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.

5 Stars 3-4 hours $78 family
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Sabino Canyon

Tram Ride + Nature

Scenic desert canyon with narrated electric tram ride. Creek pools for splashing, hiking trails. CLOSED Dec 25 & Jan 1.

5 Stars 2-4 hours $54 family
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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.

4 Stars 2-2.5 hours $37 family
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Saguaro National Park

Giant Cacti

Iconic giant saguaro cacti. Two districts (West & East). Junior Ranger program, scenic drives, Desert Discovery Nature Trail.

4 Stars 2-3 hours $25 vehicle
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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.

4 Stars 1.5-2 hours $48 family
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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.

Sunset 30-60 min FREE
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Sentinel Peak ("A" Mountain)

City Views

Small peak with iconic "A" for University of Arizona. 360-degree views of Tucson. Easy drive-up access.

Sunset 30 min FREE
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Windy Point Vista

Mountain Views

Halfway up Mt. Lemmon. Sweeping views of the valley from 6,600 ft. Dramatic rock formations.

Sunset 45 min FREE
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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!

3 Stars 4-6 hours FREE
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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!

3 Stars 2-3 hours $44 family
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San Xavier Mission

Historic Church

"White Dove of the Desert" - stunning 18th-century Spanish colonial mission. Beautiful architecture, free docent tours, fry bread vendors.

3 Stars 30-60 min FREE
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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.

3 Stars 1-2 hours FREE + rides
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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.

3 Stars 1-2 hours $50-80/person
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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!

3 Stars 2-3 hours Dec 29-30 only
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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.

Shopping 1-2 hours FREE
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Mercado San Agustin

Market + Food

Open-air public market with local shops, restaurants, artisan goods. Seis Kitchen, La Estrella Bakery, Presta Coffee.

Shopping 1-2 hours FREE
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Kid-Friendly Shopping

Toy Stores & Bookshops

Mildred & Dildred toys, Littlest Bookshop, Bricks & Minifigs LEGO, children's boutiques, and more around the city.

Shopping 1-2 hours Varies
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