Exploring Tucson with Kids
Tucson, Arizona is such a fun destination for the whole family to visit. For one thing, the landscape is one of a kind! The Saguaro cactus, the largest cactus in America, grows only in the Sonoran Desert around Tucson. The iconic natural vistas may be what draw visitors to Tucson, but this “city with a small town vibe” offers more than just natural beauty. It’s a hub of arts and culture, and is one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the US.
At our inn, JTH Tucson, we love our littlest guests! When the inn is being booked as separate rooms, we allow a limited number of children to stay at a time in order to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for all. While one child under the age of two is welcome to accompany their parents to stay in any of our suites, Ocotillo, our two-bedroom suite, is family-friendly for up to 4 guests of all ages, and our Creosote suite has the option to add a floor mattress for up to two small children. For full inn buyouts, there’s no cap on the number of kids included in the total guest count.
We recently shared a Family-Friendly Guide to Joshua Tree, and wanted to do something similar for our Tucson guests. The suggestions in our guide are ones we chose because they’re fun for the whole family. In fact, you may notice some similarities to the itinerary in our ‘Ideal Weekend in Tucson‘ post.
One-Day Itinerary
Since your kids are probably going to be up at the crack of dawn anyways, take advantage of the early start to go explore Saguaro National Park West! The entrance is located just a few miles from JTH Tucson.
You’ll want to stop by the Visitor’s Center to get your park pass. While you are there, ask the ranger for a Junior Ranger booklet for each kid in your group. This program is a super engaging way for kiddos to explore the park. It’s filled with age-appropriate activities, and if they can complete a certain number, they can stop by the ranger station on the way out and get deputized as Junior Rangers, complete with a cute little pin for their backpack.
A few easy, kid-friendly hikes we recommend are the Desert Discovery Trail, Valley View Trail, and Signal Hill:
- The Desert Discovery Trail is located right near the visitor’s center. It’s a short (0.5 mile), flat, paved loop that’s stroller-friendly.
- Valley View is one of our favorite trails! It is also relatively short and flat (but is not paved), and it leads you to a beautiful sweeping view.
- Signal Hill is a short walk up a hill to view petroglyphs! There is a picnic area there, so it’s a great place to stop for a snack.
** As with any desert hike, be sure to pack sun hats, closed toe shoes, and lots of water for the whole family.
You may want to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the inn, but if your family is eager to go out and explore, then perhaps try out a nearby activity.
Recently reopened right down the road from us is Old Tucson, an Old Western movie set originally built in 1939. Depending on the season, they have a variety of different events going on, or you can book a Historical Tour.
Another idea is to go for a family horseback ride at Tucson Mountain Stables. They offer a variety of guided trail rides through some stunning Old West vistas.
At the end of your long, fun-filled day, everyone will be ready to relax. So why not pop some popcorn in our chef’s kitchen and then settle down on our communal living room couch to watch a movie? We recommend the ‘Saguaro‘ episode of America’s National Parks (currently available to stream on Disney+). It’s an entertaining and informative way to learn a little more about the area you’re visiting.
Second Day Itinerary
When visiting Tucson with kids the Desert Museum is a must-do, and conveniently they are also located right near the inn! The Arizona- Sonora Desert Museum is part garden, part zoo, and part nature center- all focused on native flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. If you can catch the Raptor Free Flight show, it’s an experience to remember. Raptors swoop back and forth over your head while the trainers tell you interesting facts about them. Another can’t-miss spot while you’re there is the Packrat Playhouse, a giant indoor play area your kids are guaranteed to love.
Once you’re done exploring the Desert Museum, continue on to the city of Tucson. You’ll drive through a breathtaking view of Gates Pass on your way to town. There’s a couple of spots to pull over and enjoy the view if you’d like.
Have lunch in the Mercado District at either MSA Annex or the Mercado- two adjoining areas that are full of laidback local shops and restaurants. We think Seis has the best burritos in town, and nearby in a shipping container you’ll find plant-based comfort food at Beaut Burger. If mom or dad needs a drink, be sure to pop into Westbound, a casual outdoor bar with the best cocktails. Pickup some conchas and other local delicacies from La Estrella bakery and then wander the shops. Some of our favorites are Cero, Mesa, & Stuff and Things.
While opportunities for fun with kiddos abound in Tucson, you’ll want to be sure to save plenty of time to enjoy our grounds, too. From swimming in our pool and hot tub, to making marshmallows in our outdoor fire pit, there’s plenty of fun to have right outside your door at JTH Tucson!
** header image is by Sarah Shabacon
