Have you been looking for fun things to do with your kids to help keep them off the couch? If so, then look no further, we have put together a list of 5 great places to take kids around Tucson, AZ.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo’s mission is “to encourage commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and to provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages.” The zoo offers plenty of great opportunities for fun for kids and adults alike. Try their Nature Play program, opportunities are available every month and are free with zoo admission. It is an unstructured play based program so visitors can feel free to stop in and play anytime during the posted hours. Other activities include giraffe encounters, a zoo train, and a wild animal carousel for $3 each, and camel rides for $7 each. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. October-May, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. June-September. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Cost: $10.50 for adults ages 15-61, $8.50 for seniors 62+, $6.50 for children ages 2-14, Free for children ages 0-1. Pay slightly more for a ZOO-IT-ALL daily pass which includes 1 admission, 1 camel ride, 1 train ride and UNLIMITED carousel rides! The Giraffe Encounter is not included in this pass.
Children’s Museum Tucson
The mission of the Children’s Museum Tucson is to provide fun, play-based, interactive, hands-on learning experiences for children and their families. With exhibits like the music garden, bodyology, and Imaginarium art studio (to name just a few), there is something new and exciting for everyone to discover. The museum states that on average, most visitors explore the museum for about an hour and a half. And that your time in the museum will be determined by how hard it is to tear your kids away from the exhibits! It is a museum geared towards ages 10 and under, but many older children enjoy helping their younger siblings navigate the exhibits. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. They are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day. Cost: $8 for adults and children. Children under the age of 12 months are free. The 3rd of each month is $3 admission day.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A visit to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum will forever alter your definition of a museum as 85% of what you will experience is outdoors. The museum grounds are comprised of 97 acres, of which 47 are developed and curated; there are two miles of walking paths, 16 individual gardens, 1,200 native plant species and 56,000 individual plants. The animal collection currently includes 230 native mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds; including a multi-species hummingbird aviary. The Warden Aquarium opened in January 2013. There’s a freshwater gallery which focuses on the region’s rivers, native fish, and conservation efforts; while the salt-water gallery showcases marine life from the Gulf of California. A hands-on tide pool encounter offers twice-daily interpretations for visitors. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg, there is so much to see and do. Most demonstrations, live animal presentations, and primary exhibits are included in the admission price. Hours: October-February daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March-September 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., June-August 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday thru Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays. Cost: $20.50 for people ages 13-64, $18.50 for seniors ages 65+, $8 for children ages 3-12, Free under the age of 3. $16.50 active/retired military, $15.50 for Arizona/Sonora residents ages 13+ (proof of residence required).
Kartchner Caverns
At Kartchner Caverns State Park, many of the exhibits in the Discovery Center will appeal to the interests of children. A “caving wall” will allow children to create the experience of crawling through several narrow cave passages. Displays on animals will introduce kids to the many unique creatures that live in and around the cave. Having their picture taken with the Giant Sloth is a favorite activity and keepsake for the kids. You can download, print out, and bring with you to the park the fun Discovery Center Scavenger Hunt activity. Kids can explore the exhibits to find all the answers! Touring the cave itself is also a great adventure. Kartchner Caverns is home to one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites, the tallest and most massive column in Arizona, and the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk, among many other unusual formations such as shields, totems, helictites, and rimstone dams. Refer to their website for hours and prices, as they vary.
Funtasticks Family Fun Park
Funtasticks Family Fun Parks family rides bring hours of enjoyment to the whole family, and attractions like batting cages, laser tag, mini-golf, and go-karts are super exciting for teens and adults. Hours and pricing vary. You can find more information here.
At Accurate Service, we value the community we are a part of. We hope this list gives you a few ideas to have some fun with your children!