As the hottest major U.S. city on record, residents of Phoenix, Arizona have learned a few things about keeping cool. How else do you explain the continued growth of this flourishing metropolitan center, despite average highs over 100 degrees during summer months? That’s right, you chill. But we don’t just mean cranking up the air conditioning in your hotel room. Oh no, there are far more innovative ways to avoid overheating in Phoenix, Arizona.

Though you’ll find that most resorts, hotels, motels and other overnight accommodations have a swimming pool, that hardly ranks a vacation adventure. For a bit more action, consider a trip to watery hot spots like the theme park Wet’n’Wild Phoenix, or Big Surf Waterpark, where the main attraction is a very large wave pool. Like the idea of a lazy river but not the crowds? Put a tubing trip down the Salt River in Tonto National Forest on your to-do list. There’s an age and height minimum for this one, but once you’ve made the cut a few hours of refreshing, wholesome fun on the river is yours for the taking.

And while you might consider the Phoenix metropolitan area civilized desert, there are other ways to enjoy the water besides parks and river floats. Within easy reach of the city center, find plenty of summer bustle at places lie Lake Pleasant, Apache Lake, Bartlett Lake and Roosevelt Lake, which each boast enough water to support boating, fishing, swimming and other wet pursuits. Note that jet skis and power boats can both be rented from local operators if you’re in town short your own. Those interested in spending some really serious time on the water should plan to leave a few days free to pursue a favorite area pastime - a houseboat-based outing to either Lake Powell, Lake Mohave, Lake Mead or Lake Havasu. Yes, Phoenix might get hot, but don’t let that deter you - no matter how you choose to chill the options are downright cool.