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.
Flamingo Splash Pad at Rancho Sahuarita
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.

kid hiking sabino canyon tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
3. Visit your local library and Barnes & Noble to sign up for a summer reading program.

Earn free books and other prizes!

pima county public library books | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
4. Check the Bookmans Event Calendar for story times, movie nights, and fun classes.
Dr Seuss stuffed character at Bookmans
5. Catch a free or cheap movie at Cinemark, Harkins, The Loft Cinema, RoadHouse Cinemas, or a local park.
popcorn movie tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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.
swimming pool at El Conquistador Resort Tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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.

baby swimming tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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.

summer swim team tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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!

summer camps kids tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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!

train ride trail dust town tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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.

Mount Lemmon sunset Tucson
12. Enjoy a milkshake, a sundae, or a pizza at Little Anthony's Diner (Tucson's only 50's themed restaurant!).
Little Anthonys 50s Diner | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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.

fairy figurines injoy thrift | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
14. Go for a ride on the Tucson Streetcar and explore Downtown Tucson.

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

Tucson Streetcar
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.
Clements Indoor Walking Track Tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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.
Wild Katz Tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
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.
lion international wildlife museum | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
18. Sign up for a Vacation Bible School (or two).
kids vacation bible school tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
19. Catch a show at The Gaslight Theatre, a comedic dine-in theatre in East Tucson.
harry potter costumes tucson gaslight
21. Try a new restaurant.

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

grilled cheese zinburger kids tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
22. Explore volunteer opportunities and brainstorm ways to make a difference in Tucson.
cans community food bank tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
22. Rock-climb at the location that is nearest you - Rocks & Ropes (downtown) or The BLOC (northeast Tucson).
Rocks Ropes Climbing Tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
23. Wander through local toy store Mildred & Dildred.
Mildred Dildred Toy Store Tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]
24. Take a road trip to a drivable destination.
hiking in Sedona
25. As an alternative, save on fuel and settle down for a staycation at a Tucson resort.
water slide at El Conquistador Resort Tucson | 25 Things To Do With Kids In Tucson [SUMMER]

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

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

TucsonTopia contains both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses and organizations in and around Tucson, Arizona. Any reference made here to local businesses, services, classes, etc. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities.
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