With the kids officially out of school for the next couple of heat-drenched months, you’ll need more than just the park and swimming pool circuit to keep the little ones entertained and the play dates painless. The following Tucson attractions are fun and educational ways to get your tykes out of the house for a few hours. Plus, you may even learn a thing or two.
Tucson Children’s Museum
With exhibits that explore the ocean, dinosaurs, the rainforest, Mars and much more, children and their families are in for both education and entertainment when exploring the Tucson Children’s Museum. Whether visiting for a birthday party, one of the museum’s special events (think events like World Art Day and Tykes Time) or just a day out with the little ones, the Tucson Children’s Museum promises a fun time for kids young and old. www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
In exploring the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, children may just find a newfound appreciation for the place in which they live. The Desert Museum is a zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum—all in one place! This wildlife-lovers paradise also offers extensive children’s activities such as a junior docent program, Sonoran studies, school and youth programs, the Coati Kids Club and more. www.desertmuseum.org.
Old Tucson Studios
For a true Western experience that will make the kids say, “Yee-haw,” a visit to Old Tucson Studios is a must. When passing through the gates of Old Tucson Studios, you’ll think you stepped straight into the Wild West—walk down the streets that movie legends like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood have made their film-making stomping grounds, take a traditional trail ride or even stop by for an Old West drama or saloon musical. www.oldtucson.com.
Cuisine Classique
For the aspiring chef, Cuisine Classique offers numerous children’s cooking classes that conveniently take place after school with an emphasis on fun with food. Children will love learning how to prepare healthy, scrumptious meals themselves. Cuisine Classique also offers a kid’s summer cooking camp and in addition, it is a fun place to host birthday parties. www.cuisineclassique.com.
Reid Park Zoo
Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo is an animal-spotting favorite among visitors and locals, young and old. More than 400 animals from around the globe make their home at Reid Park, and events for the whole family are frequently offered, such as concerts and behind the scenes tours. From adopting an animal to the many programs, camps and classes offered, Reid Park Zoo always has enough to keep kids busy. www.tucsonzoo.org.
T Rex Museum
If you have a dinosaur lover in your household, instead of playing “The Land Before Time” DVD for the 100th time, get out of the house and take a trip to Tucson’s T Rex Museum. As a part of the International BioPark Foundation, this small and cozy museum offers hands-on exhibits and educational opportunities to teach kids about the history of dinosaurs. Along with numerous events and childrens art contests, the T Rex Museum also hosts birthday parties and summer camps. Your little scientist will thank you! www.trexmuseum.org.
