Things to Do With Kids in Arizona

Families searching for new adventures in the Southwest quickly discover just how many things to do with kids in Arizona make the state an exceptional place to explore and call home. From the quiet desert landscapes near Tubac to the vibrant urban destinations in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions that foster curiosity, outdoor fun, and memorable experiences. As a local realtor helping families relocate to southern Arizona, I often share these recommendations with parents wanting to understand the lifestyle and activities offered throughout the state.

Living in Tubac provides a unique opportunity to enjoy both small-town charm and easy access to some of Arizona’s most well-known destinations for families. Whether your ideal day involves hiking, hands-on learning, wildlife encounters, or historic exploration, you’ll find that Arizona blends natural beauty with enriching activities for every age group.

Outdoor Adventures for Families

One of the biggest perks of raising a family in Arizona is the year-round access to the outdoors. From national parks to local trails, these options give kids a chance to explore the state’s iconic desert scenery while learning more about the natural environment around them.

Saguaro National Park

Located near Tucson, this park is an unforgettable place to introduce children to Arizona’s towering saguaro cacti. Family-friendly loop trails, ranger programs, and scenic drives make it easy to experience the desert safely while learning about the ecosystem.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area

This destination offers tram rides, shallow creeks for splashing, picnic spots, and easy hikes suitable for younger kids. It’s one of Tucson’s most popular family-friendly locations because the terrain feels adventurous without being overwhelming.

Kartchner Caverns State Park

A fascinating underground experience, the caverns are perfect for kids with a love for science and geology. The guided tours showcase stunning formations, and the state park also has hiking trails and a visitor center with interactive exhibits.

Hiking in Madera Canyon

Just north of Tubac, Madera Canyon is ideal for family hikes. It’s cooler than surrounding areas and features shaded trails, picnic areas, and some of the best birdwatching in the region—an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about local wildlife.

Educational Attractions Kids Love

Arizona offers numerous educational destinations that encourage learning through hands-on engagement. These places are favorites among families who want to mix fun with enrichment.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Part zoo, part botanical garden, part natural history museum—this Tucson attraction is consistently rated one of the best in the country. Kids can explore everything from desert animals to geological exhibits, all within a stunning outdoor environment.

Pima Air & Space Museum

A must-see for children fascinated by aircraft, the museum houses hundreds of planes, interactive displays, and a massive outdoor airfield. Families can also take the tram tour to get up close to historic aircraft.

Children’s Museum Tucson

With interactive exhibits for toddlers and elementary-aged kids, this museum encourages creativity and exploration. It’s perfect for families wanting to escape the heat and enjoy an indoor activity.

Arizona Science Center (Phoenix)

If your family plans a trip to Phoenix, the Arizona Science Center is one of the top destinations for hands-on STEM learning. From physics experiments to rotating exhibitions, there’s always something new to experience.

Arizona’s Best Family-Friendly Historic Sites

History plays an important role in Arizona’s identity, and there are several sites that help children understand the region’s cultural legacy.

Tumacácori National Historical Park (Near Tubac)

One of the most meaningful historic destinations in southern Arizona, Tumacácori offers walking trails, a preserved mission, cultural demonstrations, and seasonal events. Kids especially enjoy the junior ranger activities.

Old Tucson

This Western movie set turned family attraction features stunt shows, historical reenactments, rides, and hands-on experiences that bring Arizona’s frontier days to life.

Pueblo Grande Museum (Phoenix)

Families can explore preserved ancient Hohokam ruins, outdoor trails, and artifacts that help children understand Arizona’s deep Indigenous history.

Animal Encounters and Wildlife Destinations

Seeing desert wildlife up close is a highlight for many kids, and Arizona offers several safe, well-managed places for these experiences.

Reid Park Zoo (Tucson)

A manageable size for younger kids, Reid Park Zoo features giraffes, lions, elephants, and a splash pad during warm months. The zoo’s conservation programs also offer seasonal educational events.

Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde)

This large wildlife park provides safari-style tours, live shows, and close-up views of animals from around the world. Many families consider it an annual tradition.

Butterfly Wonderland (Scottsdale)

Located in the Phoenix metro area, Butterfly Wonderland features a rainforest habitat filled with thousands of butterflies. Kids enjoy the interactive displays, 3D theater, and reptile exhibits.

Indoor Activities for Hot Summer Days

Arizona summers can be intense, but there are plenty of indoor attractions perfect for escaping the heat while keeping kids entertained.

Fiesta Bowl Museum (Tempe)

Sports-loving families enjoy this quirky museum, which highlights the history of college football in Arizona through interactive exhibits.

Main Event, Dave & Buster’s, and Indoor Arcades

Cities across Arizona offer family-friendly arcades, bowling alleys, and entertainment centers.

Aquariums in Phoenix and Scottsdale

The OdySea Aquarium is one of the largest in the Southwest and a fun day trip for families exploring the Phoenix metro area.

Family-Friendly Activities in Tubac and Southern Arizona

Because this guide is tailored for families considering Tubac and the surrounding communities, here are a few local spots that residents love:

Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

A hands-on look at early settlement life in Arizona, with rotating programs and kid-friendly educational activities.

Anza Trail

The historic route between Tubac and Tumacácori is great for family walks, photography, and light exploration.

Art Galleries and Workshops

While Tubac is known for its art culture, many galleries offer classes for kids interested in painting, pottery, and sculpture.

Seasonal Festivals

From local craft fairs to community events, Tubac hosts several family-friendly festivals throughout the year.

Why Families Love Living in Arizona

Whether you’re in Tubac, Tucson, Phoenix, or one of Arizona’s many smaller communities, families consistently appreciate:

• Outdoor activities available year-round
• Unique learning opportunities rooted in science, history, and culture
• A slower, more relaxed pace of life compared to major coastal cities
• Strong community values and family-oriented events
• Access to both small-town charm and big-city amenities

Arizona’s ability to blend adventure with education is one of the reasons many families choose to plant roots here.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do With Kids in Arizona

From caves and canyons to museums, wildlife parks, and historic missions, the list of things to do with kids in Arizona continues to grow each year. Families who choose to live in or near Tubac find themselves surrounded by natural beauty, local culture, and easy access to both Tucson and Phoenix attractions. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or considering a move to the region, you’ll quickly discover why Arizona provides such a memorable, enriching environment for children—and why so many families fall in love with the area.