Big Surf Water Park vs Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
A side-by-side look at two water parks — rides, prices, amenities, and which one fits your trip.
Which Park Is Right for You?
Quick verdicts based on what each park offers.
Amenities Compared
What each park offers, side by side.
| Feature | Big Surf Water Park | Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Parking |
Only at Big Surf Water Park
- surfing simulator
Only at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
- lazy river
- swimming pool
Both parks share 1 amenities including Parking.
About Each Park
Big Surf Water Park
Arizona
Big Surf in Tempe holds a special place in water park history as home to the world's first artificial wave pool, which opened back in 1969. That massive wave pool is still the park's crown jewel, generating 4-foot waves every few minutes that draw bodyboarders and families alike. The waves come in sets, so you'll get about 10 minutes of action followed by calm water perfect for younger kids to wade around. The original wave-making machinery is legendary among water park geeks, and honestly, the waves here still pack more punch than many newer parks. Beyond the famous waves, Big Surf has a solid collection of tube slides and body slides spread across the property. The slide complex isn't huge by modern standards, but the rides are well-maintained and offer good variety for different thrill levels. There's a dedicated kids' area with smaller slides and shallow pools, making this genuinely family-friendly. The park has that classic retro vibe you don't find at corporate chains. It feels more like a community pool that got supersized rather than a slick theme park. During Arizona's brutal summers, the place gets packed with locals escaping the heat. I'd recommend arriving right when they open to claim a good spot near the wave pool before the crowds hit. Bring plenty of sunscreen and consider renting a cabana if you're staying all day - the desert sun is no joke. The food is typical water park fare, but you can bring your own snacks and drinks…
Read the full Big Surf Water Park guide →Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix
Arizona
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix brings the Six Flags brand of thrills to Arizona's desert heat, and honestly, it's a solid addition to the Phoenix water park scene. The park opened in 2016 as part of the Wet 'n' Wild chain before Six Flags took over, so you get that polished corporate water park experience with good operations and safety standards. The highlight here is definitely the collection of high-thrill water slides. You'll find several multi-story tower complexes with racing slides, body slides, and tube slides that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The Tornado and similar funnel-style rides are crowd favorites where groups pile into rafts and get tossed around massive bowl structures. For families, there's a decent kids' area with smaller slides and interactive play features, plus the standard lazy river for floating between attractions. The wave pool generates some good-sized waves and tends to be packed during peak hours. What makes this park work in Phoenix is the attention to shade structures and misters throughout the property - crucial when you're dealing with 115-degree summer days. The Six Flags theming is pretty light here compared to their traditional amusement parks, but the operational efficiency is solid. Lines move well, lifeguards are attentive, and the facilities stay clean. This park works best for families with kids who can handle bigger slides, plus teens and young adults looking for thrills. Little kids under 6 might find the options limited compared to more family-focused parks. Pro tips: arrive right at opening to…
Read the full Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix guide →Ready to visit Big Surf Water Park?