This sprawling resort, which renovated all of its rooms 2 years ago, abuts the 17,000-acre South Mountain Park and is one of the best choices in the Valley for families. These guys win the Water Park Wars: If I were a 12-year-old, I would beg my parents to stay here and spend every day playing in the wave pool, a lazy river, a towering water slide, and two free-fall–style water slides. There are also numerous children’s programs. The guest rooms, all suites, feature contemporary southwestern furnishings and lots of space. Rustler’s Rooste, the resort’s fun cowboy steakhouse, serves rattlesnake appetizers and is a favorite with families.