Do you have a baby or toddler in Tucson? This is a list of "things to do" that you will want to bookmark and share with friends.
Most of these ideas will be applicable whether your baby is 4 months, 14 months, 24 months, or anywhere in between.
Note that these suggestions are especially geared to little ones, ages 2 and under.
1. Walk the paved paths at Sabino Canyon. There are many, many hiking trails to explore in Tucson with your baby or toddler. Being out in nature, with the breeze in your hair and the sun on your shoulders, can be a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon with your little one. What makes Sabino Canyon a stand-out option is that there are wide paved paths (bring your stroller!), bathrooms, and small stops to splash along the way. If you want, you can even pack a picnic and venture to the East Dam (lots of fun right after monsoon season!).
2. Clock some miles on an indoor walking track. Too hot outside to take your tyke on a walk? Stash your stroller in the car and drive to one of the three indoor walking tracks in-town - Morris K. Udall Regional Center, William Clements Recreation Center, or El Pueblo Regional Center.
3. Read and sing at storytime. Did you know there are storytimes specifically designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers? Check our full list because there are free storytimes every week - at local libraries, bookstores, literacy non-profits, even grocery stores!
4. Take a trip to your local library. Introduce your little one to a love of reading from the start. Library cards are free and you'll have access to thousands of books, DVDs, magazines, and audio books. Pima County Public Library also offers a free reading program every summer, which is open to pre-readers!
5. Splash at a pad. Beat the summertime heat by lathering up with sunscreen and running through water fountains at a splash pad. Here are our picks for the 5 best splash pads in Tucson.
6. Register for Swim Lessons. Start your little fish in the water from a young age. Water safety is so important and even very young babies can be taught water safety skills. Most swim lessons for babies under 36 months are dad-and-baby or mom-and-baby classes so be prepared to suit up yourself. Lessons are available from DeMont Family Swim School, Tucson Parks & Rec, YMCA of Southern Arizona, Tucson JCC, Saguaro Aquatics, ISR, and Kidtastics.
7. Find Baby Gear & Gently Used Clothing at Little Bird Nesting Co or Sweet Repeats Children's Resale Boutique. These local children's consignment shops are a great place to find gently used strollers, car seats, baby carriers, nursing covers, cloth diapers, and clothing at great prices. You can also sell your old gear after your baby outgrows it in exchange for store credit.
8. Visit a Breastfeeding Support Group. If you have a baby and you have breastfeeding questions, there are a number of breastfeeding support groups around town that are a helpful resource. Don't worry - you won't be put on the spot! It's just a group of like-minded mamas with a lactation consultant present. Super laidback (and sometimes there are free snacks!).
9. Make a date at La Encantada. Meet up with a friend at Tucson's upscale shopping center in North Tucson. Enjoy coffee & a treat at AJ's (kids can get a free cookie!), then play in the courtyard.
10. Swim at a public pool. Admission is free or cheap - and your little one can enjoy the water. Great pools for toddlers include:
11. Git yourself over to Trail Dust Town. On select evenings, you can buy a wristband to ride a miniature train, stagecoach-themed ferris wheel, and carousel in this miniature western-themed amusement park in East Tucson. This is also a GREAT spot to take photos of your little one to send to grandparents!
12. Spark imagination at Children's Museum Tucson in Downtown Tucson. It's a fun space for children up to age 10! Your toddler will enjoy shopping for groceries, pretending to be a vet, touching life-size organs, whipping up food in a restaurant, riding in an ambulance, and creating in the art studio. There's even a "Wee World," designed specifically for ages 4 and under.
13. Let your little one wander and explore nature at Children's Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul. This new space includes indoor and outdoor exhibits along with daily self-directed activities and programming for small children.
14. Learn about animals at the Reid Park Zoo. Located in midtown Tucson, the Reid Park Zoo is a clean and welcoming outdoor zoo with lots of animals to learn about. Alligators, elephants, grizzly bears, lions, zebras, anteaters, giraffes, panthers, jaguars, otters, tigers, and more! There is also a GORGEOUS carousel ($3), miniature train ($3), and an on-site cafe.
15. View animals at International Wildlife Museum in climate-controlled comfort. You and your little one will have an opportunity to see 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.
16. Take a drive to the Desert Museum. One of the best outdoor places in Tucson is the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! The views are breathtaking, the caves are enticing, and the wildlife is mesmerizing. The desert museum also has an air-conditioned packrat-themed playroom {see below}!
17. Swing and slide at a new-to-you playground. There are 128 parks in the City of Tucson and even more in the county. Explore the parks in your immediate area and find a favorite. Fun parks for toddlers include:
18. Bike the Chuck Huckelberry Loop. Buy a baby seat, attach it to your bike, and you'll have hours of adventure ahead of you. The Loop is an obvious pick because...no cars!
19. Hike It Baby. This local non-profit "is a parent group focused on getting families outside together enjoying nature in a safe and supported way." Join the Hike It Baby Tucson Facebook group to meet up with other parents for hikes throughout the week and on weekends.
20. Join a Bible Study, MOPS group, or Mom's Class at a Tucson church. There are lots of groups around town that have a mission to help moms connect to each other. Note sure where to start? Drop in at CARE class at the Journey Church, join a Bible Study Fellowship class, or search for a MOPS group in your area. All are welcome.
BONUS: Subscribe to TucsonTopia's FREE “This Week in Tucson” e-newsletter. You'll receive a weekly calendar in your inbox EVERY WEEK - with restaurant openings, storytimes, hiking trail guides, neighborhood spotlights, resort reports, playground profiles, and more!
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