3 Family-Friendly Lakes Near Phoenix for Summer Fun

When the Arizona heat kicks in, finding a cool spot to enjoy with your family becomes a top priority. Luckily, Phoenix is surrounded by some fantastic lakes where you can escape the heat, splash around, and make great memories. Here are three lakes near Phoenix that offer plenty of family-friendly activities for those hot summer days.

Canyon Lake on the East Side

Canyon Lake is a gem tucked away on the east side of Phoenix. Our first time here I was in absolute awe of the beauty, the drive there is half of the fun! This lake is perfect for families who want a mix of relaxation and adventure. You can fish right off the shore or swim. If you want to float and relax, bring your own floats or kayak to explore the lake at your own pace.

For those who want to get out on the water without the hassle of bringing a boat, you can rent one here. Another unique experience is taking a ride on the Dolley Steamboat, a fun way to see the lake and surrounding scenery without much effort.

Tips for visiting Canyon Lake:

• Pack sunscreen and plenty of water since shade is limited.

• Bring snacks or a picnic; there are some picnic areas but no large restaurants.

• Arrive early on weekends to find good parking and avoid crowds.

• Life jackets are required for kids when on boats or kayaks.

• Look out for all the wildlife on the shore!

• There are multiple parking lots, you need a pass or use your America the Beautiful Pass. Some of the parking lots have bathrooms.

Lake Pleasant on the West Side

Lake Pleasant is a larger lake with tons of activities to keep the whole family busy. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Phoenix and offers fishing, swimming, and plenty of spots to hang out by the shore. If your family enjoys hiking, there are several trails around the lake that offer beautiful views.

One of the coolest things about Lake Pleasant is the wildlife. You might spot wild burros roaming around, which is always a hit with kids. For water fun, you can rent boats or kayaks, and there’s even an on-the-water obstacle course and a huge water slide that kids will love.

When you get hungry, there are multiple dining options around the lake, so you don’t have to pack a full meal unless you want to bring a cooler and just hang on the shore. There is a $7 fee per car at the entrance, so bring cash or a card for that.

We rented a pontoon from Westside AZ Rentals. They have different boats so check their website. We loved the pontoon with the slide! They were so great to work with, they meet you there and will put the boat in the water for you and when you're done they meet you at the dock to take it out. You can take the boat to one of the drive up grills too!

Tips for visiting Lake Pleasant:

• Bring water shoes for the rocky shorelines.

• Check the schedule for the water slide and obstacle course hours.

• Keep an eye on kids and dogs near the wild burros; they’re friendly but still wild animals.

• Plan for a full day to enjoy all the activities without rushing.

  
  

Saguaro Lake and Butcher Jones Trail

Saguaro Lake is a quieter option on the northeast side of Phoenix, great for families who want a mix of hiking and water fun. The Butcher Jones Trail is a highlight here. It’s an easy, scenic trail that’s perfect for kids because you don’t have to do the whole thing. We did about a mile and a half out and back.

After the hike, you can relax by the water. Saguaro Lake has a beach area that kids will love for swimming and playing in the sand. Parking here requires a fee, so be sure to have some cash or card ready.

If you want a really cool and unique experience, you can book a private fishing tour with a professional bass fisherman, Josh Bertrand Fishing. He makes it very fun, and he knows where to go to find fish to make it very interesting for all ages. Our 6 year old caught his very first fish! He does private tours on all Arizona lakes but Saguaro Lake was a great spot.

Tips for visiting Saguaro Lake:

• Wear comfortable shoes for the trail and bring hats for sun protection.

• Pack a picnic to enjoy at the beach area.

• Bring water toys or floats for the kids to enjoy the water safely.

• Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends.
  

  
  

Outdoor gear for your trips:

Portable Grill - we've had this thing for years and bring it everywhere including lakes, river, hiking, camping. Baby tent - sun protection tent for the baby when they need a nap or a rest.

Electrolytes - Great for the whole family, high absorption rate. Mineral sunscreen - 50spf and great for sensitive skin and kids. RTIC Cooler Bag - The only cooler bag you will ever need! SO much easier than carrying big bulky coolers, seals shut so it doesn't leak and stays cold forever. This post may contain affiliate links which means we get a small commission on sales, with no added cost to you.