Tucson, Arizona, is a wonderful family-friendly travel destination in addition to being breathtaking and beautiful to explore. Even though it’s hot outside, plenty of family-friendly events and sites keep everyone occupied.
People think of Tucson as a barren arid wasteland with nothing to do. This city will surely astound you with its many museums, breathtaking parks, stunning canyons, historical structures, and famous landmarks.
Are you eager to organize a vacation but unsure of where to start? You’ve arrived at the right place. We’ve already compiled a list of some of the 19 things to do in Tucson with kids to allay your concerns and assist you with your travel plans. Here are some of the things to do in Tucson with kids.
1) Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
This fantastic museum allows children to learn about indigenous creatures and flora that live in the Arizona desert.
The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum isn’t like your typical zoo; on a visit, you’ll wander through a plethora of desert-themed displays where the whole family can learn about the Sonoran Desert and local wildlife.
Even though the museum is not very big, seeing every display will take about two hours, so be sure to get there before 4 p.m. to have enough time to see everything before the museum closes.
In addition, every Saturday from late May to early September, the museum hosts Cool Summer Nights, a special program with extended hours. This is ideal for those hot days when you or your children are unable to endure the heat long enough to fully investigate the museum’s offerings.
2) Presidio San Agustin Museum
The Presidio San Agustin Museum in Tucson is a great location to visit if anyone in the family enjoys history and wants to learn more about the background of the local way of life.
The museum recreates the Tucson Presidio down to the pit house’s geological remnants. Visitors are welcome to take a tour of the structure, which includes a 150-year-old Sonoran row house and a stroll along the original Presidio wall.
As if exploring ancient ruins wasn’t enough, throughout the week there will be special demos on cooking techniques from the Old and New Worlds, cochineal dyeing, and more.
Children can also experience the lives of soldiers who resided in the Presidio in the late 1700s during Living History Days, which are held on the second Saturday of every month, thus it is one of the things to do in Tucson with kids.
3) Silverbell Lake
The Arizona Game and Fish agency regularly stocks Tucson’s numerous “urban lakes,” which are everywhere. A fishing license required for those aged 14 and higher, can be purchased at the majority of nearby sporting goods stores.
Most of the year different species of fish are put into Silverbell, Kennedy, Lakeside, and Sahuarita lakes every other week. The premise of the initiative is that “we will bring fish into town for the people if people can’t get out of town to fish.”
4) Hi Corbett Field
Tucson is home to the University of Arizona Wildcats. Everywhere in the city is filled with Wildcat enthusiasm on game days for all sports.
Visit Arizona Stadium for a football event, McKale Center for a basketball game that the whole family can enjoy, or Hi Corbett Field for a baseball game. Look for Wilbur Wildcat, the school mascot, and don your Cardinal and Navy to the game.
5) Reid Park
Reid Park’s 24-acre zoo is a hidden treasure in the heart of Tucson. It is a perfect size zoo for an afternoon or morning of fun and as it is one of the things to do in Tucson with kids.
The Reid Park Zoo is practically set up as two mini-zoos, with two totally distinct loops to investigate. The more common animals, such as lions, tigers, and bears are on the loop to the left as you enter, while the more unusual ones, such as capybaras, llamas, and jaguars, to mention a few, will be on the right.
A splash pad and an indoor learning center are also located on the left loop, which are excellent for cooling off and getting up close and personal with some animals.
Bring some bread with you because there is a kid’s railway and a lake with ducks to feed right outside the zoo.
6) Toxic Airsoft
Your tweens and teens will adore Toxic Airsoft, a special airsoft course designed to look like an abandoned village. This is one of the finest courses in the state thanks to its plywood housing structures, abandoned cars, and even a helicopter.
On-site airsoft gun rentals allow you to simulate war for hours. Playing at night during the summer is more comfortable, and the high lights on the course provide a special atmosphere.
7) Tucson Botanical Garden
The Tucson Botanical Garden, which combines 16 residentially scaled urban gardens, is one of the best locations to bring children and the best things to do in Tucson with kids.
Nestled in the center of Tucson, take a cool stroll through the breathtaking landscapes and along the amazing paths while taking in the fresh, cool air.
Don’t miss the butterfly house and pavilion, which houses and exhibits some of the world’s most exotic and rare butterflies, when you have the opportunity to visit these beautiful gardens.
8) Sabino Canyon
The Sabino Canyon, which overlooks beautiful landscapes, is a reachable and memorable location for everyone.
Explore one of Tucson’s natural wonders as you stroll or hike along the quiet side trails while birds soar high in the heavens and lush desert plants and flowers encircle the area.
We strongly advise taking the tram to get a full view of the gaping canyon if you’re thinking about visiting this canyon with a young child. Children of all ages should take this relaxing excursion to the Sabino Canyon.
9) Tohono Chul Park
A lovely excursion to the Tohono Chul Park might be the ideal choice for you if you’re still looking for family-friendly things to do in Tucson.
This park is a lovely escape into a variety of native and rare species of plants and fauna. It is packed with attractions like an art museum, gift shops, exhibits, and bistros.
The Tohono Chul Park doubles as a market for local palm species at night. During the day, it sells brahea, sabal, and Washingtonia palms, among others. Children ages 3 and up will enjoy this educational excursion to Tohono Chul Park.
10) Catalina State Park
The Catalina State Park, regarded by locals as one of the best locations for biking and hiking, is a must-visit for families seeking for low-cost family entertainment.
As you stroll along the various paths offered by this park, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty and the crisp, cool air.
Take a journey to the Catalina State Park if your family is looking for a truly immersive experience in Tucson. There, you will pass by various cacti species, cross rivers, and take in a stunning sunset all in one location. We advise little ones ages 3 and up to visit this family-friendly area.
11) Madera Canyon
The Madera Canyon will astound you if your family likes surreal landscapes and breathtaking views. One of the best free family friendly activities in Tucson is a journey to the Madera Canyon, which is home to amazing landscapes and a variety of wildlife including deer and hummingbirds.
Additionally, you must walk in order to see the Madera Canyon Waterfalls, a stunning view that is both small and majestic. All ages are welcome at the Madera Canyon, but we suggest taking children ages 7 and older.
12) Gate Pass
Visitors and locals equally enjoy the Tucson Mountains’ Gate Pass with its winding roads and breathtaking desert scenery.
With the kids and the entire family, take in one of Tucson’s most beautiful and breathtaking sunsets at the Gate Pass in the mountains.
Take a peaceful stroll or travel along the Gate Pass road as it passes several museums and thousands of cacti that overlook the surrounding area. Children of all ages are welcome to chase sunsets in the Gate Pass.
13) Mission San Xavier del Bac
The Mission San Xavier del Bac is the place to go if you’re searching for historical sites and remnants of the past. The Mission San Xavier del Bac will transport you back in time as you see the typical Catholic Church design that has endured since its construction in 1797.
You should make the trip to this church if your family likes visiting historic sites and antiquated buildings. Children ages 3 and up should take this excursion to the Mission San Xavier del Bac.
14) Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Enter The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures to see a fully realized, miniature version of our universe. The innovative ideas of Patricia and Walter Arnell, the museum’s creators, gave birth to this institution.
With over 500 pieces of antique and modern dollhouses, as well as a variety of exhibits, stunning displays, and an eccentric building, this museum is unquestionably one of the things to do in Tucson with kids and the whole family. Pat’s fascination with miniatures dates back to the early 1930s.
15) The Rocks & Rope gym
The Rocks & Rope gym’s rock climbing challenges will test your children’s skills while teaching the whole family the fundamentals of the sport.
For kids, the gym provides educational activities that instruct the children about the background, different styles and techniques of rock climbing. Watching this, kids may develop interest in the future for the rock climbing sport.
Apart from physical strength, Gym incorporates puzzles, games, or obstacles that require problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication.
Sounds risky? Not to fear! You’ll have professional rock climbers with you to guide you and show you the steps so you can master it. The Rock & Ropes gym is a great option for larger children, ages 11 and up.
Address: 330 S Toole Ave #400, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
Phone: +1 520-882-5924
16) White Stallion Ranch
The White Stallion Ranch may have the ideal solution for you if you’re looking for family friendly things to do in Tucson.
An excursion to the White Stallion Ranch ought to be on your list of weekend vacation destinations if your family is looking for an experience they won’t soon forget with a variety of kid-friendly activities.
The kids can have fun in the game rooms, movie theaters, and even petting zoos while the adults relax in the heated pools, spas, hot tubs, and other ranch facilities. Families with kids 7 and older will love this short trip to the White Stallion Ranch.
17) Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
The Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium offers a room full of interactive exhibits that kids love. So this should be the things to do in Tucson with kids which is named after American author Grace Flandrau, and has a theatre with a 15.2 metre dome that will show you the constellations and more.
The Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, which is part of the University of Arizona campus, is a well-known destination for both residents and visitors.
Discover the various planetary exhibits, take in the shows in the theater, and interact with the moderators and aides who will give you tidbits of knowledge about the various solar system bodies.
Children ages 3 and up are advised to take this informative journey to the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium about the planets.
18) Biosphere 2
We have the best location for you if you’re searching for the best family attraction in Tucson. Explore the Biosphere 2’s 40 acres, which feature stunning architecture that stands out against the neighboring desert.
While participating in the research centre at this otherworldly location, your family can learn about the value of biodiversity and its impact on the environment.
The greatest part is that you can fully immerse yourself in each of the infrastructure’s various biomes, including a rainforest, an ocean with a coral reef, mangrove wetlands, and fog deserts. Children aged 7 and up are highly encouraged to take this interesting tour of the Biosphere 2.
19) Tombstone
Taking about an hour road trip south of Tucson you can visit Tombstone. It is a very authentic old west town with locals who dress the part.
They have shops, restaurants, and also gunfight – stunt show – reenactments. Here is a tour you can take to learn about Tombstone, the OK Corral, gunfights, history and more.
Within the tombstone town you will find an Old Tombstone Western Town. It is a miniature amusement park-style Western village inside of Tombstone that has a carnival-like vibe.
You can play mini-golf, fire targets at a shooting range, and pan for gold. I’m not sure how those things fit together, but the youngsters will like it. A combination ticket with a trolley trip is also available. Brenda’s Chuckwagon is also among the better locations to eat lunch.
Conclusion
The Tucson region is one of many fantastic family-friendly areas to visit throughout the entire state of Arizona. You won’t lament it, and Tucson offers fantastic family activities for nature lovers, history buffs, aspiring scientists, and more.
The activities listed above, which are suitable for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, are the things to do with kids in Tucson.