Lake Havasu has a reputation for being a party destination. While that is definitely true, it’s also possible to enjoy a family-friendly weekend in Lake Havasu.
The rugged mountains, swaying palm trees, and crystal blue water create an oasis in the arid desert perfect for a weekend getaway.
If you’re wondering what to do in Lake Havasu with kids, I’m here to share all the best things to do in Lake Havasu with families!
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A Lake Havasu Family-Friendly Guide
Table of Contents
- Best place to stay in Lake Havasu
- Best family-friendly things to do in Lake Havasu
- Swing on the Topock Bridge rope swings
Best place to stay in Lake Havasu
We loved staying at the Nautical Beachfront Resort! I’m pretty sure when George Strait sang about “oceanfront property in Arizona” this is what he was talking about.
Lake Havasu City is known as “Arizona’s West Coast”. This hotel is the only beachfront resort in all of Arizona and the closest thing you’ll find to staying on the ocean in the desert!
Our favorite feature is having a sandy beach and cove to moor your boat just steps away from your room.
My boys were in heaven having their own private beach just outside our room!
The Nautical Resort is Lake Havasu’s first hotel and has been around since the 1960s.
It has undergone renovations and is continually being updated, the newest section is where the Beach Suites are located.
We found the rooms to be clean and the service was great. There are a variety of rooms and suites available, each one with a patio or balcony overlooking the water.
If you want to park your boat in the cove, spots must be reserved in advance and there is an additional charge.
However, slips are available at the dock on a first come first serve basis and are included with the resort fee.
The main beach also allows guests to moor their boats overnight as part of the resort fee on a first come first serve basis.
Another favorite feature of the resort is the oversized infinity pool.
The sparkling water overlooks the beach and placid water of Lake Havasu. The best time to swim without the crowds is early in the morning.
Between the pool and the beach, my boys lived in the water!
The daily resort fee of $25 also includes access to the private boat ramp (which is a huge perk when you don’t have to wait in line to launch on a busy weekend), two bags of ice, and the Kid Zone inflatable water park.
The water park was closed when we were there but I know my kids would love it! Lawn games, like bocce and cornhole, are also available to check out at the front desk.
The hotel is under new management and they have plans to bring more family-friendly activities to the resort, like movie nights and expanding the water park.
Now is a great time to visit since hotels are not booked to full capacity due to the state executive orders.
We were impressed with the measures the hotel took to keep the guests healthy and safe.
This includes reserving the pool for guests only and closing the pool bar, which has helped make it a more family-friendly environment as well.
Best family-friendly things to do in Lake Havasu
Go boating on the water
Spending time on the water is the most popular thing to do in Lake Havasu.
If you are looking to rent a boat, I would recommend checking out GetMyBoat. Click the link for pricing and availability:
With summer temperatures often soaring near 120 degrees, taking a dip in the crystal clear water is the best way to spend a summer day.
If you don’t have your own boat, water sport rentals are available onsite at the Nautical Resort, or a variety of other retailers.
Lake Havasu is 45 miles long with over 400 miles of shoreline. This means that even on a busy summer day, you’re bound to find a secluded beach or cove and wide open waterways.
We were also impressed with all the restroom facilities and picnic areas that dotted the shoreline. Many of which offer barbecue pits and shaded ramadas.
Many of the beaches are only accessible by boat, helping to cut down on the crowds.
A few of the best beaches and coves to hang out at are Body Beach, Beaver Island (or Friendly Island), Skier’s Island and Cove, Steamboat Cove, Cattail Cove State Park, and Windsor Beach at Lake Havasu State Park.
If you visit Cattail Cove or Windsor Beach you’re in for a treat as white sand has been trucked in from Nevada to create a true desert oasis.
There are also ample hidden beaches that can only be accessed by boat so keep your eye out for a great spot to park your boat and relax!
What impressed me most was not only the size of the lake, but the water itself. I couldn’t get over the beautiful aqua color and just how clean and clear it is! It is unlike any of the other lakes we’ve been to in Arizona.
The visibility ranges from 10-50 feet and it is actually a popular spot for scuba diving.
Victoria Cliffs located near the Nautical Resort is one of the best dive sites on the lake with ledges, swim thru’s, and even two sunken boats to explore!
Take a walking tour of the London Bridge
“London Bridge is falling down” is a line from a popular nursery rhyme that may well be referencing the London Bridge slowly sinking into the Thames River due to the increasing flow of traffic.
In 1968 the bridge was put up for auction and purchased by Robert P. McCulloch who believed the bridge would attract tourists to his newly developed Lake Havasu City.
His plan worked and today the bridge has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Arizona. It is also one of the most unique tourist attractions in the US and stands as the gateway to one of Arizona’s coolest getaways!
McCulloch is quoted as saying, “The London Bridge is made more of souls than of stone. It’s everyone who ever lived on it and died on it and worked on it and walked on it. And now it’s here in the United States, a precious gift to the people of America. May it stand forever”.
In 1963, McCulloch purchased several square miles of empty desert on the shores of Lake Havasu. He hired C.V. Wood, the architect who designed Disneyland, to help develop this master-planned community and bring his vision of “Arizona’s playground” to life.
When the London Bridge went up for auction, McCulloch submitted the winning bid at nearly $2.5 million. This secured the title in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest antique ever sold and the most expensive souvenir.
He then paid an additional $7 million to have the bridge dismantled and shipped brick by brick then reassembled in Lake Havasu.
The bridge was first built on dry land. The land under the bridge was then dredged and filled to create the narrow Bridgewater Channel and the island that the Nautical Resort resides on.
If you are visiting between October and April, be sure to take a 90-minute walking tour of the bridge. Tours depart from the visitor center and the cost is $10 for 13 years and older and free for kids 12 years and younger.
While on the tour, you’ll dive deep into the fascinating history of the bridge. You’ll see shrapnel marks on the bridge and graffiti from WWII. You’ll also learn about how the lamps were made from the melted cannons of Bonaparte’s army, and even hear stories about the ghosts that haunt the bridge!
For the real London experience, there is even a red phone booth in the shadow of the bridge for the perfect photo op. The wire fencing on the bridge is also covered in padlocks, reminiscent of Paris’ Bridge of Locks. *Update: The locks have since been removed for safety reasons.
Whether you walk across or boat under the bridge, the London Bridge is arguably the best location to watch the sunset in all of Lake Havasu City!
Visit the English Village
The English Village is a collection of charming waterfront shops that sits at the base of the London Bridge.
The open-air mall has seen its share of ups and downs but has recently undergone a facelift to brighten the cheery English building facades.
Here you’ll find a sparkling fountain, an ornate gate, an iconic red phone booth, the visitor center, souvenir shops, an ice cream shop, and a handful of restaurants.
Cruise the Bridgewater Channel
Lake Havasu City has been named one of the top waterfront towns in the country. The Bridgewater Channel is a contributing factor to its fame.
The Bridgewater Channel is the narrow waterway that flows under the London Bridge. It is lined with sandy beaches and hundreds of guests vying for a spot to park their boat.
This is the place to see and be seen, particularly during spring break, holidays, or weekends in the summer.
This is one of the top party spots with floating bars and a “Girls Gone Wild” vibe. But it is also an iconic spot that you need to visit at least once. Just plan to visit the channel during the day and preferably during the week if you have kids.
We visited on a Friday afternoon and it was a pretty tame family-friendly atmosphere. But we later made the mistake of cruising the channel on a Saturday night and saw plenty of topless girls wearing pasties!
One thing that makes the Bridgewater Channel unique is the boat-in restaurants lining the shore.
It is such a unique experience to be able to pull your boat right up to the dock and hop out to grab a bite to eat.
Papa Leone’s will even deliver a pizza right to your boat by skateboard! These restaurants get busy so I would recommend stopping by for lunch on a weekday if possible.
Hang out at Rotary Community Park
Rotary Park is such a fun city park! It sits on the shores of Thompson Bay just across the way from the Nautical Beachfront Resort.
The crowning jewel of the park is the Tinnell Memorial Sports Complex. This is the largest skate park in Arizona and the largest multi-use skate park in the Southwest.
If you have room, pack skateboards or scooters, or just have fun watching. There were some really impressive skaters and BMX bikers!
The skate park was built as a tribute to two Lake Havasu residents, one of which was a fallen US Army soldier. Skaters can even ride inside a giant cement replica of his army helmet.
The skate park sits right on the water adjacent to the sandy beach. You’ll find BBQ grills for picnics, as well as fire pits for evening s’mores and bonfires on the beach.
It’s a great spot for families with a buoyed swimming area, multiple playgrounds, sports courts and fields, and walking paths.
Cliff jump at Copper Canyon
If your kids love cliff jumping, head to Copper Canyon! The deep red rock jutting from the water is a vivid contrast to the surrounding barren desert.
This is the best spot for cliff jumping on the lake and is often crowded with boats.
Just find a spot to park your boat and let the kids swim to the rocks (be sure to wear life jackets).
There are different ledges of varying heights and it’s fun to watch the daredevils jump from the highest peak!
Chill at the Sandbar
The Sandbar is also an iconic spot on Lake Havasu and one of the hottest spots to hang out.
The large island sits about 10 miles upstream from the London Bridge in the middle of the Colorado River. It can only be reached by boat and took us about 25 minutes to get there.
If you’ve ever read the children’s book “Go Dog Go”, it totally made me think of that on our way up. Dozens of boats were zipping by us all headed to the big party waiting in the middle of the lake!
The sand bar sits between 1-4 feet underwater, creating the perfect spot to anchor your boat and relax while the kids play in the shallow water.
The Sandbar is quite large but is always packed. Just drive around until you can find a spot to anchor. You’ll also want to look for a spot that isn’t next to a boat full of topless girls!
Just be sure to secure your anchor as the current will cause your boat to quickly drift.
Lake Havasu is a reservoir filled with crystal-clear water from the Colorado River. We were pleasantly surprised to discover how cold and refreshing the water was at the Sandbar.
When we visited in mid-August, the outside temperature was 118 degrees and the water temperature of the lake was 92 degrees.
However, as you travel upstream to where the river has more of a current, you’ll be rewarded with refreshingly cold water that is about 15 degrees cooler.
Swing on the Topock Bridge rope swings
If you want to escape the crowds at the Sandbar but still enjoy the refreshing water, head up to Topock Gorge.
The mouth of Topock Gorge begins about 10 minutes north of the Sandbar. Here the Colorado River weaves between rugged cliffs before making its way to the small town of Topock.
An interesting side note is that the Arizona/California state line runs right through the center of the Colorado River and Lake Havasu.
We didn’t have time to make it all the way north to the town of Topock, but it looks like a fun area to explore if you have time.
Along the way, you’ll find small beaches to stop at and a train bridge with rope swings attached underneath to play on.
If you do make it up to Topock, relax and hang out at Pirate’s cove, let the kids catch crawdads, and grab a bite to eat at one of the several boat-in restaurants.
Discover the miniature lighthouses
Another cool thing that makes Lake Havasu unique is the 27 working miniature lighthouses scattered along the shores.
These are 1/3 scale replicas of real lighthouses found in the US. The lighthouses on the west shore of the lake are replicas of those found on the West Coast of the US, and the lighthouses on the east shore are miniatures of those found on the East Coast.
The ones located on the island are replicas of those found at the Great Lakes.
The Lighthouse Club has put together a map of all the lighthouse locations if you want to do a scavenger hunt of sorts.
Many of the lighthouses can also be accessed by land and make for a fun day of off-roading.
If you visit in the winter, a lighthouse boat tour is offered between October and May.
Other family-friendly things to do in Lake Havasu
- Cattail Cove State Park: This pristine park can be accessed by boat or by car. You’ll find a small white sandy beach with swaying palm trees, a manufactured slice of paradise. This is a great spot for kids to look for rocks like geodes, turquoise, obsidian, volcanic rock, and agate that have all been found in this area. A day-use fee of $15/weekends and $10/weekdays is required.
- Lake Havasu State Park: Windsor Beach is located within Lake Havasu State Park and is the second beach with imported white sand. Your kids will enjoy participating in the ranger program or walk the trails to the Interpretive Garden to spot wildlife. A day-use fee is also required here.
- Lake Havasu Island Trail: Pack scooters or bikes, or just walk along the 3.6-mile paved path around the island.
- Lake Havasu Museum of History: This little museum is great for families and showcases the history of the area. You’ll find exhibits about the London Bridge, Native American History in the region, the development of the city, and interesting facts about Lake Havasu. Admission is $5, kids 12 and under free
- Tecopa Ferry: For only $2 round trip, you can take a scenic 20-minute boat ride from the London Bridge to the Havasu Landing Resort and Casino. Grab lunch at the casino’s Trails End Restaurant with beautiful views of the water before heading back. The Indian fry bread is a real treat!
- Aquatic Center: Escape the heat and cool off at the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center. Your kids will love the indoor wave pool, waterslides, and splash park.
- Desert Bladz: This newly opened indoor ice skating rink is also a great way to keep cool in the summer!
- Blue Water Fun Wakeboard Island: Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you’ll have fun wakeboarding at this cable park. It’s great for all skill levels and the cost is $25/hr without instruction and $30/hr with instruction. Open March-October.
- Desert Bar: For a unique experience, take the 5-mile dirt road from Parker to the Desert Bar. The outdoor bar and restaurant sits in the middle of the desert and is run completely on solar power. Most people opt to take an ATV, but the road is suitable for all cars. Order a giant pretzel, stop by the church facade where many people tie the knot, enjoy live music on the weekends, and talk to the owner to learn more about the history of this unique spot. Open noon-6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from October-April.
- Wet Monkey Power Sports: Rent an ATV and explore over 1,800 miles of off-road trails. The diverse terrain surrounding Lake Havasu City makes for a fun day of adventure!
- SARA’s Crack: Hike to the popular Crack in the Wall at SARA Park Wash. This easy desert trail will lead to a slot canyon after 1.25 miles. Your kids will love the 7-foot rock slide and rope ladder! You can continue to the shore of the lake for a 5-mile round-trip hike. Entrance to the park is $10 per vehicle.
- Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge: The expansive Bill Williams Refuge offers beautiful solace within its 6,105 acres. The fertile land is home to one of the last remaining cottonwood-willow forests along the banks of the lower Colorado River. You’ll also discover the river meandering through cattail marshlands in the shadow of towering cliffs. Wildlife sightings include beaver, bobcat, javelina, bighorn sheep, and a variety of birds. Escape the crowds and enjoy a picnic and walking trails.
- Oatman: Get a taste of the Old West at this Route 66 ghost town. Oatman is about an hour’s drive from Lake Havasu City and makes for a great day trip. What makes this 1800s mining town unique is the wild burros that roam the dusty streets. The donkeys are descendants of those donkeys brought in by the miners who settled this town. You can purchase food for the donkeys and watch as they try to make their way into the shops. Grab a bite to eat, pick up a souvenir, and watch the daily gunfight show.
- Hot Air Balloon Festival: If you visit in January, you’ll be able to witness the sky filled with hot air balloons at one the largest hot air festivals in the United States. There are plenty of other activities on deck as well for this festive event!
Best family-friendly places to eat in Lake Havasu
Turtle Beach Bar and Grille
The Turtle Beach Bar and Grille is located onsite at the Nautical Beachfront Resort and serves up three hearty meals a day.
We love how convenient it is to walk to the restaurant from your room. The food is also delicious, prices reasonable, portions large, and the views from the dining room are magnificent!
The outdoor bar also sits right on the sandy shore and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Dining on the Bridgewater Channel
Experience one of the unique boat-in restaurants on the Bridgewater Channel. Here are a few of the best family-friendly places to eat on the Channel:
- Makai Cafe: Stop by for breakfast and enjoy their Apple Cinnamon Waffles or Avocado Bacon Cheeseburger for lunch. Open 7:30 am-2 pm daily.
- Brewed & Blended: This cute shop is located in the English Village and serves up fresh acai bowls and smoothies.
- Burgers by the Bridge: Located under the bridge, this joint serves up everything from burgers to fish & chips, pizza, and ice cream.
- Papa Leone’s Pizza: Dine in or have your pizza and wings delivered to your boat by skateboard! Large 16-inch pizzas start at $20 with a $3.50 lunch slice available.
Other places to eat at Lake Havasu City:
- Rebel BBQ: Order a pulled pork sandwich dripping in the house BBQ sauce with onion rings. Kids menu also available.
- Sonora Tacos y Mariscos: Come hungry and ready to devour their huge breakfast burritos!
- Mudshark’s Pizza: Located in the downtown district. Try their hand-tossed pizza, artisan sandwiches, or homemade pasta.
- Chico’s Tacos: Reasonable prices and delicious food! Order the California Burrito.
- In-N-Out: You can never go wrong with a Double-Double burger, fresh-cut fries, and a strawberry shake!
- Scoops: Stop by this cute ice cream parlor for the only homemade ice cream in town! We also love getting Thrifty ice cream at the local Water N Ice store, it’s cheap and delicious!
Tips for traveling to Lake Havasu with kids:
- Avoid visiting during spring break or holiday weekends.
- Get out on the water! The party crowds tend to hang out on the shores, rent a boat and enjoy the wide-open lake or find a secluded beach.
- Explore the Bridgewater Channel and shorefront restaurants during the day.
- The summer temperatures are scorching, be sure to carry plenty of water and regularly reapply sunscreen.
- Pack a shade tent if you are planning to spend time on the beach.
- Bring snorkel gear, boogie boards, sand toys, and a waterproof camera for fun in the water.
- If you have room, pack skateboards, scooters, or bikes for the skate park and walking trails.
- Bring cash if you plan to visit the state park beaches.
- Pack ingredients for smores if you want to have a campfire on the beach during the cooler months.
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Thanks for this great story! I’m sure many families will appreciate having the helpful information in this guide. I added a link to it on our In The News page at https://www.golakehavasu.com/in-the-news/
Thanks so much, I appreciate that! We really enjoyed our time at Lake Havasu!
We are going on a family vacation to Lake Havasu. Thank you for these ideas.
So glad to help, I hope you have a wonderful time!