When it comes to planning a family outing, whether it’s for the weekend or a special day, parents have to get creative. It may depend on the kids’ interests, but it’s also a good idea to think of something that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Fortunately, Tucson is full of things to do with the family. One day you might explore one of the many exciting attractions that both kids and parents can enjoy, such as an indoor playground. Another day you might enjoy a lively game of mini golf and make fun memories together.
We have compiled a list of the best things to do with kids in Tucson where they will have a great time! From educational and innovative places to stunning natural settings or indoor entertainment, this list has plenty of different options for you to choose from!
17 Best Things to Do with Kids in Tucson
1
Reid Park Zoo
Visit Reid Park Zoo and see over 250 animals from around the world! Enjoy the amazing attractions, get up close and personal with your favorite animals, see daily presentations, feed giraffes, and more! This is a great option when looking for things to do with kids in Tucson!2
Funtasticks Family Fun Park
Funtasticks Family Fun Park offers 3 levels and 5,200 square feet of indoor and outdoor fun for all ages! Enjoy the waterslides, go-carts, bumper boats, mini golf, laser tag, batting cages and more! It's the perfect destination when it comes to fun things to do with kids in Tucson.3
Get Air Trampoline Park
Prepare for a day of fun, excitement and adventure at Get Air. This trampoline park has tons of fun things to do with kids in Tucson, including a ninja obstacle course, foam pits, and you can engage in ultimate dodgeball and more!4
Saguaro National Park
Divided into two districts, the park offers stunning desert landscapes, hiking trails and year-round camping. It's home to the iconic giant saguaro cactus, a symbol of the American West, and 1.6 million individual saguaro plants grow in Saguaro National Park. See breathtaking sunsets and find more things to do in Tucson with kids.5
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
This is one of the most interesting things to do with kids in Tucson. The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures is a 15,560-square-foot, state-of-the-art museum featuring antique and contemporary miniatures that are both entertaining and interactive, as well as some enchanting artifacts.6
Children's Museum Tucson
What better place to find things to do with the kids in Tucson than at this children's museum? Here you'll find fun, playful, interactive, hands-on learning experiences for kids and their families! Enjoy 11 indoor exhibits and an outdoor courtyard for a great time!7
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium offers incredible things to do in Tucson with kids, including interactive exhibits, state-of-the-art planetarium shows, laser music shows, a world-class mineral museum, and more. Guests can explore the solar system through engaging presentations and enjoy educational resources for schools and families.8
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
This is a unique fusion of zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, and natural history museum, so it's a great place to take the kids for a fun exploration. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum focuses on the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and offers visitors the opportunity to explore diverse exhibits, participate in educational programs, and enjoy stunning art.9
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucked away in downtown Tucson is a 5.5-acre oasis of natural beauty, inspiration, and desert education. Enjoy a walk among majestic trees, and specialty gardens such as the Cactus & Succulent Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Barrio Garden. So if you're looking for nature-inspired things to do with kids in Tucson, look no further.10
Pima Air & Space Museum
The Pima Air & Space Museum offers tons of exciting and fun things to do with kids in Tucson. Take tours that bring the history of flight to life, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exhibits featuring more than 400 historic aircraft. Special events such as Fly-A-Drone Day and the monthly STEAM Club provide engaging learning experiences that foster an interest in aviation and science.11
Arizona State Museum
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the largest anthropological research museum in the southwestern United States!Learn about 13,000 years of human history in the region.Enjoy exhibits, tours, programs, hands-on workshops and more things to do with kids in Tucson.12
Gadsden Pacific Division Toy Train Museum
This museum features seven working train layouts of varying scales, providing an interactive experience for young visitors. Kids can ride a 7½-inch-gauge train that circles the grounds and explore an authentic caboose. The museum also hosts special events and has a garden to add to the fun, among many other fun things to do with kids in Tucson.13
Old Tucson
Looking for a break from the same old weekend plan? Old Tucson is a family-friendly theme park perfect for those who love all things Wild West. With live entertainment, interactive shows and immersive attractions that bring the spirit of the Old West to life, everyone will have a great time!14
Defy Tucson
For fun things to do with kids in Tucson, Defy is a must! The park offers attractions for all ages, including Air Track, Basketball, Dodgeball, Foam Pit and Launches, Freestyle Obstacle Course, King of the Mountain, Log Roll and Battle, Ninja Course, Open Jump, and more!15
Golf 'N Stuff
Golf 'N' Stuff offers many fun things to do in Tucson with kids, from mini golf on 18-hole courses, laser tag in a high-tech inflatable arena, bumper boats, and so much more! When the kids get tired, you can take the party to the snack bar for food and refreshments, which is especially great in the summer.16
Trail Dust Town
Trail Dust Town offers a taste of the Old West. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fun activities, including the Pistoleros Wild West Stunt Show, a train ride, and vintage rides such as the Carousel and Circle-the-Wagons Ferris Wheel. Kids can also try their hand at panning for gold and test their skills at the shooting gallery.17
Catalina State Park
Welcome to this majestic park surrounded by canyons, native flora, and much more unique scenery. With nearly 5,000 saguaro cacti and various desert plants, you will have to come back many times. It's the perfect place for a family picnic, bird watching, and many other things to do in Tucson with kids. Don't miss this destination if you are looking for adventure.18
Tucson Bowl
Looking for fun things to do with kids in Tucson? If they love bowling, look no further! This venue features well-maintained lanes, vibrant lighting and a welcoming environment. Tucson Bowl often hosts special events, leagues and tournaments, providing plenty of opportunities for friendly competition.19
Dave & Buster's
Come to Dave & Buster's and enjoy a delicious meal while you play in a world-class arcade. Guests can enjoy a variety of delicious menu options while taking a break from the action-packed arcade. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun outing, Dave & Buster's provides the ideal environment. With options for children's birthday parties and corporate events, it's one of the best things to do with kids in Tucson.20
Biosphere 2
At Biosphere 2, families can participate in educational programs for all ages, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Tucson with kids. It's the world's largest controlled environment dedicated to understanding the effects of climate change and exploring sustainable practices. Covering 3.14 acres, this remarkable site features several ecosystems, including a rainforest, ocean, desert and savanna. It's definitely a must!From exciting outdoor adventures to Wild West-themed parks, Tucson offers countless fun activities for kids. Many of these venues also offer excellent birthday party packages, so be sure to check out their packages to make your child’s special day unforgettable.
Next time you’re looking for a relaxing family getaway (and why not bring your furry friend along?) or an exhilarating rock climbing experience, Tucson will not disappoint. Embrace these activities to create beautiful memories you’ll cherish for years to come!