Looking for kid friendly activities in Tucson?
At my last couple of postpartum home visits, I have been asked, “what is there to do with my 0-5 year old in Tucson?” As a recovering mom with a new baby and a stir crazy older child, the thought of packing up and going out is probably the last thing on your mind. However, it could make for a better, calmer and happier afternoon for YOU.
Once you are feeling more like yourself, the activities listed below will give you a few ideas to venture out, meet other parents and tire your older child out a little. Whether it is hot, rainy, windy or cold outside, there is something for you to choose from. I listed the websites so all you need to do is click on them to find out more information, times, days and costs to participate. This list is only what my family and friends have done with our kiddos, there are many more ideas to choose from all over Tucson.
Strap on your newborn, pack some snacks and give your older child the opportunity to run around, be creative, play and GET TIRED. Enjoy and have fun!
Indoor/Outdoor Activities:
Tucson Children’s Museum: www.childrensmuseumtucson.org
International Wildlife Museum: http://thewildlifemuseum.org
Tohono Chul: http://tohonochulpark.org
Pima Air & Space museum: http://www.pimaair.org/
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:https://www.desertmuseum.org/
Old Tucson Studios: http://oldtucson.com/
Gadsen-Pacific Toy Train Museum: www.gpdtoytrainmuseum.com/
Reid Park Zoo: http://reidparkzoo.org/
Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Magic: www.tucsonbotanical.org
Trail Dust Town: www.traildusttown.com/
Mini Time Machine Museum: http://www.theminitimemachine.org/
Staying Cool:
Brandi Fenton Splash Pad: 3482 East River Road, Tucson. Open April 20-Oct 31 7:00am-7:00pm, daily
Rancho Sahuarita Water Park: http://www.ranchosahuarita.com/
Oro Valley Aquatic Center: www.orovalleyaz.gov/aquatics
Marana Splash Pad:http://www.maranaaz.gov/recreation/
Ott YMCA: https://tucsonymca.org/location/ott-family-ymca/
Jewish Community Center- http://www.tucsonjcc.org/
Swim Lessons:
Poppkidz: http://poppkidz.com/
Demont: http://www.demontswim.com/
Sunshine: http://www.sunshineswimschool.com/
ISR: http://www.swimisr.com/ (I know many fabulous instructors)
City of Tucson aquatic centers: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks/aquatics-programs
Tucson YMCA: https://tucsonymca.org/program/all-kids-swim/
Kids Movies:
Harkins Theatres, Grand Cinemas, or Cinemark
Movies in the park at Reid Park (1st Fridays of the month May-September)
Kid Friendly Parks:
There are several “little kid” friendly parks around. Ask parents in your neighborhood, they will know where they are! https://maps2.tucsonaz.gov/parksfinder/
Story Times:
Bookman Story Time: http://bookmans.com/events/
Library Story Time: https://www.library.pima.gov/faqs/what-is-storytime/ or http://www.tucsontopia.com/tucson-storytimes-a-comprehensive-list/
Gymnastics, Dance, Sports and Play Time:
Tucson Parks and Rec (gymnastics, sports and dance classes): https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks
YMCA: www.tucsonymca.org/gymnastics , www.tucsonymca.org/program/dance
Open Gym: www.tucsongymnasticscenter.com
http://www.gymnasticsworldtucson.com/
www.oldpueblogymnastics.com
www.tucsontw.com/
www.springsgymnastics.com/
Get Air: www.getairtucson.com/
Pump it Up: http://www.pumpitupparty.com/tucson-az
Dance: www.danceforce-1.com/ www.danswest.com/
My Gym Tucson: https://www.mygym.com/tucson
Soccer: http://tucsonsoccer.com/lil-kickers/
USA youth sports: usayouthsports.org/
Arts and Crafts:
Tucson Parks and Rec: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks
YMCA: https://tucsonymca.org
Michaels: http://www.michaels.com/classes-and-events/classesandevents
JoAnn Fabrics: http://stores.joann.com/az/tucson/2042/
Home Depot: www.homedepot.com and type in kid workshops
Lowe’s: http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/default.aspx must be 5 years old to participate
Play Areas:
Fast food play areas: McDonalds, Burger King, Carl’s Jr, Peter Piper Pizza, Chuckie Cheese or Chick-Fil-A
Mall children’s play areas (Park Place, Foothills Mall, Tucson Mall).
Get there before 10 so it is not too crowded.
Mom and Me Classes: (check for ages):
Parks and Rec: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/parks Grab a schedule to see all the classes that are offered.
Yoga: http://milkandhoneytucson.com
Sign Language: http://milkandhoneytucson.com
Kindermusik: Sing with Nancy singwithnancy.kindermusik.com
Dance Dance Baby: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1835594936727223/
Meet up Moms of Tucson (MMoT): https://www.meetup.com/MeetupMomsOfTucson/
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS): http://www.mops.org/
Check for coupons on groupon or living social. Many times you can find a 2 for 1. Once you find the activity that your child LOVES, purchase a membership. Or ASK for one for birthdays or other holidays!
Venturing out for the first time with a newborn and toddler can be kind of scary. Take someone with you to help wrangle. Just try it. All these locations are kid friendly and used to kids crying, melting down, running around and BEING KIDS.
If you are looking for a babysitter or nanny to help out, go on a date nigh or just need some time to get errands done, call our friends at Trusting Connections Nanny Agency. Once you meet all these new moms and kids, you might need a planner to help with your birthday parties or gender reveal parties and that is where Jeri at Celebrations by Design comes in.
If you are pregnant or just had a baby, I am full of valuable Tucson community referrals and resources. Call me today to see how else I can help support your growing family.