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://www.timeless-play.com
Tucson Children’s Museum: www.childrensmuseumtucson.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 Theatres, Grand 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/
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, 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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