Summer Fun in Tucson That Keeps the Kids Learning
Summer Fun in Tucson That Keeps the Kids Learning!
Are you looking for family-friendly activities to keep the kiddos busy? Look no further! Check out our suggestions for affordable adventures right here in Tucson that will also keep your child’s brain active. (Looking for family fun activities in Phoenix? Click here.)
Tucson Museum of Art – FREE every first Thursday of the Month 5-8pm
Escape the Tucson heat and have some fun indoors with the family while also giving the kids a learning experience. Summer features at the museum include Henry C. Balink: Native American Portraits, Palice Gallery of Latin American Arts, and Body Language: Figuration in Modern and Contemporary Art. TMA also features a summer camp where children can learn about unique cultures, explore galleries and historic buildings, and create their own works of art.
TMA Website: https://tucsonmuseumofart.org/
Summer Camp Info: https://tucsonmuseumofart.org/families-youth/#summer-camp
University of Arizona Museum of Art – FREE for kids!
Opened in 1924, The University of Arizona Museum of Art strives to provide affordable art and culture education to the Tucson public. The museum offers free tours to large groups, or you can always explore on your own. Their summer exhibitions include Visual Delights and Fanciful Flights of Imagination, Art in Three Dimensions, and Our Stories: Politeia. The museum also hosts summer education events that are kid- and adult-friendly!
UA Museum of Arts Website: http://artmuseum.arizona.edu/
Summer Events: http://artmuseum.arizona.edu/events
Children’s Museum Tucson – $3 admission day the 3rd of every month!
The Children’s Museum Tucson is a place where kids can learn AND play. This summer features the Gravity Room, Built It!, and Electri-City. The place always has something new going on and is a great way for your kids to explore, create, and learn. They also offer very affordable yearly memberships so you can go all summer and beyond!
Children’s Museum Tucson Website: http://www.childrensmuseumtucson.org/
Featured Exhibits: http://www.childrensmuseumtucson.org/events-exhibits
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Cool Summer Nights on Saturdays!
Until September 2nd, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is offering night events and kids are only $8! Upcoming events include World Oceans Night, Creatures of the Night, Astronomy Night, and Insect Insanity. The museum also features Coati Club, a club designed for kids and free for parents! The club features activities with plants and animals that expand kids’ knowledge of the desert environment. If you’re willing to weather the heat, the museum is awesome during the day as well, and you can take a baby cactus to bring a piece of nature to your home!
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Website: https://www.desertmuseum.org/
Programs for Kids: https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/programs_for_kids.php
Reid Park Zoo – Summer Safari Nights $5!
Reid Park Zoo is a staple in Tucson, but for the summer they are doing something a bit new. Tucson Medical Center is joining with the zoo to feature Summer Safari Nights every Friday 6pm-8pm for just $5! The nights include live music, camel riding, carousel, and close animal encounters. The themes change every week so you could make this a weekly family adventure! Picnicking is encouraged!
Reid Park Zoo Website: https://reidparkzoo.org/
Summer Safari Nights: https://reidparkzoo.org/event/summer-safari-nights-2017/
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium – Laser Music Shows!
The Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium will fascinate kids and adults alike. Admission includes a Planetarium/Laser show, UA Mineral Museum, and Science Center Exhibits. The exhibits include Puzzles, Proofs, & Patterns; Fossil Corner, Solar System Revealed, Critical Zone, and From Tucson to the Moon. Also known as The Dome, the center features shows projected onto a dome screen which makes you feel like you’re in outer space!
Flandrau Website: http://flandrau.org/
Science Center Exhibits: http://flandrau.org/exhibits
Rocks & Ropes – Kids Climb Weekends!
Rocks & Ropes offers kids-only indoor rock climbing weekends. If your kid discovers a love for the sport, there are also summer and year-long camps for kids!
Rocks & Ropes Website: https://rocksandropes.com/
Rocks & Ropes KIDS: https://rocksandropes.com/downtown/kids/
Tucson Pools – FREE for kids!
Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center – 3455 E. Zoo Court
Oro Valley Aquatic Center – 23 W Calle Concordia
Saguaro Aquatics – 1702 E Prince Rd
Manzanita Pool – 5200 West Westover Ave
Your turn! Tell us your favorite summer activities below.
If you’re from Phoenix, stay tuned! We’ll have local happenings to share with you next week.
Update 6/22: Phoenix post is up! Click here for more fun in the sun (and inside – ok, mostly inside!).
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