Tempe Town Lake
About
2-Mile Urban Lake With Splash Playground
Tempe Town Lake is a 2-mile-long urban lake in downtown Tempe - kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, splash playground, and 4 miles of paved shoreline trails. The Tempe Beach Park Splash Playground sits at the lake's west end.
What Kids Can Do
The Splash Playground at Tempe Beach Park runs Memorial Day-Labor Day with interactive water features. Kayak and paddleboard rentals at the marina. Pedal boat rentals seasonal. Fishing from shore for largemouth bass and channel catfish. 4 miles of paved trails along both shores - stroller-friendly bike paths. Hayden Butte Preserve hike accessible from the lake's north shore. Tempe Center for the Arts and downtown dining within walking distance [marked: lake activities best mornings - desert sun brutal afternoons May-September].
What's Included
Free day-use of lake shore, splash playground, and trails. Boat rentals $20-50 from marina vendors. Fishing free with AZGFD license.
Experience
Plan 2-4 hours. Almost entirely outdoor - bring sun protection, water, swimsuit for splash playground. Stroller-friendly throughout. Downtown Tempe location. Paid parking nearby ($1-5 daily lots).