents
- Castles N' Coasters
- Enchanted Island
- Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
- NASCAR Racing Experience
- Wildlife World Zoo
1. Castles N' Coasters
One of the largest theme parks in all of Arizona, Castles N' Coasters features outdoor roller coasters, water rides, bumper boats on a lagoon, mini golf courses and even an area dedicated to arcade games.
The best part about this amusement park is that it can appeal to all ages.
If you're looking for thrill rides, there are plenty of outdoor rides for you including roller coasters, ferris wheels, go karts, and even a zipline.
If you're looking for a more laid back experience, you can take part in the mini-golfing, enjoy the arcade games, or hop on a carousel.
Some of the best parts of the park include:
- Log flume ride
- Drop tower ride
- Arcade games
- 4 Mini-golf courses
- Bumper boats lagoon
- Go karts
- Carousel
- Ferris Wheel
- Zipline
- Spinning vortex tunnel
- Animatronics
This park contains a total of 20 rides and attractions, 150+ arcade games and multiple food & drink snack bars.
2. Enchanted Island
The Enchanted Island theme park is a 7.5 acre park that offers 9 rides including kiddie roller coasters, bumper boats, a giant climbing wall and a parachute tower.
Another cool aspect of this park is that it offers a Splash Zone, which is a kids water-play area.
This park also has one of the oldest rides in the country in the Encanto Carousel, having opened in 1948.
This carousel is a fan-favorite activity, as it has been around for so long that visitors will always comment that many of their parents, and grandparents have also ridden it years back.
Enchanted Island is great for both kids and adults. In the list found below, you'll quickly realize that there are many rides for all age groups (and heights).
Children 48" - 54"
- C.P. Huntington Train
- Encanto Carousel
- Red Baron
- Parachute Tower
- Rock-N-Roll
- Mini Enterprise
- Kiddie Cars
- Dragon Wagon
- Castle Clash Game
Children 48" & under
- Bumper Boats
- Mini Enterprise
- Kiddie Cars
- Dragon Wagon (minimum height is 36")
- C.P. Huntington Train
- Encanto Carousel
- Castle Clash Game
Adults and Children Over 54"
- C.P. Huntington Train
- Encanto Carousel
- Parachute Tower
- Climbing Wall
- Castle Clash Game
- Rock-N-Roll
- Bumper Boats (If under 66")
3. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
There isn't a better way to cool off from the Arizona heat than by spending time at the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Phoenix.
Hurricane Harbor is a Six Flags water park, extending 35 acres, and featuring 7 water slides, 2 pools, and 3 kid's play areas.
In the desert landscape, this water park almost seems like an oasis for visitors.
Water Park Area
It offers several children's areas where the kiddos can enjoy being in shallow water, while having water spraying from every direction.
Comfortable chairs, perfect for relaxation can be found nearby for parents to keep a watchful eye on the kiddos from a close distance.
Best Rides
The can't miss rides include:
- Anaconda - Voted a Top 5 water slide by the Travel Channel’s “Extreme Water Parks” program
- Big Kahuna - White Water Raft ride
- Bonzai Pipelines - A four story tower water slide
Fun Fact
Years ago, this park used to be known as Wet'n'Wild Phoenix, and years before that, WaterWorld Safari.
4. NASCAR Racing Experience
If you love driving cars, and driving them fast, this NASCAR Racing Experience may be a perfect fit for you.
Visitors will hop inside of a NASCAR vehicle in a timed session, and drive through the 1 mile tri-oval race track.
The Driving Experience
One of the best parts about this experience is that you ride this by yourself, and there's no lead car in front of you throughout the drive that you must follow.
You'll actually receive live instructions via the in-car radio, to help you adjust and let you know how you're doing.
Typically there's 8 full minutes of driving on the track before you will have to pull over and perform a pit stop.
Hands down, the best part of this experience is that you're allowed to pass cars.
Types of Packages
There are different types of packages available for visitors under 'Track Time'.
Track Time for visitors can range from as little as 5 minutes, and go all the way up to 40 minutes.
5. Wildlife World Zoo
The Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium stretches over 215 acres of land, specializing in African and South American animals, featuring 3,000 animals and 600 different species.
This zoo is known for having Arizona’s largest collection of exotic and endangered animals.
Why Go to This Zoo?
Zoos are a perfect change of scenery for visitors who are looking for a more laid-back, yet educational experience.
This zoo is perfect for families and kids in particular, as the zoo does a great job finding the right mix between being entertaining and educational.
It also features a 0.6 acre boat ride that takes visitors into the Australian habitat.
Additionally, they offer a 15 acre Safari Park area that showcases the African lions and birds, where visitors can ride the tram or walk through the designated walking paths.
Zoo Admission
Children of ages 12 and under, will pay around half of the price that adult tickets will go for.
You can purchase tickets directly from the Wildlife World Zoo site.
Honorable Mentions
- Urban Air and Trampoline Park
- Legoland Discovery Center
- Pangea Land of Dinosaurs
- Party Jungle
- Daisy Mountain Railroad