National Roller Coaster Day 2025 — created to mark the day in 1898 when Edwin Prescott patented the first vertical loop roller coaster, according to nationaldaycalendar.com — is Saturday, Aug. 16.
Arizona doesn't have a coaster approaching the screechifying magnitude of the Top Thrill 2 roller coaster at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. It's 420 feet tall and reaches a top speed of 120 mph, inducing a feeling of weightlessness in riders.
But Mattel Adventure Park, which is under construction near the upcoming VAI resort in Glendale, Arizona, promises two Hot Wheels-themed roller coasters ― Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride and Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer.
In the meantime, here's where you can ride roller coasters in Arizona.
No Disneyland? No problem: Here are the 18 best amusement parks and play places in Arizona
Castles N' Coasters
Castles N' Coasters is a nostalgic memory for many Phoenix-area residents. Opened in 1976 as Golf N' Stuff, it expanded in 1991 and rebranded to its current name after adding more rides and attractions.
The 14-acre park has two roller coasters: Desert Storm, a looping ride with two inversions, and Patriot, a family-friendly coaster with a double circuit. Visitors can enjoy the Splashdown log flume, the Sky Diver and Free Fall drop towers and the Sea Dragon swinging ship.
Castles N' Coasters also offers four 18-hole themed miniature golf courses and a 10,000-square-foot arcade that boasts over 150 games, from classic pinball machines to the latest video games.
Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. 9445 N. Metro Parkway E., Phoenix. From $35. 602-997-7575, castlesncoasters.com.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Enchanted Island Amusement Park is a charming amusement park nestled within Encanto Park. Established in 1946 as Kiddieland, the park was rebranded to Enchanted Island in 1991 following significant renovations and community efforts to restore its historic carousel.
The park features a variety of attractions tailored for children ages 1-10, including nine rides such as the historic Encanto Carousel, the C.P. Huntington Train, Dragon Wagon kiddie coaster and the seasonal Splash Zone. Other attractions include pedal boat rentals, a climbing wall and various games of skill.
Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday-Tuesday. 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. Admission is free; various ride ticket packages are available. 602-254-1200, enchantedisland.com.
Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster at Sunrise Park Resort
In the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, this half-mile coaster hits up to 25 mph on 3,287 feet of track. Riders control their speed with hand brakes for a custom experience. Tickets are available in person or in advance online. Pay for two rides and get a third ride free. Sunrise Park Resort also offers summer mountain biking and scenic chairlift rides.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, closed Mondays-Tuesdays. Check the website for winter hours. Sunrise Park Resort, 200 State Route 273, on the Fort Apache Reservation near Greer. $19.50. 855-735-7669, www.sunrise.ski.
Canyon Coaster Adventure Park
Home to Arizona’s first mountain coaster, this 1-mile thrill ride weaves through natural terrain, climbing 35 feet high. The 13-acre park also features 400-foot-long tubing hills for both summer and snow seasons, with conveyor lifts for easy access. After your ride, grab a bite or drink at the bar and grill.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 700 E. Route 66, Williams. Coaster rides are $10-$20; summer tubing costs $10-$35. 928-707-7729, canyoncoasteradventurepark.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best roller coasters in Arizona: Raise your hands and scream
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