Things to do in Tucson with kids

Tucson has plenty for kids: a zoo, desert animals and gardens, hands-on museums and airplanes. Plan outdoor places for the morning when it is cool, then move to a museum after lunch. The directory lists family-friendly spots in Tucson and southern Arizona, each with a phone number you can call for hours.

A simple plan for the day

Morning. Start with the outdoors. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, west of Tucson, combines a zoo, botanical garden, art gallery, natural history museum and aquarium focused on the Sonoran Desert. Reid Park Zoo is in Tucson and lists animal exhibits and education programs. It also lists a last entrance at 3:30 p.m., so plan to arrive well before then.

Midday. Eat lunch somewhere with air conditioning. Kids tend to wilt in the heat, and a rest helps.

Afternoon. Go indoors. Children's Museum Tucson is a hands-on museum in downtown Tucson where kids play and learn, with a second location in Oro Valley. Other options on the list include an aerospace museum with an aircraft collection and a museum of miniatures.

Evening. Eat early and head back to your hotel or home. If you are staying over, a pool is a good reward.

More ideas for a longer trip

If you have a second day, the list below also includes museums and attractions farther out, such as Tombstone, Willcox and Green Valley. These are day trips from Tucson. One of them is a former missile complex where visits are by reservation, so call ahead.

Places to take kids in Tucson and southern Arizona

Tips for Tucson with kids

• Go early in the warm months. From May through September, outdoor places are best in the first hours after opening.
• Bring water, hats and sunscreen. Desert walks have little shade.
• Stay on paths. Cactus spines and, in warm months, snakes are good reasons to keep kids close and on the trail.
• Never leave a child or a pet in a parked car.
• Check hours before you drive. Some places are closed certain days or have last-entry times.
• Watch the monsoon sky. Afternoon storms can be sudden. Have an indoor backup.

What is the best time of year to visit Tucson with kids?

October through April has the mildest weather. Summer works, too, if you plan outdoor stops for the morning and spend afternoons indoors.

Questions people ask

What are good things to do in Tucson with toddlers?

A hands-on museum is a good choice for little ones. Children's Museum Tucson lists interactive exhibits and kids programs. Call to ask about age ranges and hours.

Can you do the Desert Museum with kids?

Yes. It lists a zoo, botanical garden and aquarium, so there is a lot to see. It is mostly outdoors, so go early and bring water.

How far is Tombstone from Tucson?

It is a day trip, roughly an hour and a half by car. The historic gunfight site there lists daily reenactments. Check its hours before you go.

Plan the day with the trip planner, see the family fun guide, or browse places in Tucson.