There is no denying it. Summers in Tucson are HOT. When the steamy sun rays pound down and the temperatures break the 100 threshold, it can be tough to know what to do with kids.
Try these 25 ways to beat the heat (and the summertime boredom blues!):
Click the link above for a full list of Tucson splash pads with hours, fees, and other important planning tips.
Tucson hiking trail options that are great for kids include Sabino Canyon, Pima Canyon, or Ventana Canyon. Be sure to wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light layers. Pack plenty of water and snacks.
Earn free books and other prizes!
Many Tucson movie theatres and city/county entities - including The Loft Cinema, RoadHouse Cinemas, and local parks - offer free or deeply discounted family-friendly movies in the summer.
Of Note: All City of Tucson swimming pools are offering free admission for the summer of 2023.
Lessons are available from DeMont Family Swim School, Tucson Parks & Rec, YMCA of Southern Arizona, Tucson JCC, Saguaro Aquatics, and Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) - among other companies.
Most Tucson summer swim teams begin in the spring (March, April, or May) and run through mid-July. Available for ages 4-18.
There are so many to choose from - academic camps, fine arts camps, overnight camps, performing arts camps, sports camps, and more!
See a Wild West Stunt Show, ride a stagecoach-themed ferris wheel, hop aboard a train, order a scoop of ice cream, or take old-fashioned photos. You can even have your birthday party at this miniature western-themed amusement park!
Mount Lemmon is usually 20-30 degrees cooler than Tucson, which makes it an ideal getaway from May to September.
Little Anthony's Diner is Tucson's only 50s themed restaurant. Take a seat in a booth, listen to classic tunes, and snap a few photos afterward.
We recommend InJoy Thrift Store and Midtown Mercantile Merchants.
The streetcar is FREE to ride all summer long!
Morris K. Udall Regional Center, William Clements Recreation Center (at Lincoln Regional Park), and El Pueblo Regional Center have indoor walking tracks that are accessible for a very low price.
Try Defy Tucson, Elevate Trampoline Park, Get Air Tucson, or Wild Katz.
Children's Museum Tucson is a vibrant, playful, educational space for babies up to age 10 in Downtown Tucson. The 17,000-square-foot museum has 11 indoor exhibits, party rooms, and an interactive outdoor courtyard.
The International Wildlife Museum is home to over 400 species of insects, mammals, and birds from around the globe. Lest you worry about encountering lions, bears, rattlesnakes, and hissing cockroaches, it's important to note that all of the animals inside the museum are stuffed or preserved. This museum is a fun place for children and adults to see animals up-close - even in the hot summer months since the entire museum is indoors and air-conditioned!
The Museum’s permanent collection boasts antique dollhouses dating to 1742, contemporary fine-scale miniatures, and enchanting collectibles.
Explore the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system. Visitors can also explore interactive science exhibits on topics from sharks to space that are fun for the whole family.
Vacation Bible Schools offer crafts, games, snacks, and stories for children - often for free or a small fee.
Gaslight Theatre charms Tucson with hilarious melodrama spoofs for the entire family. Featuring both old and new popular songs, performances by a talented cast, a delicious diner-style menu, and free popcorn on every table, The Gaslight Theatre will have you and your kids doubled over with laughter.
You can keep an eye on our Kids Eat Free page for ideas on how to eat for less.
Even simple acts of intentional kindness can have huge ripple effects.
The three indoor rock climbing gyms in Tucson are Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness (northwest Tucson), Rocks & Ropes (downtown), and The BLOC (northeast Tucson).
Some nearby destinations to consider are Scottsdale, Sedona, Flagstaff, Coronado, or San Diego.
Because Tucson's off-season is in the summer, you can often find incredible deals on resort rooms from June through August.
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THINGS TO DO TO GUARANTEE MORE TUCSON SUMMER FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY:
What do YOU do with your kids in the summer in Tucson?