Top Family Vacation Spots in Tucson, United States

1. Saguaro National Park

Explore the unique desert landscape with giant cacti and diverse wildlife. Learn about Sonoran Desert ecosystems.

Family-Friendly Hiking Trails: Easy to moderate hiking trails suitable for all ages.
Desert Wildlife Observation: Opportunities to observe local wildlife like javelinas, coyotes, and a variety of birds.
Educational Programs: Ranger-led programs and exhibits that educate visitors about the park's ecosystems.

Interactive exhibits focusing on arts, culture, science, and math for kids of all ages.

Hands-on Learning: Exhibits allow children to actively engage in the learning process.
Special Events and Programs: Various events and programs throughout the year for added fun and educational opportunities.
Temporary Exhibits: Frequently changing exhibits keep the museum fresh and exciting.

Home to over 500 animals representing 160 species, including endangered species.

Conservation Efforts: Participates in conservation projects for many endangered species.
ZooSnooze: Overnight zoo experience for families to learn about nocturnal animals up close.
Animal Encounters: Interactive experiences with select animals, such as giraffes and sloths.

Discover the universe with telescopes of various sizes. Nighttime stargazing is a must!

Educational Programs: Workshops and tours to learn about astronomy and space exploration.
Dark Sky Viewing: A great location for dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution.
Telescope Access: Opportunities to use large telescopes to observe the night sky.

Combines a zoo, museum, and botanical garden in one beautiful desert setting.

Outdoor Exhibits: Exhibits allow visitors to explore the Sonoran Desert ecosystem up close.
Live Animal Shows: Daily animal shows featuring raptors, reptiles, and other desert animals.
Art Gallery: Rotating exhibits of artwork inspired by the Sonoran Desert.

Experience the beauty of the desert with gardens, art exhibits, and educational programs.

Desert Botanical Garden: 14 acres of beautifully landscaped desert gardens featuring native plants.
Art Galleries and Shops: Showcases artwork by local artists and unique gifts.
Butterfly Encounter: A greenhouse filled with butterflies during their migration season.

Hike the iconic Tucson landmark for stunning views of the city and surrounding desert.

Family-Friendly Hiking: Trails suitable for all ages and abilities.
Historical Significance: The site of a mining camp during the late 1800s.
Sunrise and Sunset Viewing: Ideal for watching sunrises or sunsets over Tucson.

Over 300 historically significant aircraft and spacecraft on display.

Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to learn about flight and space travel.
Restoration Facility: Visitors can watch restoration projects in progress.
Space Shuttle Orbiter: The only space shuttle on display in Arizona.

16-acre oasis featuring gardens showcasing plants from around the world.

Desert Garden: A demonstration garden of desert-adapted plants.
Historic Adobe Gardens: Beautiful gardens surrounding a historic adobe building.
Conservation Efforts: The garden's plant conservation program focuses on threatened and endangered species.

Step into the Wild West with movie sets, live shows, and museum exhibits.

Wild West Shows: Daily shows featuring gunfights, stunt riding, and other Old West entertainment.
Movie Set Tours: Tours of movie sets used in Western films and TV shows.
Western-themed Restaurant: Dine at the Old Tucson Cantina for authentic Western cuisine.

Over 20,000 works spanning 3,000 years of art history.

Permanent Collections: Collections showcasing American West, Asian, Latin American, Modern and Contemporary Art.
Temporary Exhibits: Exhibits featuring artists from around the world.
Art Education Programs: Workshops, classes, and lectures for both adults and children.

Over 20,000 acres of desert landscape with hiking trails, picnic areas, and horseback riding.

Family-Friendly Hiking Trails: Trails suitable for all ages and abilities.
Desert Wildlife Observation: Opportunities to observe local wildlife like javelinas, coyotes, and a variety of birds.
Horseback Riding Trails: Permitted horseback riding on designated trails.

Celebration of Tucson's rich culture and heritage with food, music, dance, and craft demonstrations.

Cultural Celebration: Highlights the diverse cultures that make up Tucson.
Food and Drink Samples: Opportunities to try traditional foods from various cultures.
Craft Demonstrations: Artisans demonstrate their crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and woodworking.

Family fun center featuring mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, and more.

Miniature Golf Courses: Two 18-hole courses with unique landscaping and challenging obstacles.
Go-Karts: High-speed go-kart tracks for thrilling races.
Laser Tag Arenas: Indoor laser tag arenas for exciting team games.

Water park with water slides, pools, and a wave pool for family fun in the desert heat.

Water Slides: Various water slides for all ages, including tube slides and body slides.
Wave Pool: A large wave pool for surfing and boogie boarding.
Kiddie Area: Specially designed area for younger children with smaller slides and splash toys.