14 Things to Do in Tucson With Kids

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Family vacations are a family affair.

Your kids will undoubtedly want a voice on where to go and what to do to make this time special for the entire family.

No matter where you live in the country, Tucson should be on your family vacation bucket list.

No, wait! Tucson? Seriously?

Yes! This “desert wasteland” (ha!) can offer your family unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else!

For a vacation, you and your kids won’t soon forget, check out things to do in Tucson with your kids.

What to Do in Tucson With Kids

Tucson is the 2nd largest city in the Grand Canyon State and quite family-oriented, if you know where to look.

Tucson’s adventures range from canyon excursions to desert hikes to strolls in Tucson’s exquisite botanical gardens.

There are also museums galore to explore.

There’s no shortage of things to do with kids in the Tucson area.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Sabino Canyon

Start your Tucson adventures with a visit to Sabino Canyon, located in the Coronado National Forest.

Sabino Canyon is a vacation hotspot for families visiting the Tucson area.

Your journey begins with a narrated tram ride to take in the majestic views of the canyon.

You can get off at any one of the ride’s nine stops to explore your surroundings.

There are numerous kid-friendly trails leading through desert terrain where you can catch glimpses of desert wildlife.

A 9-mile hike through Bear Canyon Trail will lead you to a spectacular waterfall!

Mt. Lemmon Rock Climbing

Your older kids and teens will love the thrill of a Mt. Lemmon Rock Climbing/Canyoning excursion.

This half-day excursion takes you on a sightseeing tour of some of the city’s most spectacular cliffs and canyons.

You’ll be accompanied by experienced rock climbers who will guide you every step of the way as you make your ascent up Mt. Lemmon.

Your kids will find the canyon views stunning, the climbing exhilarating and the adventure one to remember!

Tucson Botanical Gardens

But cliffs, canyons, and deserts aren’t the only views Tucson has to offer.

There’s the Tucson Botanical Gardens – a beautiful oasis located in the heart of the city.

The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a collection of 16 urban gardens in a 5 ½ acre area that your kids can explore.

These include a Zen Garden, Barrio Garden, Prehistoric Garden, Butterfly Garden, and more.

There’s also a butterfly pavilion with rare and exotic butterflies from different parts of the world.

The Gardens put on display the beauties of nature found in the Tucson area.

Pima Air & Space Museum

For aircraft buffs, there’s Pima Air & Space Museum which features over 400 historic aircraft within an 80-acre area.

The museum features an outdoor display and six indoor exhibit hangars, three of which are dedicated to WWII planes.

There’s also an Aerospace Gallery with displays of moon rock and the Apollo 13 space capsule.

Here, your kids can learn more about the captivating history of aircraft, spacecraft, and drone technology.

They can also take part in interactive attractions and exhibits within the hangars.

Public tram tours are available to explore the outdoor aircraft displays.

Children under the age of 4 are admitted for free.

Biosphere II

The Biosphere II is one of the most fascinating attractions in Tucson.

This man-made, self-contained, 40-acre habitat is home to seven wilderness ecosystems including desert, ocean, savanna, and rainforest biomes.

Your tour takes you through the various ecosystems and the underground techno-sphere that keeps the Biosphere running.

You’ll also see where the biospherians (original inhabitants of the Biosphere) lived and worked.

The tour is recommended for older children as younger ones may become restless and bored.

Visit a Local Dude Ranch

What could be better for city kids than a visit to a local dude ranch?

Dude ranches make great family-friendly getaways for travelers to the Tucson area.

At Tanque Verde or White Stallion Ranch, your kids can learn to fish and ride a horse.

There’s also swimming, hiking, archery, hay rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, camping, and other outdoor activities to enjoy.

Hearty ranch-style meals and cookouts are part of the package to ensure your crew never goes hungry.

At a dude ranch, you and your family can experience the simple joys of country life.

The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

You can’t go to Tucson without dropping by The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium!

The planetarium’s state-of-the-art theater sets the stage for learning more about our solar system and galaxies beyond.

Your kids can gaze through a 16-inch Cassegrainian telescope after sunset to view the stars (reservations required).

Science lovers can delve into topics that interest them most, from ocean and space studies to lasers, insects, fossils, and more.

Older children will be fascinated by all the hands-on attractions and exhibits to explore

Special note: Children under 3 aren’t allowed in the planetarium.

Trail Dust Town

Trail Dust Town brings the Wild West to life for your little ones.

The town consists of a historical shopping center combined with the Western theme park to entertain the younger members of your family.

Polly Anna Park features an iconic carousel and miniature train and Ferris wheel.

Your kids can learn more about Western culture, dress in Western costumes and purchase Western souvenirs to take home.

You can also watch an “authentic” Pistoleros Wild West Stunt Show!

Children’s Museum Tucson

When temperatures soar, and you need a place to cool off, bring your kids to Children’s Museum Tucson.

The museum’s vibrant, playful environment is perfect for babies, toddlers, and children up to 10 years old.

Interactive exhibits like Art Studio, Science Station, and Dinosaur World will keep your kids entertained for hours.

Little ones can dress up like their favorite heroes to role-play their fantasies.

The museum provides your kids with a safe, comfortable environment to play, learn and explore.

The Gaslight Theatre

If your kids like movies, they’ll love the hilarious spoofs acted out in The Gaslight Theatre.

The theatre’s musical and theatrical performances offer fun-filled entertainment for the entire family!

You can enjoy yummy food from Little Antony’s Diner before, during, or after the show with free popcorn at every performance.

Presentations include comical spoofs of the Avengers, Harry Potter, Robin Hood, and more that leave you laughing long after the show is done!

Funtasticks Family Fun Park

Where can you take your family for a day of fun and frolic in Tucson?

None other than Funtasticks Family Fun Park!

From bumper boats and go-karts to roller coaster rides, jumping castles, batting cages, mini-golf, and more – Funtasticks has it all!

There’s even a water park (Cactus Spring) that features water slides, water wheels, bubbler jets, water curtains, and waterfalls!

Funtasticks has rides and activities catered to children of all ages, so no one has to miss out on the fun!

Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

For an in-depth view of the wonders of Sonoran Desert wildlife, bring your kids to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.

This “living” museum features such programs as Live Animal Theatre, Raptor Free Flight, Stingray Touch, Cat Canyon, and more.

Your kids can interact with desert wildlife and learn more about their habits and habitats.

Complimentary Bird Walk and Desert Discovery Tours teach your kids more about the ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert region.

Your little ones will love Packrat Playhouse, a massive animal-themed indoor play area designed specifically for fun, fun, fun!

Reid Park Zoo

The Reid Park Zoo is a 17-acre park/zoo located smack in the heart of Tucson.

It’s home to over 500 animals from all over the world!

Your kids will see jaguars, rhinos, monkeys, ostriches, African lions, elephants, Chilean flamingos, polar bears, and more!

The zoo’s aviary and South American exhibits are must-see attractions as well.

The park also has lots of peaceful green spaces for resting and relaxing and recreational amenities that your kids can enjoy.

Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

There’s no place quite like the Mini Time Machine of Miniatures!

This museum is filled with interactive, miniature figures, buildings, and structures from different time periods for your kids to explore.

Each miniature setting tells a story or depicts an event in history that kids can learn from.

The charming collectibles open the door to your child’s creativity and imagination.

There are over 500 room boxes on permanent display and dozens of temporary exhibits featuring cultural settings from different parts of the world.

You can also purchase a Minis for All Kit at the museum for your kids to make miniatures of their own!

Tucson Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Tucson Safety Review

Safety Index:

48

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM