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.

Click the link above for a full list of Tucson splash pads with hours, fees, and other important planning tips.

#2 Wake up (really!) early for a morning hike.

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.

#3 Sign up for a summer reading program.

Earn free books and other prizes!

#4 Catch a free or cheap movie.

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.

#5 Swim for free or cheap at one of Tucson's public pools, a resort pool, or a pool with a waterslide.

Of Note: All City of Tucson swimming pools are offering free admission for the summer of 2023.

#6 Speaking of swimming, consider registering your child for swim lessons.

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.

#7 Swim Team is a great 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.

#8 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!

#9 Go back in time at Trail Dust Town.

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!

#10 Drive up the winding road to Mt. Lemmon.

Mount Lemmon is usually 20-30 degrees cooler than Tucson, which makes it an ideal getaway from May to September.

#11 Beat the heat with a creamy milkshake at Little Anthony's Diner.

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.

#12 Browse for treasures at a local thrift store.

We recommend InJoy Thrift Store and Midtown Mercantile Merchants.

#13 Go for a ride on the Tucson Streetcar & explore Downtown Tucson.

The streetcar is FREE to ride all summer long!

#14 Take your stroller and walk at an indoor track.

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.

#15 Jump high at one of Tucson's indoor trampoline/adventure parks.

Try Defy Tucson, Elevate Trampoline Park, Get Air Tucson, or Wild Katz.

#16 Enjoy air-conditioned playtime at Children's Museum Tucson.

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.

#17 Take a walk on the wild side at International Wildlife Museum.

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!

#18 Have BIG fun at the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures.

The Museum’s permanent collection boasts antique dollhouses dating to 1742, contemporary fine-scale miniatures, and enchanting collectibles.

#19 Stargaze at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium.

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.

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

Vacation Bible Schools offer crafts, games, snacks, and stories for children - often for free or a small fee.

#21 Catch a show at The Gaslight Theatre.

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.

#22 Try a new restaurant.

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

#23 Brainstorm ways to make a difference in Tucson.

Even simple acts of intentional kindness can have huge ripple effects.

#24 Flex your muscles and climb high.

The three indoor rock climbing gyms in Tucson are Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness (northwest Tucson), Rocks & Ropes (downtown), and The BLOC (northeast Tucson).

#25 Take a road trip to a drivable destination.

Some nearby destinations to consider are Scottsdale, Sedona, Flagstaff, Coronado, or San Diego.

#26 Save on fuel and settle down for a staycation at a Tucson resort.

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:

• 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?