If the predictions are correct, by the time you read this we'll have experience our first 100 degree day of the year! Lucky for Tucsonans, summer evenings are COOL, and not just weather-wise...there are also lots of cool things for Tucson families to do! From seasonal events to year-round activities, you can beat the heat of the day by heading out in the evening!
Note: Subject to change! Before you head out, please use the links to check venue updates or for contact information so that you can call to verify.
Twilight Thursdays at Tucson Botanical Gardens. May 12-September 29 from 5:00-8:00 PM. Families can enjoy the lovely garden setting in the cool night air and can have dinner at Cafe Botanica. Click here for admission fees.
Cox Movies in the Park. FREE family-friendly movies at Reid Park, Demeester Performing Arts Pavilion. Alternate Fridays June 10 & 24; July 8 & 22; August 5 & 19. Food vendors on-site, as well as balloon twisters, face painters, jumping castles and more. Activities start at around 5 PM and movies start around 7-7:30 PM. Click HERE for the 2016 movie schedule.
Friday Night BBQs at Tucson Racquet Club. Weekly on Fridays through September 30, 5:30-8:30 PM. Listen to live music, swim in the pool, and enjoy great BBQ fare. $4 entrance fee for non-members, free for members.
Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo. Fridays from May 20th-July 8th, 6:00-8:00 PM. Cool off at the zoo! Don’t miss an evening at the zoo in the cooler temperatures, with animal encounters, live music, crafts and face painting for the kids, and gift shop discounts. $9.00/adults, $5/children 2-12; $2 off admission for zoo members. Purchase tickets on-line here.
The Loft Jr. Outdoor Movies at Trail Dust Town. Fridays June 10, July 8, and August 12. Movies start at 7:30 PM. Enjoy the amusements at Trail Dust Town (for a fee) and a FREE showing of new and classic kids' movies!
Cool Summer Nights at the Desert Museum. Weekly on Saturdays, May 21 through September 3, 5:00-10:00 PM. The desert comes alive at night when nocturnal animals awake. Bring a flashlight to explore, and participate in special activities for each weekly theme (click here to see each week's theme). Admission rates can be found here.
2nd Saturdays Downtown. Monthly on Saturdays (summer 2016 dates: June 11, July 9, August 13). Street performers, musical acts, outdoor movies, a children’s area and more. 5:00-10:30 p.m. FREE.
Night Wings at Pima Air and Space Museum. Saturdays July 23 and August 27 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The museum remains open so that you can enjoy the aircraft in the cooler evening. Lots of hand-on activities for children and adults alike. Flight Grill open for dinner! $10 evening admission. Kids 12 and under are FREE!
Music Under the Stars. Sundays at 7:00 PM, May 15, 22, 29 & June 5. Located at Reid Park DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, this FREE outdoor concert series is performed by the Tucson Pops Orchestra and beloved by people of all ages. Arrive early, bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic, and prepare to enjoy a wonderful evening of music.
Trail Dust Town. Open all year long, Trail Dust Town is a worthwhile diversion for the whole family. Train ride, wild west shows, carousel, and ferris wheel, topped off with ice cream or another treat from the sweet shop make for a great summer evening. Most Trail Dust Town attractions are open from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Purchase a wristbands ($8) for unlimited rides and access to the Wild West Show and Museum of the Horse Soldier.
Funtasticks Family Fun Park and Golf N Stuff: Open all year long, these family fun parks are great for a summer evening outing including mini golf, bumper boats, arcade, laser tag and more. During the summer, both parks are open until 11 PM Sunday-Thursdays and until midnight on Fridays. Check each website for regular pricing and specials.
