Revel Surf Park Review: Is It Worth It for Families? + What to Pack!
If you’ve been hearing the buzz about Revel Surf and wondering if it’s worth the price—especially with kids—here’s our honest experience and Revel Surf Park review after spending a busy Sunday afternoon there in late March.
First Impressions + Timing Tips
We arrived around 2:00 PM and stayed until about 6:30 PM, and the time flew by. My kids could have easily stayed longer. I didn’t want to spend more money on food there and it was approaching time to get our nighttime routine going anyways.
One thing I’d do differently next time?
Arrive earlier. When we got there, it was packed and we couldn’t find any chairs. But by around 4:00 PM, people started clearing out and we were able to grab seats for the rest of the afternoon.
Parking is free and it’s a short walk to the entrance. Enter through the surf shop that says “Revel Surf“. Purchase your tickets at the desk straight ahead. Save yourself some hassle and fill out the waiver online before you go.
Entry Cost + What’s Included
Current weekend pricing (at the time of our visit):
- $35 for adults
- $25 for kids
- Free for ages 4 and under
Here’s what’s included with your pass:
- Beach access to the surf lagoon
- Unlimited swimming/diving at Revel Rocks
- All-day skate park access
- Party Wave access (during scheduled times)
- Limited wave pool access during surf sessions (kid zones + lounge area)
- Access to the bar & grille + patio seating
Tip: It feels worth it if you stay for several hours—but it’s definitely more of a “treat day” than a weekly outing.
Food & Drinks (Actually Worth It)
I’ve eaten at the restaurant twice now, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised both times.
Here’s what we tried:
- Coco Loco Shrimp Tacos → SO good. The mango pico + sauce combo was a standout.
- Big Fish Tacos → perfectly cooked, flaky, and fresh
- Chips & Guacamole → honestly, I’d come back just for this
- It has pomegranate on top, which sounds random—but it totally works
- Chicken tenders & fries (kids) → big hit (and yes, I stole a few bites… no regrets)
- Revel Cosmo & Revel Collins → flavorful, well-balanced—not too strong, not watered down
The vibe while eating?
You genuinely feel like you’ve been transported somewhere coastal instead of sitting in Mesa.
Food Policy (Important to Know)
Their website says no outside food allowed, and no coolers, but they do make exceptions for:
- Limited Toddler snacks
- Bottled water
The Highlight: Party Wave 🌊
We timed it perfectly for the afternoon Party Wave, and this was easily the highlight of the day.
This is when:
👉 Everyone can get into the wave pool
👉 You can actually ride waves
Outside of that time:
- Kids stay in the tide pool area
- Or behind the checkered flags in the lagoon
🕒 Current Party Wave schedule:
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
⚠️ Note: Schedules can change, so it’s always a good idea to check their website before you go and plan your visit around these times.
Kid-Friendly Areas
There’s a lot for kids to do even when they’re not in the waves:
- Tide pool play area
- Soft white sand (imported from Florida!)
- Plenty of space to run and play
Revel Rocks (Cliff Jumping Area)
After the waves, we explored Revel Rocks, which was another big hit.
- Shallow area for younger kids to splash
- Cliff jumping platforms ranging from 6 to 25 feet
- Super fun to watch—even if you’re not jumping
Seating + Cabanas
Seating can be tricky during peak times, but they also offer cabana rentals, which could be a really fun way to upgrade your experience—especially if you split it with family or friends.
Their $500 VIP cabana package includes:
- 6 Beach Passes
- Private shaded cabana
- Misters to help you stay cool and a heater for the winter
- Flat-screen TV
- Dedicated server for food and drinks
- Light refreshments (6 bottles of water + private refrigerator)
Honestly, when you factor in admission being included, this could make sense for a group—and gives you a guaranteed home base (which we definitely wished we had when we couldn’t find seating).
Bathrooms + Amenities
- Bathrooms are located on both sides of the park
- Expect short lines during busy times, but nothing terrible
- Bathrooms on the Northwest side also have lockers next to them that you can rent.
The Bigger Picture
They’re actively building out more:
- Restaurants
- Shops
- Entertainment
This area is clearly growing, and it’s already becoming such a fun hub for the East Valley.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
After going—and reading other reviews—the biggest complaint I see is price.
Here’s my honest take:
- ✔️ Worth it if you stay several hours
- ✔️ Great for a special outing or when hosting visitors
- ❌ Not something most families will do regularly
For us, it felt like a mini vacation without leaving town.
And if you’re a surfer?
This is probably a completely different (and even more valuable) experience.
I’ve never surfed myself… but after watching from the restaurant, I’m seriously considering signing up for a lesson.
I hope you enjoyed my Revel Surf Park Review! Now we’ll move on to what to pack!
What to Pack for Revel Surf Park (Amazon Favorites)
Shop the Essentials
The Essentials (Don’t Skip These)
✔ Waterproof Beach Bag
A structured rubber tote (like the Simple Modern or Bogg style) is a game changer. Sand shakes out, and you can rinse it clean after. You’re also totally fine using a cheaper mesh bag like I did. However, I saw a ton of people with the Bogg bags which made me think, there must be something to those bags!
✔ Insulated Water Bottles
Arizona heat is no joke—bring one per person. Cold water all day makes a huge difference. I took my Owala Free Sip with Drip Drop electrolytes in it.
✔ Sunscreen
You’ll be in and out of the water constantly. Reapply more than you think. Sun Bum Sunscreen was the Allure Beauty winner this year.
✔ Quick-Dry Towels
Way better than bulky towels—lightweight, fast-drying, and less sandy. Check out the highly rated Dock & Bay Beach Towels.
For the Kids (Sanity Savers)
✔ Long Sleeve Rash Guards
Less sunscreen battles and better protection. Hurley Girls has some super cute ones that come with bottoms as a two piece.
✔ Extra Clothes
Between sand + water + snacks… you’ll need backups.
✔ Portable Fan
Underrated but amazing when kids are overheating or waiting around.
Mom Survival Must-Haves
✔ Big Structured Tote
Keeps everything organized instead of a black hole bag.
✔ Large Insulated Tumbler
Because iced drinks in 100° weather = non-negotiable.
✔ Waterproof Phone Pouch
Take photos without worrying about water or sand. Good deal on this case-mate one that’s currently on their Big Spring Sale!
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Flip flops or slide sandals (click here to see my ALL TIME favorite flip flops!)
- Hair ties + brush
- Toddler snacks (Limited amounts allowed! No one checked my bag personally. I had 4 cuties, a couple bags of cookies, and some beef jerky)
- Change of clothes for the drive home so you don’t end up with a soggy smelling car the next day like I did ha!
Pro Tips (From Experience)
- Arrive early if you want seating (or book a cabana)
- Plan your visit around Party Wave times
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Stay for a few hours to really make the cost worth it
- Complete the Waiver online BEFORE you go by clicking here. It takes a while and your kids will be chomping at the bit to get in the water.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All purchases made at Revel Surf Park were paid for by myself and not sponsored in any way by Revel Surf Park.
Need more family fun ideas in the valley? Check out the Desert Living Posts!