Tucson Kid-Friendly Activities

Last updated: November 2021

By: Guest Blogger, Colleen H Laszakovits RN-BSN, CPD, CLE, CCBE, CCT

At my last couple of postpartum home visits, I have been asked, what is there to do with my 1-5 year old? As a recovering mom with a new baby and a stir crazy older child, the thought of packing up and going out is probably the last thing on your mind. However, it could make for a better, calmer and happier afternoon for YOU.

Once you are feeling more like yourself, the activities listed below will give you a few ideas to venture out, meet other parents and tire your older child out a little. Whether it is hot, rainy, windy or cold outside, there is something for you to choose from.  I listed the websites so all you need to do is click on them to find out more information, times, days and costs to participate. This list is only what my family and friends have done with our kiddos, there are many more ideas to choose from all over Tucson.

Strap on your newborn, pack some snacks and give your older child the opportunity to run around, be creative, play and GET TIRED.  Enjoy and have fun!

Indoor/Outdoor activities:

Timeless Play: https://trustingconnections.com/play/

Tucson Children’s Museum: www.childrensmuseumtucson.org

International Wildlife Museum: https://thewildlifemuseum.org/

Tohono Chul: https://tohonochulpark.org/

Pima Air & Space museum: https://www.pimaair.org/

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: https://www.desertmuseum.org/

Gadsen-Pacific Toy Train Museum: https://gpdtrains.org

Reid Park Zoo: https://reidparkzoo.org/

Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Magic: www.tucsonbotanical.org

Trail Dust Town: www.traildusttown.com/

Mini Time Machine Museum: https://www.theminitimemachine.org/

Staying cool:

Brandi Fenton Splash Pad, 3482 East River Road, Tucson

Crossroads at Silverbell District Park Splash Pad, 7548 N. Silverbell Rd, Tucson

Heritage River Park Splash Pad, 12280 North Heritage Park Drive, Marana

Rancho Sahuarita Water Park: https://www.ranchosahuarita.com/

Oro Valley Aquatic Center: www.orovalleyaz.gov/aquatics

YMCA: https://tucsonymca.org/location/ott-family-ymca/

Jewish Community Center https://www.tucsonjcc.org/

Kids movies:   Harkins TheatresGrand Cinemas, or Cinemark

Kid friendly parks:

There are several “little kid” friendly parks around.  Ask parents in your neighborhood, they will know where they are!

Story times: PAUSED DUE TO COVID-19

Bookman Story Time: https://bookmans.com/events/

Library Story Time: https://www.library.pima.gov/faqs/what-is-storytime/ or https://www.tucsontopia.com/tucson-storytimes-a-comprehensive-list/

Gymnastics, Dance and Play Time:

Tucson Parks and Rec (gymnastics and dance classes): https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks

YMCA: www.tucsonymca.org/gymnastics , www.tucsonymca.org/program/dance    

Open Gym: www.tucsongymnasticscenter.com  https://www.gymnasticsworldtucson.com/ www.oldpueblogymnastics.com   www.tucsontw.com/   www.springsgymnastics.com/

Get Air: www.getairtucson.com/

Elevate Trampoline Park: https://tucsonelevate.com

Defy Tucson: https://www.defytucson.com

Dance: www.danceforce-1.com/, www.danswest.com/  https://www.kustars.com

Arts and Crafts:

Tucson Parks and Rec: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks

YMCA: https://tucsonymca.org

Michaels: https://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classesandevents

JoAnn Fabrics: https://stores.joann.com/az/tucson/2042/

Home Depot: www.homedepot.com and type in kid workshops

Hobby Lobby: https://www.hobbylobby.com

Lowe’s: https://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx must be 5 years old to participate

Play Areas:

Fast food play areas (McDonalds, Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Peter Piper Pizza, Chuckie Cheese, Chick Fil A)

Mall children’s play areas (Park Place, Foothills Mall, Tucson Mall)

Mom and Me classes: (children under 1)

Parks and Rec: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks  Grab a schedule to see all the classes that are offered.

Yoga: https://milkandhoneytucson.com

Sign Language: https://milkandhoneytucson.com

Check for coupons too, as many times you can find a 2 for 1. Once you find the activity that your child LOVES, purchase a membership or ASK for one for birthdays or other holidays!

Venturing out for the first time with a newborn and toddler can be kind of scary. Take someone with you to help wrangle if you need.  Just try it. All these locations are kid friendly and used to kids crying, melting down, running around and BEING KIDS.

If you are pregnant or just had a baby, I am full of valuable Tucson community referrals and resources. Call me today to see how else I can help you.  www.yourfamilysjourney.com

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