You’ve heard “it’s a dry heat” more times than you can count. But with temperatures already soaring and the end of the school year just around the corner, planning for summer in Tucson can be a daunting task. Luckily, TC is here to help. We’ve put together this list as a way to help your family have fun and stay cool this summer.
Make a Splash
Tucson is home to several great splash pads, many of which are free! The splash pad at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park makes it easy to cool off after shooting hoops or playing on the playground. The Oro Valley Aquatic Center has two swimming pools, a giant water slide, and changing facilities. Reid Park Zoo also has a “Kenya Get Wet” interactive play area that is open daily.
Play Indoors (And Parents Get a Break!)
Timeless Play ( a Trusting Connections sister company!) is a drop-off play experience and a game-changer for parents desperate for a break in the summer. We might be biased but the kids who cry when they have to leave sure aren’t! This is the ultimate win-win because it’s a drop-off play experience so moms and dads can wave “Bye kids!” and go enjoy one, two, three or FOUR kid-free hours to work out, go to a doctor’s appointment or have lunch with a friend. The space itself is ADORABLE in a quaint, registered historic building and get this- there are little to no electronic toys, just hands-on fun and 4:1 ratios with the Play Experts who turn ordinary toys into extraordinary experiences. Hours are 8-6 M-Th and Fri/Sat 8am-2pm and 5pm-9pm (date night anyone!?) It’s super easy to book play hours online, even last minute but you do have to register first.
Hit the Books
Pima County Library has a summer reading challenge with several events designed to keep kids reading after the school year ends. They host classes and workshops for teens with subjects including coding, robotics, and game design. Many of the library locations also offer weekly story times for toddlers and preschoolers.
See Stars
Mount Lemmon is a classic Tucson destination for getting out of the heat. It boasts several campgrounds, including the beautiful Rose Canyon Lake. It is also the home of the University of Arizona’s SkyNights Program. Kids ages 7 and up can participate in the program’s educational presentations and use Arizona’s largest public viewing telescope! The Desert Museum also offers family-friendly evening events with its Cool Summer Nights series. Some of their theme nights include Monsoon Madness, Creatures of the Night, and Insect Insanity.
Get Crafty
The Tucson Museum of Art offers their “Picture This!” on the first Sunday of every month. This free program introduces kids to art through gallery activities and hands-on art projects. Creative Juice Bar also offers weekend painting classes for kids and families. East Tucson Macaroni Kid is another great resource for finding local kids activities.
We hope that you and your kids have fun trying out these activities! Have a great summer!
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