Spring break starts next week for some local school districts. You may not be planning a trip, but maybe you want to get the kids out of the house and make their break special in some way. Why not choose a day or two to see Tucson like a tourist? Take advantage of our awesome March weather and try something new, right here in Tucson. Make an afternoon of it, or a whole day...or even a couple of days!
Here are some ideas for a fabulous family Tucson spring break staycation:
1. Head west. As an east-sider, it takes a lot for me to get west of Oracle Road, but there are some wonderful things to do on the west side of town. Take a day or two to be a west-side tourist! Don't forget, if you're out west in the evening, head to Gates Pass for world-famous sunset viewing.
2. Go underground. Last summer my family and I visited Colossal Cave for the first time. We spent an awesome morning exploring the cave on the regular tour (~45 minutes and appropriate for children, $16 adults, $9 children, FREE for children 4 and under). Older kids (12+) can do a longer and more strenuous ladder tour, and there are other special tours for teens and adults as well. Tours run daily, from 8 AM until 5 PM (as of March 16; before then the cave opens at 9 AM). There is also a petting zoo ($5) and pony rides and trail rides available. Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located at 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail. Bring a picnic or eat at the relatively new Terrace Cafe, right on the cave grounds.
If you are willing to take a short road trip, you might want to venture to Karchner Caverns, about 50 minutes from Tucson at 2980 S. Highway 90 near Benson. This amazing living cave is a better outing for older children because of the STRICT "no touching" policy that is important for keeping the cave pristine. Also, no strollers or diaper bags (or bags of any kind) are allowed on the cave tours. The Discovery Center is open daily from 8 AM-6 PM. It is also wise to make reservations in advance for tours, to ensure your spot.
3. Take a hike. Pick one of these 5 kid-friendly Tucson hikes and hit the trail! Or check the the Hike it Baby website for other family-friendly hiking options.
4. Stop and smell the flowers. The wildflowers have been lovely this year so far, and hopefully they will continue to bloom through the rest of the month. Visit one of Tucson's beautiful gardens to check out the blooms and learn more about our desert plants with your kiddos.
Still looking for ideas? Be sure to check out our event calendar for more things to do in Tucson with kids during spring break!
Here are some ideas for a fabulous family Tucson spring break staycation:
1. Head west. As an east-sider, it takes a lot for me to get west of Oracle Road, but there are some wonderful things to do on the west side of town. Take a day or two to be a west-side tourist! Don't forget, if you're out west in the evening, head to Gates Pass for world-famous sunset viewing.
- International Wildlife Museum-4800 W. Gates Pass Road. Open weekdays from 9-5 and weekends from 9-6. Admission $9 adults, $4 kids (under 3 FREE).
- The Desert Museum-2021 N. Kinney Road. Open daily from 7:30 AM-5 PM. Admission for Arizona residents: $15.50 adults, $8 kids (under 3 FREE)
- Old Tucson-201 S. Kinney Road. Open daily from 10 AM-6 PM. Admission $17.95 adults, $10.95 kids (3 and under FREE)
- Saguaro National Park...west! 2700 N. Kinney Road. $10 weekly vehicle pass. Be sure to check out the Junior Ranger Discovery Pack program!
2. Go underground. Last summer my family and I visited Colossal Cave for the first time. We spent an awesome morning exploring the cave on the regular tour (~45 minutes and appropriate for children, $16 adults, $9 children, FREE for children 4 and under). Older kids (12+) can do a longer and more strenuous ladder tour, and there are other special tours for teens and adults as well. Tours run daily, from 8 AM until 5 PM (as of March 16; before then the cave opens at 9 AM). There is also a petting zoo ($5) and pony rides and trail rides available. Colossal Cave Mountain Park is located at 16721 E. Old Spanish Trail. Bring a picnic or eat at the relatively new Terrace Cafe, right on the cave grounds.
If you are willing to take a short road trip, you might want to venture to Karchner Caverns, about 50 minutes from Tucson at 2980 S. Highway 90 near Benson. This amazing living cave is a better outing for older children because of the STRICT "no touching" policy that is important for keeping the cave pristine. Also, no strollers or diaper bags (or bags of any kind) are allowed on the cave tours. The Discovery Center is open daily from 8 AM-6 PM. It is also wise to make reservations in advance for tours, to ensure your spot.
3. Take a hike. Pick one of these 5 kid-friendly Tucson hikes and hit the trail! Or check the the Hike it Baby website for other family-friendly hiking options.
4. Stop and smell the flowers. The wildflowers have been lovely this year so far, and hopefully they will continue to bloom through the rest of the month. Visit one of Tucson's beautiful gardens to check out the blooms and learn more about our desert plants with your kiddos.
- Tucson Botanical Gardens-2150 N. Alvernon Way. The gardens are open daily from 8:30-4:30. Don't miss Butterfly Magic, open from 9:30-3 until May. Click here for admission rates.
- Tohono Chul Gardens-7366 N. Paseo del Norte. Open daily from 8 AM-5 PM. Click here for admission rates.
- You can also take an easy road trip to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum (about 2 hours north of Tucson, located off of Highway 60 near Superior) for beautiful blooms, fascinating flora, a lovely creek, and some interesting history. Click HERE for a list of events during the month of March, including a fairy garden exhibit and a special "Owls" activity. Take a picnic and plan to spend the day at this hidden gem. This is a day-trip our family really enjoys and highly recommends. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 5-12.
Still looking for ideas? Be sure to check out our event calendar for more things to do in Tucson with kids during spring break!
Spring Break Schedules in Tucson and surrounding districts:
March 14-18: Amphi and Sahuarita School Districts
March 14-25: Vail and Sunnyside (note: Sunnyside also has March 28th off for Cesar Chavez Day)
March 21-25: TUSD (also off on March 18) and Flowing Wells
March 28-April 1: Catalina Foothills
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