Lake Havasu is an unexpected gem in the Arizona desert. The lake itself is the main draw—crystal clear water, sandy shores, and excellent recreational activities. The iconic London Bridge adds novelty. The town is compact and easy to navigate, making it ideal for families wanting water fun without big-city chaos. Summers are brutally hot (110°F+); spring and fall are perfect.

Top Family Attractions

London Bridge

Yes, the famous London Bridge from London, England. It was relocated to Lake Havasu in 1968 and has become an oddity and landmark. You can walk across it for free, take photos, and enjoy the views. There’s a small museum ($3–$5) explaining the bridge’s history. It’s not a major time commitment (30 minutes), but it’s a must-see quirk. The bridge is most striking at sunset.

Lake Havasu itself

The lake is the real attraction. Crystal clear water (visibility 40+ feet), calm bays, and sandy beaches. The water is perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports. Unlike other desert lakes, Havasu is well-maintained and clean. The public beach areas are family-friendly with lifeguards and facilities.

Jet Ski and boat rentals

Several rental shops along the waterfront offer jet skis, speedboats, pontoon boats, and kayaks. A 2-hour jet ski rental for one person costs $80–$120. Pontoon boats rent for $100–$150 per hour. For families, a pontoon boat is better—everyone can enjoy without skills. Advance booking is wise in summer.

Go-kart tracks

Lake Havasu has a few go-kart venues. The tracks are simple but fun for kids. A session (15–20 minutes) costs $10–$20 per person. Good for 30–45 minutes of entertainment.

Rotary Park Beach

A community-maintained beach park with a playground, picnic areas, and swimming beach. Free entry. It’s less developed than commercial resorts, but that’s part of the charm. Great for families wanting a low-key beach afternoon.

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge

About 20 minutes from town, this refuge protects riparian habitat along the Colorado River. Scenic driving loop and walking trails through canyons. You might spot bighorn sheep, desert iguanas, and birds. Free entry. Plan 1–2 hours. A nice break from lake activities.

Outdoor Family Activities

Swimming and beach time

The lake’s warm water and sandy beaches are perfect for swimming. Multiple public access points and beaches. Water temperature reaches 85°F in summer, 65°F in winter. Lifeguards monitor main beaches. Free or metered parking at public areas.

Hiking near Lake Havasu

Cattail Cove State Park (30 minutes away) has easy hiking trails through desert landscape. Topock Gorge (45 minutes) offers scenic canyon hikes. Difficulty varies from easy to moderate. Bring water and sun protection.

Boating and exploring the lake

If you rent a boat or jet ski, explore the many coves and inlets around the lake. The lake has 422 miles of shoreline with varied scenery. Scenic and fun for water-loving families.

Mini golf

Several mini golf courses exist in town. A classic 18-hole round takes 30–45 minutes and costs $8–$12 per person. Casual entertainment.

Fishing

The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, stripers, and catfish. You can fish from the shore or rent a boat for deeper fishing. Arizona fishing licenses are required for adults. Check state regulations.

Rainy Day Options

Lake Havasu gets minimal rain (about 5 inches per year). Truly rainy days are extremely rare. If bad weather hits:

Museums (small history museums in town)

Shopping (Lake Havasu has standard shops and malls)

Indoor dining and entertainment (bowling, arcades)

The real concern in Lake Havasu is heat, not rain.

Where to Eat with Kids

Shugrue’s Restaurant

An upscale casual restaurant with views of London Bridge and the lake. Steaks, seafood, and American fare. Family-friendly and excellent service. Pricier ($20–$35 per entree) but worth it for a special dinner with a view.

London Bridge Brew Pub

Casual restaurant and brewery with burgers, sandwiches, and pub food. Family-friendly despite the “brewery” label. Good for lunch or casual dinner. Moderate prices.

Mudshark Brewing Company

Another brewpub with casual food (pizza, wings, burgers). Relaxed atmosphere. Kids are welcome in the restaurant area. Affordable.

Chi Chi’s Mexican Restaurant

Casual Mexican food with tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Family-friendly and inexpensive. A solid quick-dinner option.

Havasu Burger

A local institution for burgers and shakes. Casual, retro vibe, cheap, and reliable. Great for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Smokin’ Hookah

Mediterranean/Middle Eastern casual spot with kebabs and wraps. Healthier option, moderate prices, family-friendly.

Tips for Families

Timing: March–May and September–November are ideal (75–90°F). Summer (June–August) is dangerously hot (110°F+). Winter (December–February) is mild but some businesses have reduced hours. Avoid peak summer unless you’re staying in air conditioning.

Heat management: If visiting in summer, water activities happen early (8 AM–noon), and afternoons are indoors. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Hydration is critical. The lake cools off in late afternoon/evening, making sunset the best time for outdoor activities.

Water safety: The lake is generally safe, but respect the sun and heat. Wear life jackets on boats or when water-skiing. The water is clear, but depth varies—use designated swimming areas.

Accommodation: Hotels and resorts run $100–$200 per night in shoulder seasons, $150–$250 in winter. Vacation rentals and condos offer better value for families. Beachfront resorts are premium but offer all-inclusive water access.

Jet ski strategy: Book in advance online, especially in summer. Lessons are available if you’ve never ridden before. Safety briefing is mandatory. Rental companies are strict about age and size requirements.

Budget: Attractions are affordable. Rentals (boats, jet skis) are the biggest expense ($100–$150+ for 2 hours). Dining ranges from $8–$30 per entree. Plan $150–$250 per day for a family of four including meals and activities.

Driving: Lake Havasu is remote—it’s about 5 hours from Phoenix, 3 hours from Las Vegas. Plan drive time if combining it with other destinations.

Kid appeal: Older kids (8+) enjoy jet skiing and boating. Younger kids love the lake swimming and beach time. The town is quieter and less overwhelming than urban destinations.

For additional activities and dining options, see Lake Havasu, Arizona Fun Things to Do.

Looking for more restaurant recommendations? Check Lake Havasu Best Restaurants for a complete breakdown.

Interested in vacation club packages near Lake Havasu? See Lake Havasu Timeshare Promotions for available options.