It can be a challenge to enjoy the outdoors in Tucson during the summer months due to the heat. But with a little planning and modifying when activities take place, there is plenty of fun to be had. Here are several ideas for the whole family to enjoy.
Kidsfest Movie Screenings
Every Saturday/Sunday Now — Sunday, June 30th, 2024
The Loft Cinema frequently hosts free movie nights throughout Tucson (read here for more info about their free outdoor screenings using a state-of-the-art solar powered projection screen!). In addition to the outdoor screenings for adults, there are free kid’s movies every Saturday and Sunday through the month of June. There are activities, giveaways, raffles, and more. Doors open at 9:15a and movies start at 10a.
Mount Lemmon
Image from: Tucson.com/thisistucson
From the base of the mountain to the top, it’s only a 26-mile drive to 20-degree cooler weather. It’s well worth the wait. Around 14 miles up, you can stop at Windy Point to stretch your legs and view the breathtaking scenery. Along the whole route up, there are many overlooks and trails, and even Rose Lake, where you can fish and picnic.
If you drive all the way to the top, you’ll find Summerhaven. There are several restaurants, as well as the Cookie Cabin- known for their extra-large ice cream cookies. Cute shops can be found, housing Mount Lemmon souvenirs, beautiful trinkets, and delicious fudge! The community center is also within Summerhaven, and of course, trail heads, if you’ve decided to hike from there.
Summer Nights at Reid Park Zoo
Now — August 10th, 2024 (6-8p)
Explore the Zoo for keeper chats, animal encounters, sponsor booths, and enjoy a variety of activities including carousel rides, giraffe feed, enrichment making, face painting, inflatables, and artifact stations. Remember to bring a blanket so you can sit back and relax in the Event Garden while you enjoy the concert. Each week has a different theme and include “Ocean Conservation”, “Spots and Stripes”, “Caring for Carnivores,” and more. Ticket prices vary, from free for Members, to $10.50 for adults.
Night Wings at the Pima Air and Space Museum
June 15th, 29th, July 13th, July 27th 2024 (5-8:30p)
This summer you can experience select evenings at the museum when the historic airplanes feel more mystical than metallic. Catch a Stratofortress sunset silhouette, a starlit Starlifter, and Fighting Falcons raging against the dying light. There are themed activities, discounted admission, and kids are free! This is a fantastic way to experience a classic Tucson activity. Purchase tickets upon arrival.
Visit a Night Market
Dates and times vary
Markets are a great way to discover local artisans, shop small, and to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. But when the heat hits, it’s nearly impossible to truly enjoy. Here’s where night markets come in- all the greatness of a regularly scheduled market, but in the cooler evening. “This is Tucson” has put together a list of night markets that offer shopping, music, family activities, and more- check it out!
Tugo Bike Share
You may have noticed bike racks popping up around town offering rentals of yellow bicycles. These stations are provided by Tugo Bike Share, and are available at 36 locations around town. This makes it convenient to plan your route with starting and ending points peppered throughout.
One great route starts at Himmel Park. Hop on the 3rd Street Bike Path through the historic Sam Hughes neighborhood, to the University of Arizona campus and tour the grounds. You can then bike to Mercado San Augustin for a quick bite and refreshment. There is a Tugo station at the Mercado if you have had your share of cycling; you can take the Sun Link (here is a map of the route as well as their summer schedule– fares are currently free!) back to campus and then either pick up a new Tugo on Campus, or walk back to the park. Check where all the Tugo stations are located here (the map is interactive so you know how many bikes and ports are available at each location).
Chillin’ at the Chul
Friday and Saturdays through August 31st, 2024 (6-9p)
Every Friday and Saturday evening from now through August 31st, from 6-9p provides another beautiful way to explore Tucson’s beauty while avoiding the summer heat. Tohono Chul Park offers live music from different performers each week, food, and drinks. You can also explore the gardens at a time of day when it is 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding area, thanks to the mature landscape. The ambiance is wonderful. The event helps you get your steps in while also providing the opportunity to be outside in the company of fellow Tucsonans. Saturdays also include kid-friendly, nature-based play led by the Children’s Museum Oro Valley, making this outing fun for everybody!
Public Pools and Splash Pads
There is no better way to cool down and get some exercise than in a pool. Here is a list of facilities open during the summer (some are open year-round).
Get your laps in at the many public pools available throughout town. Here is a list of all the water activities available through the city. This includes pools, splash pads, water aerobics, competitive swimming, and more.
There are also swim lessons for children ages 3-17 available through Parks and Recreation in partnership with the American Red Cross.
Learning to swim is an important part of water safety- here are other ways to keep people safe while at the pool.
The Chuck Huckelberry Loop
One of Tucson’s Gems, the Chuck Huckelberry Loop offers 120 miles of paved paths and bike lanes that tie the Rillito, Santa Cruz, and Pantano River parks to the Julian Wash and Harrison Road Greenways. There are many points around town where you can start your walk, bike ride, or run. Many starting points are near parks, shopping centers, and restaurants, making The Loop a fun way to enjoy a variety of activities (and to cool down along the way).
Cool Summer Nights at the Tucson Desert Museum
June 8th-August 24th, 2024
In addition to beating the heat, the Desert Museum’s Cool Summer Nights is a great way to fit a walk into your day. There are different activities and themes (like Magic of Monsoons, World Ocean’s night, Insectopia, Dino night, and more!) offered every Saturday, making it a great destination for the family. Shopping and dining is also available at the museum.
Odysea In The Desert
9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (ongoing)
If you’re willing to make the trek to Scottsdale, Odysea is a must for the whole family. At the aquarium, you can see sharks, penguins, pet sting-rays, helmet dive, among other great activities. Odysea is also a “Pal Place,” a part of the national network of Pal Places that develop custom videos, digital guides, and on-site resources that enhance specific customer experiences for all guests, and particularly for families and individuals impacted by autism and related non-visible intellectual and developmental differences. It is the first location in Arizona to be a Certified Autism Center.
Other attractions at Odysea in the Desert are: Butterfly Wonderland, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, and other interactive centers. In addition to the learning experiences, there are restaurants, shopping, and places to just relax. If you get there early enough, there is truly enough to do through the entire day!
These are just a few of the amazing variety of activities available in Tucson and the surrounding area. Do you have a favorite activity during the hot summer days? Leave a comment and share your favorite!
A friendly reminder: no matter what you choose to keep you and your family busy, please make sure to stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure– it doesn’t take long for heat exhaustion and heat stroke to take hold. Prevention is key, to keep you and your family safe.
That’s it! You’ve convinced me! I’ve heard a few people talk about Reid Park Zoo, and them having Summer evening events sounds even better! We’ve been pretty busy over the last few months with home renovations, but now that we finally finished the last thing on our to-do list, refinishing our cabinets, I think it’s about time my kids and I go check it out. Thank you!
Yes! Hope you enjoy the outing!