Tucson, Arizona makes a great day trip from Phoenix, it is also a destination in and of itself. We love spending weekend staycations in Tucson and are sharing our favorite things to do in Tucson with kids!
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*Updated July 2023
8 Things to do in Tucson with kids
Table of Contents
- 1. Pima Air and Space Museum
- 2. San Xavier del Bac Mission
- 3. Biosphere 2
- 4. Reid Park Zoo
- 5. Old Tucson Studios
- 6. Kartchner Caverns State Park
- 7. Saguaro National Park
- 8. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- A few more recommended things to do in Tucson with kids:
- Best places to Stay in Tucson
- Best Places to Eat in Tucson
1. Pima Air and Space Museum
The Pima Air and Space Museum Space Museum is one of the largest non-government-funded aviation museums in the world.
It consists of 80 acres and 6 hangars filled with over 350 historical aircraft.
There is an astonishing collection of airplanes, from the world’s smallest aircraft to the jumbo 787 Dreamliner.
A select few aircraft are open for kids to climb aboard and sit in the pilot’s seat, but most are meant to be admired from the ground.
Guests are free to explore the exhibits in the different hangars and roam around the grounds. My boys were in heaven and loved getting up close to these massive airplanes!
A 45-minute narrated tram tour is also available for an additional charge. The tram takes visitors on a 1.5-mile loop around the grounds while knowledgeable guides share historical facts and fascinating stories.
The tram schedule varies throughout the year, check the website for updated information.
This is different than the Boneyard tour. While it may be fascinating for older kids, the Boneyard tour is not the best option for younger kids.
The Boneyard tour departs from the museum by motorcoach to the nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The narrated tour drives among 4,000 aircraft. Visitors stay on the bus for the duration of the 1 hour 45 minute tour.
Tickets must be purchased a minimum of 16 days in advance and visitors must submit the required information in order to be cleared by security.
UPDATE: Unfortunately, Boneyard tours are no longer offered due to security changes with the US Airforce.
If you are hungry, the Flight Grill is the museum’s onsite cafe serving fresh Sonoran cuisine. Grab lunch or a scoop of ice cream and enjoy the view from the outdoor patio.
There is also a playground next to the cafe for kids to get some energy out in a contained area.
My boys also loved the Flightradar24 that live streams all of the the flights that are currently in the air.
You can click on the plane and it will tell you what type of airplane it is as well as the destination and city of departure. You can find this near the exit.
2. San Xavier del Bac Mission
The San Xavier del Bac Mission is a national historic landmark. It is located about 10 miles from downtown Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation.
The Catholic mission was founded in 1692 by Father Eusebio Kino, an Italian born Jesuit Priest.
The current church was constructed in 1783-1797 and is considered the oldest intact European structure in Arizona.
The church underwent reconstruction after earthquake and lightning damage.
The exterior architecture is stunning and has earned the nickname “the White Dove of the Desert”. The interior boasts many of the original historic 18th-century statues and beautiful murals.
Today, the church continues to serve as the local parish for the Tohono O’odham. All are welcome to attend mass, but out of respect please ensure that there are enough seats for the local parishioners.
Photos are allowed inside the chapel, except during mass and other church services.
Free walking tours are offered a few times throughout the day by volunteers. If you get the chance, it is interesting to learn about the history and construction of the mission.
My kids didn’t have the attention span for a walking tour, but guests are free to explore the church and mission grounds. My boys were content just playing with the rocks out front!
There is a small museum and gift shop, as well as a 25-minute film for visitors to watch.
You’ll also find a walking path up a nearby hill. The hill overlooks the mission with a cross and prayer shrine erected at the top.
I loved admiring the old world Spanish architecture and learning the history, but the highlight for my boys was the Indian fry bread. Okay, it was a highlight for me as well.
A small stand selling Indian fry bread can be found in front of the church near the parking lot. They sell savory fry bread with bean and cheese or a sweet fry bread with honey and powdered sugar, cash only.
We decided to split a sweet one but ended up going back and buying one for each of us, it was so delicious!
There are a few benches near the parking lot where you can sit and eat while taking in the view of the chapel.
I had heard that the stand is only open on the weekends, but we visited on a Wednesday in March and it was open.
3. Biosphere 2
Biosphere 2 is located about 45 minutes from downtown Tucson and is such a unique place to visit.
The 3-acre Biosphere 2 facility was originally constructed between 1987-1991.
It began as a $150 million dollar experiment to determine if a self-sustained controlled ecological system was a viable option to support human life in outer space.
Biosphere 1 is considered earth, the creation of this second biosphere is where it got its name Biosphere 2.
In 1991, eight people spent two years living inside the Biosphere 2 where they grew their own food and maintained a self-sustained lifestyle among over 1,000 species of plants and animals.
A second experiment ran for 6 months in 1994. Both experiments brought great insight but also ran into a few problems.
Scientific experiments were run until 2003 when funding ran out and it sat vacant in danger of being demolished.
Thankfully, the University of Arizona took over in 2007 and began running it as an earth science research facility.
Today, Biosphere 2 is still considered one of the largest greenhouses in the world and the world’s largest living science center.
The complex originally consisted of seven biomes, a rainforest, an ocean with a coral reef, mangrove wetlands, savannah grassland, a fog desert, an agricultural system, and human habitat.
The human habitat area included living spaces, laboratories, and workshops.
The animals and crops have since been removed, but your kids will still be fascinated while touring the biomes. The tour is self-guided through an app that is downloaded to your phone and lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
On the tour, you’ll get the chance to view the 700,000-gallon saltwater “ocean” and walk through the different biomes. The tour also leads through the living quarters where the original scientists once lived in Biosphere 2.
For more details about what to expect on the tour, see our guide Biosphere 2: Tour a Mini Earth in the Arizona Desert.
4. Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo is a smaller and more intimate zoo. It is one of our favorite zoos that we’ve ever visited and is considered one of the best things to do in Tucson with kids.
You’ll find that the animal habitats are up closer and the animals seem to be more content and active.
It is also more affordable compared to bigger zoos, especially for families.
Free daily zookeeper chats and animal presentations are held throughout the day.
The zoo also has a variety of experiences available for an additional charge, such as the giraffe encounter where visitors can hand-feed giraffes for $3.
Kids will also enjoy riding the train and carousel for a few dollars. Behind-the-scenes experiences are also available for an additional charge.
You’ll find interactive displays and small play areas scattered around the zoo to keep your kids busy.
The zoo is located within Reid Park where you can enjoy the playground and picnic areas after a day out at the zoo.
5. Old Tucson Studios
Old Tucson Studios is arguably a bit of a tourist trap, but my kids loved it! Take a journey back in time to experience a little of the Wild West.
Walk the same streets that have been featured in legendary movies and shows such as Tombstone, The Three Amigos, Bonanza, and The Little House on the Prairie.
Stop in at the museum to see some of the costumes worn by the stars of the films.
A friendly and knowledgeable guide will show you filming locations and share stories over the past 80 years of film and television history in the area.
There are also gunfight re-enactments and stunt shows, as well as can-can dance performances in the saloon. You’ll find a daily schedule of shows, presentations, and performances.
General admission includes entrance to Old Tucson, all shows and live entertainment, rides, and games.
Some of the rides and attractions included in the admission are driving miniature antique cars, a narrated train ride, a Wild West Carousel, and a mining adventure.
There is an additional charge for select games and attractions such as the Outlaw Zipline, panning for gold, a shooting gallery, an old-time photo studio, and an escape room.
Stagecoach and horseback rides are also available for an additional charge.
Several dining options are also available, including Big Jake’s BBQ, Pony Express Pizza and Wings, 3 Amigos Cantina, La Plaza Ice Cream, and The Elixir RX.
Visitors will also find a variety of shopping options for souvenirs, sweet treats, handmade jewelry, local artisan goods, and more.
The Western Experience runs January through May with select events throughout the remainder of the year.
6. Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns was discovered in 1974 by two locals exploring the area that was owned by the Kartchner family. They kept the colossal cave a secret for four years before telling the property owners.
The Kartchners decided that the best way to protect the cave was to undergo the lengthy process of selling the land to the state, who would then turn it into a state park.
This impressive cavern began forming over 330 million years ago and the formations are still growing today, resulting in a “living cave”.
Start your visit at the Discovery Center where kids will enjoy hands-on activities and informational exhibits.
If you would like to participate in the Junior Ranger program, see this page before your visit. You’ll also find activity pages to print and bring along as you explore.
Visitors must arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled tour. However, it is recommended to arrive at least an hour early in order to first spend time at the Discovery Center and learn about the cave.
All tours are led by a knowledgeable guide, there are no self-guided tours. The two main tours are the Rotunda/Throne Tour and the Big Room Tour, both of which last about 1 1/2 hours. A separate ticket must be purchased for each tour.
Visitors on the Throne Tour will see colorful delicate formations and one of the world’s longest stalactites and the tallest column in Arizona.
The Big Room Tour will allow visitors to view the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk. Children must be 7 years or older to participate in the Big Room Tour.
Many of the formations have been continuously growing for tens of thousands of years.
Growth is extremely slow and if the formations are damaged they will stop growing, as a result, it is illegal to touch any of the formations in the cave.
It is recommended to book tours in advance as they often sell out. The cave has an average temperature of 70 degrees year-round with 99% humidity, so a jacket is not necessary.
There are large open spaces in the caves, but also a few dark narrow passages that may be challenging for those with claustrophobia.
Please note, food & drinks, backpacks, purses, bags, strollers, cameras, and phones are not allowed on the tour. Lockers are available at the Discovery Center.
If you visit during the summer months, you’ll discover that the cave’s Big Room serves as a nursery for over 1,000 bats.
The cave is also rich with prehistoric fossils, whose discoveries have led to a wealth of information about the region’s history.
The Bat Cafe is open daily from 10 am-3 pm. A day-use area with picnic tables can also be found at the northwest corner of the main parking lot if you want to pack a picnic lunch.
A campground is also available with campsites and cabins.
7. Saguaro National Park
Saguaro National Park is part of the Sonoran Desert that boasts a dense collection of saguaro cacti. The park is easy to access with scenic drives and desert hiking trails.
We have lived in Arizona for years and I am still in awe at the towering saguaro. They truly are a fascinating southwest icon.
The saguaro is the tallest cactus in the US. They grow at a staggering rate of only one inch per year and can live to be 200 years old.
The park consists of two different sections, the Rincon Mountain District to the east and the Tucson Mountain District to the west. The districts are about 35 miles apart, the park pass is good for entrance into both districts.
The Tucson Mountain District is the most popular section as it offers a higher density of saguaro.
However, the Rincon Mountain District has a more remote beauty with fewer crowds. Camping is also only permitted in the Rincon District.
The best time to visit is mid-May thru early June when the cacti are in bloom.
We have only visited the western Tucson Mountain District where you’ll want to start your visit at the Red Hills Visitor Center.
From here, you can take the scenic 6-mile drive along the Bajada Loop.
A few other points of interest include the short .8-mile roundtrip hike along the Valley View Overlook Trail.
The trail is lined with the majestic saguaro cacti and leads to a beautiful lookout point over the park.
The Signal Hill Picnic Area is not only a great place to enjoy lunch, but visitors can also see hundreds of Hohokam petroglyphs dating back 800 years.
The Desert Discovery Nature Trail is a short and easy ).5-mile paved trail. Informational plaques about the desert plants and ecosystem are posted along the trail.
For more information about visiting this park and other recommendations, see our guide 10 Fun Things to do in Tucson.
8. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is more than just a museum.
With more than 15 areas to explore, you’ll find a natural history museum, zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, art gallery, and more.
Visitors can view habitats for local wildlife such as javelinas, coyotes, and coatis.
Kids will enjoy buying the inexpensive stamp book where they can stamp the animal tracks from each exhibit into their book.
There are free daily presentations and educational shows where kids can get up close with some smaller animals. Stingray feedings are also available for an additional charge.
Kids will also enjoy climbing and playing in the Packrat Playhouse and replica cave area.
A few more recommended things to do in Tucson with kids:
- Day trips: Take a day trip to Tombstone or Bisbee
- Agua Caliente Regional Park: This tropical oasis is a favorite among locals. The underground spring feeds into a small pond filled with fish and turtles and lined with palm trees. Picnic tables are available and guests can check out discovery packs from the visitor center on the weekends. There is also a historic ranch house, nature shop, and art gallery.
- Mount Lemmon Sky Ride: Take a scenic summer ride on the Mount Lemmon Sky Ride. The one-mile ski lift takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit where you’ll be greeted with spectacular views. Consider taking a sky tour at the Mt. Lemmon Sky Center Observatory, or going on a ziplining adventure. Be sure to stop at the Miner’s Sweet Tooth Cafe for a homemade cookie on your way up!
- Seven Falls Trail: Hike the Seven Falls Trail in the beautiful Sabino Canyon. From the parking lot, take a narrated tram ($4/person) or hike 2 miles to the trailhead. From here, the trail is 2.5 miles each way with a few river crossings. The trail ends at a serene cascading waterfall with a clear pool perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The tram fee is good for the entire day and takes visitors to a variety of trails.
- Titan Missile Museum: Step back in time to the Cold War as you visit this preserved Titan II Missile site. Visitors will take a one-hour guided tour to the underground missile complex and launch control center. You’ll also experience a simulated launch and get up close to the actual missile. Reservations are required for all tours. The tour is recommended for ages 5 yrs and up, due to all the stairs.
- Apple Annie’s Farm: Spend a day at Apple Annie’s Farm in Wilcox, about an hour from Tucson. Pick fresh fruit and produce and visit the country store for farm-fresh baked goodies. In the Fall they offer pick-your-own pumpkins from the patch.
- Ghost Town Trail: Drive the 30-mile Ghost Town Trail to explore three different nearby ghost towns.
- Southern Arizona Transportation Museum: Visit the railway museum and train depot where you can view an old steam locomotive. There are also a variety of displays and interactive exhibits. Admission is free, there is a small fee for guided tours.
- Arizona Zipline Adventures: Take a Zipline Adventure across 5 different lines.
- Sweetwater Wetlands: This city water treatment facility is also a habitat for birds and local wildlife. There is an abundance of trees and foliage with shaded walking trails.
- Catalina State Park: The Catalina Mountain Range is part of the captivating Sky Islands Region. Catalina State Park sits at the base of the mountains and offers a variety of desert trails through wildflowers and saguaro cactus. Explore ancient ruins, spot wildlife, and cool off in the Sutherland Wash.
- Lost Barrio: Explore the colorful adobe-style homes in the historic Barrio Viejo neighborhood (particularly South Meyer Avenue), as well as the wall murals in the Warehouse Arts District.
- Madera Canyon: Discover the secret waterfall in Madera Canyon.
- Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch: This unique ranch offers critter feeding, a stingray bay, a 45-minute narrated tour of the ranch and surrounding desert, and $10 monster truck tours on weekends.
- Kitt Peak National Observatory: Come take a day or night star tour at the Kitt Peak Observatory.
- Museums: Tucson offers several museums that are great for kids, including the Children’s Museum of Tucson, the Museum of Miniatures, the International Wildlife Museum, and the Arizona State Museum.
Best places to Stay in Tucson
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort
Our favorite place to stay in Tucson is the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort. The hotel is tucked into the mountains just outside of the city and offers a tranquil escape.
It is a great jumping-off point to explore all that Tucson and the surrounding area have to offer.
The hotel also offers a wide array of amenities for those who prefer to spend a few days relaxing.
Our kids spend all day playing in the pools, floating down the lazy river, racing down the water slide, and getting sprayed by fountains in the splash pad.
Another favorite resort is Westin La Paloma, see our guide How to Spend a Weekend in Tucson for more information and recommendations!
White Stallion Ranch
We absolutely loved our stay at the White Stallion Dude Ranch.
Experience the Old West firsthand as guests ride horses along dusty desert trails and roast s’mores around a campfire under a coal-black starry sky.
Stays include well-appointed guest rooms, daily activities and trail rides, and three hearty meals a day.
The ranch backs up to the serene Saguaro National Park which provides the perfect timeless desert backdrop.
While there is plenty to do at the ranch, the location makes it possible for guests to venture out and explore on their own as well.
Best Places to Eat in Tucson
Tucson is recognized as the nation’s first UN-designated City of Gastronomy. The certification program recognizes restaurants that practice and uphold the UNESCO standards.
This includes such things as sourcing ingredients locally and featuring revised dishes based on the region’s native foods. A few qualifying restaurants include:
- Barrio Bread: features desert heritage grains in every loaf of bread
- Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails: Try the Sonoran Chile & Squash Soup with salsa fresca and queso Oaxaca
- Welcome Diner: Known for their mesquite-roasted pima grits with homemade pimento
Tucson also boasts the “Best 23 miles of Mexican food in the US”. A few of the best Mexican joints include:
- Tacos Apson: Their trademark Apson Taco is crafted with Carne Asada, queso, chile verde, onion, and bacon
- Boca Tacos y Tequila: Gourmet tacos with fresh homemade salsa
- El Guero Canelo: Famous for their Sonorn hotdog
- Tucson Tamale Company: Known by the locals as having the best tamales around
- El Charro: The oldest Mexican restaurant in the US. There are now 5 locations, but the original is found in a historic home in the Presidio district.
I hope this guide will help you discover the best things to do in Tucson with kids!
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