Now that the holidays are over, the real question pondering the minds of many is how they're going to entertain out-of-town guests for the next week. Here are some fun activities that get everyone out of the house and exploring Tucson.

Reid Park Zoo

Take an animal journey across three continents at Reid Park Zoo, exploring more than 500 exotic animals and their habitats. With so much for the little ones to see, lace up your sneakers and walk off excess holiday calories.
www.tucsonzoo.org

Hiking

Surrounded by The Santa Catalinas to the north, the Tucson Mountains to the west, the Rincon to the east and the more-distant Santa Rita to the south, Tucson’s rugged backdrop offers ample ways of hiking the Wild West while also getting in a workout—especially after eating two pieces of pumpkin pie. Trails range from easy to challenging and allow you to put your athletic ability to the test. Just remember proper closed-toe shoes.
www.sabinocanyon.com

Biking

With weather averaging 70 degrees or better, why stay indoors? Whether you’re interested in cycling or simply reliving your youth, Tucson’s bike-friendly roads and endless trails offer an exciting way to embrace the great outdoors. Or if anything, it’s a healthy way to venture downtown to Tucson’s vibrant outdoors-y malls.

Horseback Riding

With a backyard that abuts many dude ranches, resorts and riding stables, Arizona should be in the running for best horseback riding out West. Saddle up to explore new heights set on horseback or simply gallop into the sunset. Tucson's horseback riding experience is as memorable as it is fun. With pancake breakfast rides, picnic lunch rides, short rides, day-long rides and moonlight rides available, your guests will certainly get a good taste of out west.

Rock Climbing

As one of the area’s most alluring backdrops, Mt. Lemmon is also the most sought-out destination to rock climb. Mt Lemmon has more than 1,200 climbing routes ranging from single pitch clip-ups to multi-pitch traditional routes. For those more advanced and looking for an un-roped adventure, the surrounding foothills offer the best terrain. But, don’t be overwhelmed by the gravity that is Mt. Lemmon; local Rocks and Ropes offers a great indoor way of climbing before baring the elements.
www.rocksandropes.com

Bird Watching

With more than 500 species of birds calling the desert home during the winter months, visitors could see birds they’ve only read about in books, perched right outside their window. Grab a chair, your coffee, binoculars and a camera and relax outdoors in hopes of spotting Mother Nature’s most delicate creatures.