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20 Fun Things to do in Tucson With Kids
If you’re thinking of bringing your little buckaroos to this Southwestern city, saddle up for a rootin’-tootin’ good time! From exploring the Sonoran Desert’s majestic saguaro cacti to discovering the wonders of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson is a kid-friendly paradise that’s bursting with outdoor excitement, educational attractions, and plenty of sunshine. In this post, we’ll corral the best activities, attractions, and tips for making your family’s Tucson adventure an unforgettable one!
I was very pleasantly surprised and definitely feel like Tucson is a hidden gem! There is so much to see and do, not to mention eat! I am already planning to go back, but in the mean time, here is what I believe to be the Top 10 things to do in Tucson with kids.
Updated April 2024
Is Tucson kid friendly?
Tucson is very kid friendly and there are plenty of activities for all ages from toddlers to teens in Tucson. There are tons of hikes and even a National Park, old West Towns, splash pads, museums, horse back riding and more.
Is there a lot to do in Tucson Arizona?
What is the best month to visit Tucson?
Arizona gets really hot in the summer time, over 100 degrees almost every day. So the best time to visit Tucson is definitely shoulder season from March to May or September to November. The weather is much more pleasant and you will find very reasonable room rates.
1- Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is one of the most unique national parks I have ever been to. I have never seen such huge cacti in person and I was seriously in awe! There are many trails for all skill levels. The park has over 175 miles of trails. But don’t fret if you are not up to hiking, there are plenty of scenic drives as well. The national park has designated roads for sightseeing.
The National Park is actually made up of two different sides- East and West which are actually completely separate from each other. I spent all of my time on the West side and I have heard this side is generally more popular.
If you are short on time, it’s still worth a visit, as the Visitor Center has incredible views right outside and a Cactus Garden Trail. The trail is short and shows a variety of different desert plants and is one of the best things to do with kids in Tucson. There is also a longer, unpaved trail nearby. The Bajada Loop Drive came highly recommended, as well as the Valley View Overlook Trail. You can even go on a hike to see some petroglyphs! Saguaro National Park was one of my favorite things to do in Tucson.
Don’t forget to check out the Junior Ranger program if you are in Tucson with kids. This is a really fun and interactive way for your kids to be involved while at the national park and then earn a badge if they complete all of their tasks.
2- Stay next to the National Park
For my first night in Tucson, I stayed in the Joshua Tree Posada House and it was an absolute dream! It is an airbnb property made up of 5 different amazingly decorated suites. There are common areas like a huge living room, a kitchen, dining room and incredible outdoor property including a rooftop with views over Saguaro National Park and the dreamiest swimming pool ever.
The design of this place is unreal and I couldn’t believe that I had the chance to stay here! Every suite is different so I already want to come back to experience the other rooms. I can’t recommend this property enough. Probably my very favorite part is that it literally borders the national park so huge Saguaros were right outside the property and we were able to enjoy the most amazing sunset!
3- Desert Museum
When researching for things to do in Tucson, the Desert Museum kept popping up! It is rated as one of the top attractions in Tucson and it has a little bit of everything! It’s a fusion between a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum and aquarium so it is definitely one of the best things to do in Tucson with kids. It’s crazy to think you can go through a botanical garden full of Saguaros in the same place you can see stingrays. It is definitely quite an unique experience and definitely worth the visit.
Make sure to check out their new fun kid’s exhibit Pack Rat! It’s a huge play area for kids which allows little ones to discover the desert through the eyes of a little mouse. Bonus- this area is air conditioned and a nice reprieve from the hot sun.
Read Next: Top Things to do in Phoenix with Kids
4- Old Tucson
As we were driving along, we just happened to come across Old Tucson. Built in 1939 for the movie Arizona, Old Tucson has now been a set for more than 400 films, TV and commercial productions. It is also now made into a Wild West attraction of sorts. It features musicals and comedy entertainment, live action stunt shows and even rides for the kids. It is definitely one of the top family things to do in Tucson!
5- San Xavier Mission
I saw pictures of San Xavier Mission before my trip and I knew I had to visit. It looked absolutely amazing and it didn’t disappoint. It’s actually pretty close to the Tucson airport so it was actually the first attraction we visited. Seeing it in person was very worthwhile!
It is a historic Spanish Catholic mission and it is also only located about 10 miles from downtown Tucson. It is on Tohono O’odham Nation San Xavier Indian Reservation so there were many booths with vendors selling different crafts and also things to eat like fry bread! We toured around the property and then went on a small walk up a hill nearby to get a bird’s eye view of the Mission and the valley below.
6- Try a Sonoran Hot dog
Tucson is really well known for their food. They have many different types of delicious food, including some really good Mexican food! The number one thing you HAVE to try, though while in Tucson is a sonoran hotdog! They sell them at many street vendors, but if you are looking for a place to sit down- check out the joint- the Quesadillas (also famous for their quesadillas).
I was a bit dubious about the hotdog, but oh my gosh- it was so good! Each place makes it a bit differently, but essentially it’s a hot dog wrapped in bacon with pinto beans, salsa, onions, tomatoes and other ingredients on a bolillo style bun- which is basically the yummiest bun ever. You have to try this hot dog- you won’t regret it!
7- Stay next to Sabino Canyon
Another really popular place for hiking in Tucson is Sabino Canyon. If you have a free day, I recommend one of the hikes to a waterfall in this canyon. I didn’t have time, unfortunately, but I will definitely give it a go next time I visit Tucson.
I did have the opportunity to stay in a hotel next to Sabino Canyon called Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and it was exquisite. I highly recommend staying in this area of Tucson as well. The hotel was very luxurious and the grounds were huge! We spent all afternoon just on this property exploring and then hanging out by the amazing pool.
The property has so many saguaros and flowers and we even went on a walk to a natural waterfall right on their property. That was extremely cool. They have an incredible golf course and we hung out by it for sunset and were treated to an amazing night sky!
After sunset, since it had gotten a bit chilly, we decided to head over to their Cascade Lounge. We were able to sit next to their fireplace and the ambiance was amazing. I absolutely loved their sweet potato fries and their chicken entree. They are also having a fun Holiday promotion right now. It’s called Be Naughty or Nice with Sugar and Spice!
They have fun and creative Cocoa themed cocktails and also just regular yummy hot cocoa if you aren’t in the mood for a cocktail. There will be a cold and hot cocktail depending on the weather that day which is definitely necessary for winters in Arizona.
Click here to book your stay!
Family Things to do in Tucson
8- Drive Gates Pass
Looking for a scenic drive in Tucson? Look no further than Gates Pass! Gates Pass is a mountain pass along the Tucson Mountains. This is one of the most adventurous and scenic drives you can go on while in Tucson with lots of places to stop on the way for scenic views!
9- Little Anthony’s Diner
I just happened upon this diner the night before while researching things to do in Tucson on Instagram. I am sooo glad I found it! I absolutely love old school diners and this is one of the coolest ones I’ve ever been to! There is even a retro pink car outside which was so fun to take pictures with!
The inside was all decorated for the holidays which made it even cuter! I had an Oreo milkshake and it was sooo good! They even had some of those awesome huge crazy shakes, but I didn’t get a chance to try them. There’s always next time…
10- Barrio Viejo
Barrio Viejo, meaning “old neighborhood” in Spanish is an area near downtown Tucson known for colorful adobe houses, Mexican cantinas and brewpubs. This area is an important part of Tucson’s community and it has a lot of history! I felt like I was walking around a different country when I was there. I loved walking around this neighborhood so much and there were many amazing areas for photos because of the amazing cacti everywhere with colorful adobe houses in the background.
Click here to book a walking tour of Barrio Viejo!
11- Pima Air and Space Museum
The Pime Air and Space Museum is definitely one of the top things to do in Tucson with kids. It features over 400 aircrafts spread over 80 acres. They have everything from a 787 Dreamliner to a Wright Flyer. It is also one of the largest non-government funded aviation and space museums in the world! There are 6 different indoor hangars and three of them are even dedicated to WWII.
12- Children’s Museum Tucson
Another fun place to visit when traveling to Tucson with kids is the Children’s Museum Tucson. It is located in the historic Carnegie Library and it is over 17,000 square feet with 11 different interactive, play-based indoor exhibits. There is also a whole outside area with 3 more exhibits and tons of room for little ones to run around and play. They often have special events like Art After Dark, Earth Day events and more.
13- Tucson Botanical Garden
The Tucson Botanical Garden is one of the very best things to do in Tucson! They are really incredible and a whimsical play land. It is 5.5 acres with 20 different gardens! They even have a really fun seasonal butterfly garden that your kids will love with a variety of tropical butterflies.
14- Flandrau Science Center
Click here to get your tickets to Flandrau Science Center
15- Gene C. Reid Park
Traveling to Tucson with kids, make sure to make a stop at Gene C. Reid Park. It’s a 131 acre urban park that even has a baseball stadium, an outdoor performance area, public pools, 2 man made ponds, gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas and a zoo.
16- The Mini Time Machine Museum
This is such a unique activity to do with kids in Tucson. This Museum is a non-profit with dollhouses and tons of little miniatures for people to see. The founders wanted people to feel like they could be transported any where and any time. There are so many different collections from mini castles to mini candy stores and this is definitely a really fun indoor activity in Tucson with kids.
17- Horseback Riding
If you have older kids or teens in Tucson, horseback riding is one of the most fun things to do. This horseback riding tour takes you around the Coronado National forest and around the Santa Catalina Mountains. You also get to ride around a homestead ranch from the 1800s which is really cool. The ride is so relaxing and the views are beautiful.
Click here to book your horseback riding tour!
18- Day Trip to Tombstone
If you are looking for a fun Wild West adventurous day trip while you are in Tucson with kids, make sure to check out this tour to Tombstone. This day trip includes activities like mine visits, saloon drinks and riding in a stage coach. You will have over 5 hours to explore the town at your own pace. You also get to go to the OK Corral to see a reeancactment of the famous shoot out.There’s also many other activities like live music at Kate’s Saloon, The Birdcage Theatre or taking a trolley ride.
Click here to book your day trip to Tombstone!
19- Trail Dust Town
Trail Dust Town is a fun little kitschy old western town in a historical outdoor shopping center. They even have a few little rides like a carousel and Ferris wheel. and a Wild West Show with gun fights and explosions. This is also a fun area to get gifts and souvenirs. There is also the CP Huntington Railroad miniature train ride for all ages. Trail Dust Town is also home to the Savoy Opera House which is a beautiful Victorian venue.
20- Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
This is one of the best free things to do in Tucson with kids. It is a great historical museum and a huge bonus that it is free! There are indoor and outdoor exhibits showing the impact of the railroad in Tucson. There is even Steam Locomotive #1673 which was featured in Oklahoma in 1955. There are also fun interactive exhibitis.
More Pictures from Tucson
So there you have it! 20 Things to do in Tucson With Kids!
What would you add to the list?
Read Next: 8 Best Things to do in Phoenix with Kids
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