Desert Dad Diaries: Raising My Son in the Phoenix Summer Furnace (And Loving Every Sunburned Second of It)

Being a single dad in Phoenix during the summer is… let’s call it an adventure. Some days it's a heatstroke waiting to happen. Other days it's a sun-drenched dream filled with cannonballs, caramelized s’mores, and that perfect sound of little league cleats crunching on dusty infield dirt. For me, raising my 7-year-old son Lennon in the desert heat comes with equal parts challenge and joy—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Summer in Phoenix: AKA “Walking on the Surface of the Sun”

First off, yes—it’s hot. Like, eggs-on-the-sidewalk hot. But the trick is not fighting it. You embrace it. You plan for it. You hydrate like your life depends on it (because it does). And most importantly, you find all the ways to turn the heat into memories.

For Lennon and me, that means early mornings before the sun flexes too hard. On some days, that’s sleeping in and letting the sunlight sneak through the blinds until one of us (usually him) announces, “Dad, I’m hungry again.” On others, it’s lacing up cleats and heading to one of the many baseball camps around town, where he’s learning to swing for the fences—and I’m learning how many snacks a 7-year-old can actually consume before 10 a.m.

Baseball, Science, and a Whole Lot of Sunscreen

Between baseball camps and science workshops (Lennon’s recently discovered that vinegar + baking soda = explosive fun), our schedule stays full. Phoenix has so many kid-friendly summer programs that let a single dad like me keep the kid entertained, educated, and socialized while I squeeze in some work or get out and show houses. The city gets it. There’s a rhythm to summer here. You don’t fight the heat—you dance around it.

Our Pool: The Backyard MVP

Let’s be real—our pool is the unsung hero of summer. Whether it’s early morning “daddy cannonball contests,” or post-dinner float sessions under a fiery desert sunset, that water is our oasis. It’s where Lennon learned to swim, learned to trust his strength, and where we’ve had some of our best heart-to-heart conversations—between pool noodle battles, of course.

And for those next-level adventures? That’s where the Malibu boat comes in.

Hittin’ the Lake, Baby

When the weekend hits, we’re off to one of Arizona’s gorgeous lakes—Saguaro, Pleasant, Bartlett—you name it. There’s nothing like watching your son stand on the bow of the boat, wind in his hair, face lit up with adventure. Lennon’s become quite the lake junkie, already dropping hints about wakeboarding and tubing challenges. I’m just over here making sure the cooler’s packed, the sunscreen’s thick, and the GoPro is charged.

These lake days are the ones that stick. He might not remember every science experiment or pool snack, but he’ll remember the way it felt to fly across the water on a warm summer day with his old man grinning like a kid.

Life Lessons in the Little Moments

This summer, like every summer, isn’t just about keeping cool—it’s about connection. It’s about raising a kind, curious, strong little boy in a city that supports adventure, family, and growth. We’ve had deep conversations on drives through the desert, belly laughs over ice cream that melted faster than we could eat it, and quiet moments laying on the grass staring at the stars, wondering what kind of life he wants to build.

Raising Lennon in Phoenix has taught me that being a single dad isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about showing up, leading with love, and soaking in the moments that matter—heat waves and all.

So here’s to summer in the desert: where the pavement might burn your feet, but the memories? They’ll warm your heart forever.

Got any fun summer dad tips, or lake day must-haves? Shoot me a message or comment below—I’m always looking for new ways to keep the summer awesome. And if you’re ever curious about great Phoenix neighborhoods for raising rad kids like Lennon, I’ve got you covered. 👊🏽