Arizona is leveling up in 2025 with some of the most exciting attractions and experiences yet. Once known only as a desert retreat, this dynamic state is quickly becoming a hub for adventure, culture, and culinary delights. With tourism revenue consistently growing year-over-year (source: Arizona Office of Tourism), Arizona blends its natural wonders, rich history, and thriving urban scene into something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, or someone who just loves a good adventure, 2025 is the year to explore Arizona like never before!
Mattel Adventure Park – Glendale
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life toy box, Mattel Adventure Park is your ticket. From Hot Wheels-inspired rides to Thomas & Friends-themed attractions, and a life-sized Barbie Dreamhouse, this upcoming theme park in Glendale is packed with family-friendly fun and nostalgic charm. Whether you’re zooming around thrilling tracks or posing for photos in Barbie’s iconic kitchen, there’s plenty to explore across acres of excitement. The park’s opening date is still to be announced, so be sure to stay tuned for more details!
When: tentatively 2025
Where: 95th Avenue and Cardinals Way, Glendale, AZ
Vai Resort – Glendale
Adjacent to Mattel Adventure Park, Vai Resort is gearing up to open its first phase in Q4 2025, and it’s going to be a game-changer for Arizona. With 1,100 rooms spread across four towers, it’ll be the largest hotel in the state. But that’s just the start—think multiple convention spaces, an amphitheater, 12 restaurants, 70,000 sq ft of shopping, and a 30,000 sq ft spa and wellness center to unwind. The real showstopper? A pool that wraps around the property like a beach oasis, complete with a 50,000 sq ft ‘party island’ and tethered hot air balloon rides. This is more than just a resort—it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
When: tentatively Q4 2025
Where: 9505 Cardinals Way, Glendale, AZ
Cannon Beach – Mesa
The Vai Resort pool won’t be the only beach experience coming to Arizona in 2025. Cannon Beach, set to open by the end of 2024 or in 2025, will bring sandy shores and surf vibes to the desert. This 37-acre lifestyle destination will feature a 2-acre wave lagoon with artificial waves and an additional surf pool for all skill levels, offering the thrill of surfing without the coast. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just want to have some fun in the waves, Cannon Beach will be the place to feel the ocean breeze in Arizona. Stay tuned for more updates—this beach experience will be worth the wait!
When: tentatively end of 2024 or in 2025
Where: Power & Warner Rd., Mesa, AZ
Cactus Surf Park – Gilbert
Another attraction shattering the stereotype that you can’t have water-side fun in Arizona is Cactus Surf Park in Gilbert. After five years in the making, this exciting project now has an updated opening date of September 2025. Inspired by the world-famous Los Cabos, Cactus Surf Park will be the go-to spot for high-energy water adventures, offering everything from surfing and inflatable water parks to kayaking, paddleboarding, sandy beaches, and cabanas. Imagine riding state-of-the-art surf simulators, enjoying splash zones, and lounging with a cold drink in hand. Surf’s up, desert style!
When: tentatively Q4 2025
Where: Queen Creek & Higley Rd., Gilbert, AZ
Slick City Action Park – Scottsdale
If indoor fun is more your thing, get ready for Slick City Action Park, coming to Scottsdale this December to the Pavilions at Talking Stick in Scottsdale! With its success in Chandler and Peoria, Slick City is stepping it up with epic indoor slides, sports courts, a trapeze, and so much more. Perfect for kids and adults, it’s the ultimate spot to slide, jump, and bounce your way to a great time. Once it opens, you’ll definitely want to grab your crew and check it out!
When: tentatively December 2024
Where: 9189 Talking Stick Way
Pure Pickleball & Padel – Scottsdale
Pickleball fans, get ready—Pure Pickleball & Padel is set to become the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility right here in Scottsdale, breaking ground in 2025! With pickleball reigning as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., this facility is designed to cater to the hype and then some. Beyond its impressive size, it’ll feature courts built with player comfort in mind, including specialized flooring and lighting, making every game a joy. But Pure Pickleball isn’t just about the sport—it’s a lifestyle destination. Expect retail shops, restaurants, a bar, fitness equipment, saunas, cold plunges, and even childcare services. As the future headquarters for USA Pickleball, this is the ultimate spot for everyone, from seasoned pros to curious first-timers, to play, relax, and enjoy the vibrant pickleball culture!
When: tentatively 2026
Where: Loop 101 and Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ
Carry On – Phoenix
Already making waves in Downtown Phoenix, Carry On is the newest cocktail bar on the block—and it’s worth the hype! This immersive, 1970s airplane-themed bar is perfect for travel enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. Guests can “book tickets” for a 90-minute reservation to enjoy modern twists on retro-inspired drinks in a laid-back, vintage airline setting. Think travel-inspired cocktails, groovy vibes, and the ideal spot to catch up with friends. Already open since November of this year, Carry On is a layover you’ll definitely want to extend—and just one more reason Arizona should be on your radar in 2025!
When: already open!
Where: 2 N Central Ave, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ
Din Tai Fung – Scottsdale
Foodies, rejoice! Din Tai Fung, the world-renowned Taiwanese dumpling chain with a Michelin star reputation, was rumored to open at Scottsdale Fashion Square in early 2025, but is now being pushed to 2026. Known for its iconic xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and a menu packed with crave-worthy dishes, this spot is a dream come true for Arizona food enthusiasts. With only a handful of U.S. locations, having Din Tai Fung in Scottsdale is a huge win for the state’s culinary scene. Get ready to experience the magic of these legendary dumplings and stay tuned for updated on the opening!
When: previously set to open early 2025, now pushed to 2026
Where: in Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale, AZ
International Dark Sky Discovery Center – Fountain Hills
Get ready to reach for the stars—literally! The International Dark Sky Discovery Center is coming to Fountain Hills, a location uniquely suited as one of the world’s 17 International Dark Sky Communities and the only one near a major metropolitan area. Scheduled to open in fall 2025, this incredible facility will feature the largest telescope in the Phoenix metro area, a cutting-edge planetarium, an immersive theater, interactive exhibits, and more. Designed to inspire future scientists and stargazers of all ages, this will be a global attraction offering an unforgettable cosmic experience. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just curious about the wonders of the universe, this is a must-see destination!
When: tentatively fall of 2025
Where: in Town Center, Fountain Hills, AZ
With all these exciting new attractions, there’s never been a better time to visit Arizona. Whether you’re here to surf desert waves, slide into fun, or eat your way through the latest hotspots, Arizona in 2025 promises something unforgettable for every traveler.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip and book your stay with GoodNight Stay today! From luxurious homes to charming retreats, we’ve got the perfect spot to make your Arizona adventure as extraordinary as the state itself!
