25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson (in the summer!)

It’s HOT out there, Tucson. With the steamy sun rays pounding down and the temperatures breaking 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!):

(1) Run through the water at one of Tucson’s best splash pads.

(2) Wake up early, pick a hiking trail, and enjoy the cooler morning temperatures. Options: Sabino Canyon, Pima Canyon, Tumamoc Hill, Ventana Canyon. Be sure to wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light layers. Pack PLENTY of water and snacks.

(3) Visit your local library and/or Barnes & Noble to sign up for a summer reading program. Earn free books + other prizes!

(4) Check the Bookmans Event Calendar for story times, movie nights, and fun classes.

(5) Catch a free or cheap movie at Cinemark, Harkins, The Loft Cinema, RoadHouse Cinemas, or a local park.

(6) Splash at one of the City of Tucson’s 18 public pools, Pima County’s 9 public pools, a resort pool, a pool with a waterslide, or a pool in your neighborhood/community.

(7) Speaking of swimming, consider registering your child for swim lessons if they don’t already know how to swim. Lessons are available from DeMont Family Swim School, Tucson Parks & Rec, YMCA of Southern Arizona, Tucson JCC, Saguaro Aquatics, ISR, Kidtastics, and POPPKiDZ.

(8) Swim Team is a surefire way for older kids to learn swim strokes, diving techniques, and water safety. It’s a great way to make friends too! Most Tucson summer swim teams begin in the spring (March, April, or May) and run through mid-July. Available for ages 4-18.

(9) Register for a summer camp. There are so many to choose from – academic camps, fine arts camps, overnight camps, performing arts camps, sports camps, and more!

(10) See a Wild West Stunt Show, ride a stagecoach-themed ferris wheel, hop aboard a train, order a scoop of ice cream, or take funny photos at Trail Dust Town. You can even have your birthday party at this miniature western-themed amusement park!

(11) Drive up the winding road to Mt. Lemmon (about an hour from the city). Mount Lemmon is usually 20-30 degrees cooler than Tucson, which makes it an ideal getaway from May to September.

(12) Enjoy a milkshake, a sundae, or a pizza at Little Anthony’s Diner (Tucson’s only 50’s themed restaurant!).

(13) Stock up on clothes and books at bargain prices at local thrift + consignment stores. Start with: Little Bird Nesting Company, InJoy Thrift Stores, and Midtown Mercantile Merchants.

(14) Go for a ride on the Tucson Streetcar and explore Downtown Tucson (including the Main Library – pictured below).

(15) Take your stroller and walk the indoor track at Morris K. Udall Regional Center, William Clements Recreation Center, or El Pueblo Regional Center.

(16) Get air at one of Tucson’s two indoor trampoline parks – AZ Air Time or Get Air Tucson.

(17) Go for culture (and air-conditioning!) by visiting one of Tucson’s indoor museums – Children’s Museum Tucson, International Wildlife Museum, Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, or Tucson Museum of Art.

(18) Sign up for a Vacation Bible School (or two).

(19) Catch a show at The Gaslight Theatre, a comedic dine-in theatre in East Tucson.

(20) Dine at a local restaurant. You can keep an eye on our Kids Eat Free page for ideas on how to eat for less.

(21) Explore volunteer opportunities and brainstorm ways to make a difference. The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona hosts a Family Volunteer Day once/month.

(22) Rock-climb! There are open climbing times, summer camps, youth teams, and family memberships. Choose the location that is nearest to you – Rocks & Ropes (downtown) or The BLOC (northeast Tucson).