As summer is coming to a close and the school year is quickly approaching, it is important to spend some last minute quality time with the children. Soon school, soccer practice, singing lessons, and friend time will take up all of your children’s time. Here are some things to do in Tucson before summer ends!

Tucson School Supply Drives
Make a day out of shopping, and take the kids to pick school supplies for boys and girls in need in Tucson. Children can shop for fun supplies, while learning the importance of giving back to the community. Tucson Values Teachers, a local nonprofit organization, has teamed with Walgreens for their Fourth Annual Tucson Supplies Teachers drive. In an effort to equip Tucson’s children in need with school supplies, donations of basic school supplies can be dropped off at any Walgreens location until August 13. Supplies collected will be distributed to children and schools in need across Southern Arizona.
www.tucsonvaluesteachers.org.

Tucson Children’s Museum
As Southern Arizona’s only children’s museum, Tucson Children’s Museum knows how to entertain the kids. A variety of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and special events await you at the museum. Go on Saturday, August 11, for the Second Saturdays deal. The second Saturday of every month, admission into the museum is only $2.
www.childrensmuseumtucson.org.

Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo provides a wonderful opportunity for children to have fun while learning about different animals and their habitats. Children can explore the beautiful habitats of hundreds of exotic animals from around the world. Nestled in the center of Tucson, the zoo is conveniently located and an affordable, educational way to spend the day. Admission is $8 for adults, and $4 for children.
www.tucsonzoo.org.

Funtasticks Family Fun Park
Funtasticks Family Fun Park is the perfect way for kids to blow off steam and get out energy before the start of the school year. With a go kart track, laser tag facility, two mini golf courses, bumper boats, arcade games, batting cages, and a kiddie land complete with a jump castle and kiddie roller coaster, Funtasticks is equipped to entertain children of any age—and parents too!
www.funtasticks.com.

Build-A-Bear Workshop
For younger children, building a personalized bear is the ultimate way to spend an afternoon. Children can choose a bear, stuff it, and dress it how they please at the Build-A-Bear Workshop in the Tucson Mall. This activity is a fun way to get your child’s creative juices flowing before the start of a new school year.
www.buildabear.com.