Tucson Attractions
16 family-friendly activities rated for kid appeal (ages 6 & 9)
5 Stars (Must-Do)
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Zoo + Museum + Gardens
World-renowned outdoor museum with 230+ animal species. Packrat Playhouse indoor play space, hummingbird aviary, mountain lions, bears, wolves.
Sabino Canyon
Tram Ride + Nature
Scenic desert canyon with narrated electric tram ride. Creek pools for splashing, hiking trails. CLOSED Dec 25 & Jan 1.
4 Stars (Highly Recommended)
Reid Park Zoo
Family Zoo
250+ animals on 24 acres. Perfect size for younger kids. Elephants, lions, giraffes, giraffe feeding, conservation carousel.
Saguaro National Park
Giant Cacti
Iconic giant saguaro cacti. Two districts (West & East). Junior Ranger program, scenic drives, Desert Discovery Nature Trail.
Mini Time Machine Museum
Miniatures Museum
500+ miniature displays. Kids pretend they're giants! Enchanted realm with fantasy worlds, dragons, fairies. Captivating for both ages.
Best Sunset Spots
See our full Guide to Tucson Sunsets.
Gates Pass
Sunset Viewpoint
Mountain pass with panoramic desert views. USA Today "Best Place to Watch a Sunset" winner. Sunset ~5:20 PM in December.
Sentinel Peak ("A" Mountain)
City Views
Small peak with iconic "A" for University of Arizona. 360-degree views of Tucson. Easy drive-up access.
Windy Point Vista
Mountain Views
Halfway up Mt. Lemmon. Sweeping views of the valley from 6,600 ft. Dramatic rock formations.
3 Stars (Good Additions)
Mt. Lemmon
Mountain Village
27-mile scenic drive through 5 climate zones. Summerhaven village at top, possible snow in winter. Check road conditions first!
Children's Museum Tucson
Indoor Play
Hands-on museum with interactive exhibits. Age 6 may enjoy more than age 9. FREE Thursday evenings 5-7 PM!
San Xavier Mission
Historic Church
"White Dove of the Desert" - stunning 18th-century Spanish colonial mission. Beautiful architecture, free docent tours, fry bread vendors.
Trail Dust Town
Western Theme Park
Recreated 1880s Old West town. FREE admission! Wild West stunt shows (Fri-Sun), mini train, ferris wheel, gold panning. Evening-focused.
Horseback Riding
Desert Trail Rides
Several options for ages 6+. Tucson Mountain Stables, Tattered Saddle, Catalina Riding Club. 1-2 hour rides through Sonoran Desert.
Second Sky
Indoor Play Space
Indoor play space for kids. Open play Dec 29-30, 9 AM - 2 PM. Great for last day before leaving town!
Shopping Areas
4th Avenue Shopping
Indie Shops
Downtown-adjacent indie shop district. Tucson Herb Store, Antigone Books, 440 & Co. candles, Pop Cycle Western wear. Eminently strollable.
Mercado San Agustin
Market + Food
Open-air public market with local shops, restaurants, artisan goods. Seis Kitchen, La Estrella Bakery, Presta Coffee.
Kid-Friendly Shopping
Toy Stores & Bookshops
Mildred & Dildred toys, Littlest Bookshop, Bricks & Minifigs LEGO, children's boutiques, and more around the city.