22 JUNE 2018 By Elaina Verhoff When heat strikes, it may be tempting to crank up the air conditioning, hibernate inside and pound watermelon popsicles. But if you have kids, they’re going to want to get out and burn off some energy! Splash pads and spray pads are a great alternative to going for a swim. These zero-depth water play areas are scattered around town, often free and are a delightful way to let the kids frolic in the cool water while you and your friends catch up, spray yourselves with mister bottles, and fantasize about the freezer section at Costco. Here are a few of our favorite splash pads around town. PHOENIX ZOO LEAPIN’ LAGOON AND YAKULLA CAVERNS 455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix phoenixzoo.org Leapin’ Lagoon is the perfect spot for little ones to enjoy the water while you enjoy the shaded benches and a snow cone. There’s also a changing area for added convenience. Bigger kids will have a blast exploring the cool Yakulla Caverns. Free with zoo membership. DESERT RIDGE MARKETPLACE 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix shopdesertridge.com Palm trees, shaded seating, and a nearby Paradise Bakery (mac and cheese!) are just a few reasons to love the splash pad at The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Slip- free turf, Starbucks, Smashburger and Rubio’s are a few more. Bring a change of clothes and make a day of it, catching a movie at AMC Theatres. Open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. LUCI’S AT THE ORCHARD 7100 N. 12th St., Phoenix lucisurbanconcepts.com Is there any better combo than ice cream and water play? Nestled in a former citrus orchard, Luci’s at the Orchard is home to a small splash pad located next to Splurge, located inside Luci’s at the Orchard. If you time it right, you can hit the daily two-for- one ice cream special from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. SCOTTSDALE QUARTER 15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale scottsdalequarter.com Make it a shopping, splashing, and lunch day with a quick trip up to Scottsdale Quarter’s splash pad. Located in the middle of the shopping center on The Quad, the splash pad is the perfect stop before or after lunching at nearby True Food or Zinburger. The splash pad is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. TEMPE MARKETPLACE 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe tempemarketplace.com The Tempe Marketplace Splash Pad is located near Barnes & Noble in The District and has been ranked one of the Valley’s best splash pads. With tons of nearby shops and restaurants, there’s a little something for everyone. The splash pad is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Beat the heat at these five refreshing splash pads PHOTO: GABE TURNER/ARCADIA NEWS Silas and Elias Grayman. Your Wallbed Experts. Full Customization Available. Inspired, Designed & Crafted in California and Arizona 2 Valley Showrooms | Scottsdale 15705 N Hayden Rd. #K123, 85260 | (480) 378-0107 Ahwatukeee 4729 E Ray Rd #2, 85044 | (480) 374-3167 iLoveWallbeds.com AN EXTRA ROOM WITHOUT THE CONTRACTOR