25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]

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!):

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, or Ventana Canyon. Be sure to wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light layers. Pack plenty of water and snacks.

3. Visit your local library and Barnes & Noble to sign up for a summer reading program.

Earn free books and 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 Tucson's 20 public pools, Pima County's 9 public pools, Marana's public pool, a resort pool, a pool with a waterslide, or a pool in your neighborhood.

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, and Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) - among other companies.

8. Swim Team is a surefire way for older kids to learn swim strokes, diving techniques, and water safety.

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 and 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.

* The streetcar is FREE to ride through December 31, 2022.

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

16. Jump high and play hard at one of Tucson's indoor trampoline/adventure parks - Defy Tucson, Elevate Trampoline Park, Get Air Tucson, or Wild Katz.

17. Visit 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.

21. Try a new restaurant.

* You can keep an eye on our Kids Eat Free page for ideas on how to eat for less.

22. Explore volunteer opportunities and brainstorm ways to make a difference in Tucson.

22. Rock-climb at the location that is nearest you - Rocks & Ropes (downtown) or The BLOC (northeast Tucson).

23. Wander through local toy store Mildred & Dildred.

24. Take a road trip to a drivable destination.

25. As an alternative, save on fuel and settle down for a staycation at a Tucson resort.

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THREE MORE THINGS TO DO TO GUARANTEE MORE TUCSON SUMMER FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY:

• Subscribe to our free "This Week in Tucson" e-newsletter.
• Follow TucsonTopia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Browse Tucson's #1 Summer Camp Guide.

What do YOU do with your kids in the summer in Tucson?