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 A glimpse of the Sonoran Desert |
2021 North Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85743 United States +1 520 883 1380 |
This world-famous museum is rather a zoo displaying the creatures of the surrounding desert in their natural habitats. Located in the middle of the Sonoran desert about a half an hour drive from the city center, it also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The gift shop has an excellent selection of Sonoran desert souvenirs. This is a must for any visitor staying in Tucson for more than just one day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Schwab |
 Photo: Peter M. Jozwiak |
 Photo: Brian Dunnette  |
 Photo: Rory Dickinson |
 Photo: William L. Gotshall-Maxon |
 Photo: Raymond W. Cuprill |
 Photo: Rebecca Leutert |
 Photo: Travel with Bill and Kathy |
 Photo: Beverly E. Barton |
 Photo: Elwood Rose |
 Photo: Elwood Rose |
 Photo: Travel with Bill and Kathy |
 Photo: Rebecca Leutert |
 Photo: Jennifer Lorca Root |
 Photo: DenBobby |
 Photo: Linda Estel |
 Photo: Steve Bryant |
 Photo: dutchican |
 Photo: Renée V. Keilman |
 Photo: Lisa Bunker |
 Photo: Angel Santos |
 Photo: Erika Jean |
 Photo: Phillip Hughes |
 Photo: Andrew Rollinger |
 Photo: Joel & Kate Peck |
 Photo: aussieleigh68 |
 Photo: Ethan Upperr |
 Photo: Fabrice Rousseau |
 Photo: Lee Fife |
 Photo: Sachs o' stuff |
 Photo: Greg@NY |
 Photo: Joshua Trudell |
 Photo: Cindy Hasler |
 Photo: C.L. Kohan |
 Photo: Karen Hoffmann |
 Photo: BarryWallace |
 Photo: take 10 |
 Be a cowboy for a day |
6255 North Diamond Hills Lane (West of Old Tucson Studios) Tucson, AZ 85793 United States +1 520 682 8594 |
This is a place that offers more than just trail rides; it's a 16,000-acre working ranch where you actually look after the cattle when going out on horseback and have a cookout with the cowboys at the end of the day. This ranch is located in the middle of the desert near Old Tucson Studios, but owner Jesus Avisu will give you directions if you call to make a reservation. It is USD 30 for a two-hour trail ride; prices for other attractions like sunset rides and hayrides vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melanie |
 A place to explore space |
1601 East University Boulevard (East of Park Avenue on the University of Arizona campus) Tucson, AZ 85719 United States +1 520 621 4515 http://www.flandrau.org |
Located on the University of Arizona campus, this is the place to go for astronomy buffs of all ages. Attend the special planetarium shows and telescope viewing hours W through Sa 7p-9p. Have fun doing the hands-on science exhibits and exploring the history of planet earth at the mineral museum. The planetarium show themes change every month, so call ahead for details. General admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children, free for children under 3; $5 admission for shows. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fun for the whole family |
221 East Wetmore Road Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 888 5739 |
This is definitely the place to go when the kids get hot and cranky after several hours of sightseeing. The main attraction for the teens and pre-teens is the go-kart ride, while the kiddies are more likely to enjoy the bumper boats. There are two mini golf courses, batting cages, and a huge arcade to keep a family busy and happy for hours. There is no admission fee; charges are for individual rides. Group discounts are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Games galore |
7401 North la Cholla Boulevard (Northwest corner of Ina and La Cholla; in Foothills Mall) Tucson, AZ 85741 United States +1 520 297 4458 http://www.gameworks.com |
Located in the middle of the Foothills Mall, right next to the Loews Cineplex Odeon Cinemas, this venue is most likely the hottest video arcade in town. Entertainment here runs the gamut, from inside basketball for kids, to extremely violent alien and monster games where scoring equals "maim events." Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bus tours, Tucson and beyond |
3520 North Melpomene Tucson, AZ 85749 United States +1 520 749 5388 |
This tour operator sells city tours to all the attractions Tucson has to offer, as well as bus/van trips to the old mining/new artisan town of Bisbee and the Mexican border town of Nogales, a popular tourist shopping destination. Three-day excursions to the Grand Canyon are available, admissions always included. Free souvenirs are distributed at the end of tours. Inquire about group rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bruce Anderson |
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The desert is alive |
West Speedway Boulevard (Southwest corner of Speedway and Greasewood) Tucson, AZ 85709 United States |
You don't have to drive very far to see the desert wildlife in Tucson. In fact, some coyotes have become quite urbanized here. Greasewood Park is a particularly good spot to view wildlife. Anklam Wash, a natural corridor for coyotes, javelins and other desert critters can be found running right through it. The park doesn't have many other attractions or facilities except some picnic tables and grills, but the abundant desert vegetation is a sight most foreign visitors will appreciate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Best playgrounds in town |
1000 N Tucson Boulevard Tucson and Speedway Tucson, AZ 85716 United States |
Himmel Park was voted Best Playground in Tucson by the readers of the Tucson Weekly, and with some justification. The park actually has three playgrounds. The westside section, near the pool, contains the toddlers' structure with beginner's slides and swings; then, there's more swings and the popular Giganto Slide of Death for the bigger kids, while the northeast side features a big climbing structure with several platforms and even more swings. All areas have lots of sand and picnic areas around them. Keep this place in mind if you're traveling with two-10 year olds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melissa Millage |
 Photo: Lana J |
 Photo: Christy Karpinski |
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Walk on the wild side |
4800 West Gates Pass Road Tucson, AZ 85745 United States +1 520 629 0100 |
Located on the scenic Gates Pass Road surrounded by stately saguaros, this wildlife museum invites visitors to take a grand tour of the fauna of the earth. African antelopes share their space with big polar bears here, looking very much alive. Apart from stuffed animals, the museum also features wildlife films, dioramas, and interactive computer games. Group rates are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jonathan Shotwell |
 Photo: Leslie W |
 Photo: Sarina McCoy |
 Photo: Jonathan Shotwell |
 Photo: Matt Hays |
 Photo: Nicholas Amatuzzi |
 Photo: klaus nickel |
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Family Water Fun |
3551 San Joaquin Road Tucson, AZ 85735 United States +1 520 883 8340 |
A Disney-type theme park around water... bring the kids, let them fly down those water slides till they get real tired (they won't have any trouble falling asleep that night) while you relax at the picnic table. And don't forget to bring plenty of suntan lotion; there's no shelter from the blazing Arizona sun once you get into the water. Go to the spacious ramada for shade and food services. Admission: $8.95. Inquire about group rates on weekends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bull riding, mutton bustin' and more |
4823 South Sixth Avenue (Tucson Rodeo Grounds) Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 721 1621 http://www.desertthunder.com |
Every year, the top performers in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association gather in Tucson to compete, and the winners are named to perform in the finals of the rodeo circuit. If you're here during the fall, take yourself and the kids to witness this event, which includes bull riding, bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and mutton bustin'; it's an activity that kids will enjoy. There's also a sideline of vendors offering Western-theme artwork and accessories. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buzz Jackson |
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Anyone for mini golf? |
6125 East Speedway Boulevard (Speedway between Craycroft and Wilmot) Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 885 3691 |
Southern Arizona has the perfect weather for miniature golf all year round, though it is advisable to play during the early morning or late evening hours to avoid the blazing summer heat. So pick up the kids and head out to Magic Carpet; you can always cool off in the air-conditioned arcade room to play some air hockey and video games. Admission is an affordable $5 per person; it is free for children under 5 accompanied by adults. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Berin Kinsman |
 Photo: InSinU8 |
 Photo: Jennifer Mauldin |
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Ski-lift rides, summer and winter |
10300 Ski Run Road (Mount Lemmon) Tucson, AZ 85619 United States +1 520 576 1321 |
The ski lifts on Mount Lemmon in the Catalina's north of Tucson are open all year; serious business in the winter, fun in the summer. In recent winters, snowfall has been erratic leading to permanent complaints from business owners on the mountain, but the Ski Valley and the adjacent little town of Summerhaven is always a nice getaway from the hot and harsh desert climate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wes Noonan |
 Photo: serac |
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Western-themed Theme Park |
201 South Kinney Road (I-10 south to Speedway exit; drive west following the signs) Tucson, AZ 85735 United States +1 520 883 0100 http://www.oldtucson.com/ |
Referred to as "Hollywood in the Desert," Old Tucson Studios is the most famous movie studio in the world. Plan to take the entire family and spend an entire day immersed in the "Old West" theme. Take care, you might run into bandits while strolling the streets or witness a bank robbery in progress. More than 350 movies have been filmed in this studio, now home to commercial photography, film and television productions. Admissions: adults $14.95; kids $9.45; under 4 are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chinky Liban |
 Photo: Evan Agee |
 Photo: Jerome Berner |
 Photo: Cara-Mia |
 Photo: Beate Hartvigsen |
 Photo: Julia Ryan |
 Photo: Bernita, BreAnna, Bianca, & Posh Adventure |
 Photo: Bert |
 Photo: shrike_ecm |
 Photo: john p |
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A taste of the Old West |
201 South Kinney Road Tucson, AZ 85735 United States +1 520 883 0100 http://www.oldtucson.com |
Located west of Tucson in the grandeur of Saguaro National Park, this Western theme park is world-famous as a movie location. It's a fun place for adults and children alike, with plenty of mock gun fights, games, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained all day; and don't forget your kids will love you forever if you take them there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Vowell |
 Photo: Brenda Nichols |
 Photo: Alan Kroll |
 Photo: Britt Parrott |
 Photo: morgana_d13 |
 Photo: Aaron Blazey |
 Photo: Anne Bowden |
 Photo: moshiphoto |
 Photo: biofein |
 Photo: Louise Bennett |
 Photo: Terry Huber |
 Photo: Ross Griffiths |
 Photo: Thomas Redding |
 Photo: Darryll |
 Photo: Heather Tisdell |
 Photo: Leon Z Newman |
 Photo: Ivan Schell |
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An emerging artists' colony |
Highway 77 Tucson, AZ 85623 United States +1 520 896 9322 (Chamber of Commerce) |
This former mining town, about 40 miles north of Tucson, has rapidly become another destination for art tourists. It's not a complete art colony like Tubac, but you'll find several shops along the main road featuring the work of local artisans, and there are more interesting things to do and see there than first meets the eye. Some of these interesting things include Columbia University's Biosphere 2, Peppersauce Canyon, the Arcadia Ranch Museum for local artifacts plus several Mexican restaurants. This town is definitely worth a trip. Take Oracle Road north to the fork at Oracle Junction, then turn right on AZ Highway 77. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy Schile |
 Photo: Clioe |
 Photo: Edward M. Barrett |
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One of Tucson's top events |
11300 South Houghton Road Tucson, AZ 85747 United States +1 520 762 9100 http://www.swfair.com |
Major events attracting thousands of visitors take place on the Pima County Fairgrounds every year including the Southwestern International Raceway, drag racing, gun shows, concerts and horse shows. The main attraction, however, is the County Fair held every year during April. It's a big horse and cattle trade show, surrounded by all kinds of sideshows and it's especially interesting for kids. Be sure to attend its gem and mineral show or join in its Easter egg hunt. Admission has been USD6 per person but is being revised at this time. To get to the fairgrounds, go east from Tucson on I-10, then turn south on Houghton Road to Brekke Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Megan |
 Photo: abtrailofsparks |
 Photo: abtrailofsparks |
 Photo: anani |
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Horseback riding in the foothills |
13700 North Oracle Road Tangerine and Oracle Tucson, AZ 85739 United States +1 520 825 1664 |
Want to take the family on a trail ride? Pusch Ridge Stables offers horseback rides into the beautiful foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Prices are $20 for an hour, $35 for two hours, $30 for sunset rides, $60 for half a day and $100 for a full day in the deserts and mountains around Tucson. You can also book wagon rides for a truly Western experience. It's advisable to call to make reservations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kent Duryee |
 Photo: James M Hendrix |
 Photo: AZhook |
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Polar bears in Tucson...? |
1100 South Randolph Way Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 791 3204 |
While not being in the major league of zoos, this is still one of the major attractions in the city. Due to its relatively small size, the zoo can be explored at a leisurely pace in less than two hours. The animals are on display in pleasant natural settings. Chances are you will envy the two polar bear cubs as they happily float in ice-cold water while you're chafing in the 90+ degree Tucson summer heat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter M. Jozwiak |
 Photo: James Burke |
 Photo: James Burke |
 Photo: Evette WhoKnows |
 Photo: Karl Brandt |
 Photo: Krista |
 Photo: James K Steele |
 Photo: Darlene Boucher |
 Photo: Heather Kittredge |
 Photo: Mario Estrella |
 Photo: John Morgan |
 Photo: Wayne C Carlson |
 Photo: Sarah Long |
 Photo: Jason |
 Photo: Beverly J. Hill |
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Miles of hiking trails |
Mount Lemmon Highway (Coronado National Forest) Tucson, AZ 85619 United States |
Enjoy cool air and mountain scenery at this ragged mountain range north of the city. Crowned by 9,157-foot Mount Lemmon, the range dominates the Tucson basin and offers 150 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty. The drive up passes cliffs and canyons, lined with saguaro cactus, through pinions and junipers, to cool pine forests and lakes near the top. Some campgrounds charge a fee for overnight stays. Take Tanque Verde Road east to Catalina Highway (Mount Lemmon Highway). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adam Fritzler |
 Photo: D. Bryan Johnson |
 Photo: Tim Stahmer |
 Photo: Michael Stone |
 Photo: Michael Estes |
 Photo: jeremy.rmiller |
 Photo: vickigupta |
 Photo: Matt Ried |
 Photo: Eleys |
 Photo: William Bauer |
 Photo: John Gardner |
 Photo: FrozenChris |
 Photo: Brianne Ince |
 Photo: Andy12-74 |
 Photo: Micah Caudle |
 Photo: Paul Westcott |
 Photo: Jennifer Cora |
 Photo: Juliet Bresler |
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Cookouts and cattle drives |
8500 East Ocotillo Drive Sabino Canyon Road & Sunrise Drive Tucson, AZ 85730 United States +1 520 631 3787 http://www.spanishtrailoutfitt... |
Looking for an outdoors adventure? Check out this business. The company offers off-road rides and hikes into scenic Sabino Canyon and Bear Canyon as well as other outdoor events such as horseback rides, target shooting and cookouts at Redington Pass, between the Catalina and Rincon mountain ranges. The staff also organizes cattle drives near Colossal Cave, in the Rincon Mountains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eizabeth eves |
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A day in the Tortolitas |
9040 North Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85737 United States +1 520 742 1943 http://www.sunshinejeeptours.com |
This company takes visitors on open jeep tours into the Tortolita Mountains, northwest of Tucson to see the wildlife and archaeology of that rugged terrain. You'll be riding in a 4-wheel drive jeep on bumpy gravel roads, but that's the only way to get there. The guides will take desert critters like snakes and tarantulas on the trip for you to view and touch. Trips usually feature a barbecue at the end of the day. Such a deal! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Off road southern Arizona |
1665 South Craycroft Road Tucson, AZ 85711 United States +1 520 747 0323 |
Trail Dust Adventures specializing in jeep trips to the Tortolita Mountains and the Reddington Pass east of the Catalina Mountains. These are ecology tours run by very knowledgeable tour guides concentrating on the fauna, flora and people of the mountains and deserts of Tucson. Water and soda are provided and special arrangements can be made for barbecues and picnics. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gunfights, rope tricks and more |
6541 East Tanque Verde Road (Trail Dust Town) Tucson, AZ 85711 United States +1 520 296 4551 http://emol.org/tucson/traildu... |
This annual show features every cowboy skill, craft and gear you can possibly imagine including magic shows, gun fights, rope tricks, stunts and, of course, chuck wagon steak dinners. The event includes a Western music concert and an arts and crafts show in Trail Dust Town, a shopping center on Tucson's East Side that looks like a late 1800s Main Street. What more can you ask for? All shows are free, except for the concert. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marg and Barry H |
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Relive the western experience |
6541 East Tanque Verde Road Tanque Verde near Grant Tucson, AZ 85715 United States +1 520 296 4551 |
Here's a replica of a 19th-century Western town with small shops offering Old West souvenirs, galleries and restaurants, most notably the Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse and the Dakota Cafe. Of course, there is also a custom leather store, western attire, wooden sidewalks and a central plaza with a gazebo. To enhance the fun, there is also a vintage 1920 Fiesta del Presidio carousel with pinatas, a mining museum and a C.P. Huntington train; in short, it's a great place for kids. Wild west stunt shows are presented Tuesday through Sunday. It's also the locale for Trail Dust Days, an annual cowboy show in late February. Most stores open around noon, but the action doesn't really start until after 5p. Credit cards are accepted by most businesses here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: JHutch |
 Photo: Adrian Figueroa |
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Playtime at the museum |
200 South Sixth Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 792 9985 http://www.tucsonchildrensmuse... |
Located in downtown Tucson, the Tucson Children's Museum offers interactive exhibit areas that allow children to explore and discover for themselves in galleries that include Dinosaur Canyon, the TCM Bakery and Farmer's Market, Wee World, the ZOOMzone, the Ocean Discovery Center, and others. Please visit the website for dates and times of daily featured activities. Admission: Adults: USD7.00, Senior citizens and children (2-18) USD5.00. Guided and general group rates are available to groups of ten children or more. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Monica Gessner |
