Some questions we see online a lot: What restaurants will my picky 6-year-old like? Are there any kid-friendly hikes around town? What can I do with my teen on weekends?
We hear you loud and clear. From indoor playgrounds to restaurants that specialize in chicken tendies and over-the-top milkshakes, we compiled a big ol’ guide to kid-friendly things to do and eat in Tucson.
Designed for kids ages 6 months and up, Wild Katz features a tree house, mega slides, tunnels and other obstacles.
Things to do with the littles
These attractions maybe aren’t fit for your teen, but are definitely worth it for your 7-year-old.
- — This indoor playground is a kid’s dream. Designed for kiddos ages 6 months to 13 years old, Wild Katz, , has slides, net courses, tree forts and climbing walls.
- — Known for parkour, this indoor playground, , has a slew of classes, teams, camps and open play options for infants, kids and even adults. There are Nerf battles, climbing walls and more.
- — This museum, designed for kids up to age 10, has interactive exhibits that teach subjects like electricity, the body and public safety. The main location is at
- 200 S. Sixth Ave.
- — The JCC has an indoor play area for the center’s members and their guests, ages 2-11. Find the J at .
- — From crafts to puzzles to toys, this experience is geared toward infants to pre-teens. This is a drop-off center, allowing parents to have a couple hours to themselves. Timeless Play has two locations: and .
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A giant gila monster by the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum’s Nathan Duron and his crew, right, is backgrounded with murals by Joe Pagac in the toddler area of the Packrat Playhouse kids attraction.
Things to do outdoors with the whole family
Enjoy the Tucson sunshine with the whole family. Explore wildlife, history and even fairies.
Wesley Henderson swings on the silks above a pit of foam cubes at Defy, now known as Jumping Cholla.
Leo Sameniego, 6, continues his work on building a house in the Imagine It! exhibit, which encourages kids to let their creative imaginations run free.
Naomy Robles, 7, sits atop dad Raul’s shoulder while they bask in the water cascading over Sabino Dam as visitors to Sabino Canyon enjoy a cooling-off in the abundant monsoon runoff flow near the Sabino Dam in 2017.
Emily Wolfgang, manager at Little Anthony's Diner, walks out of Little Anthony's Diner with an order during the first day of Little Anthony's Diner Carhop on April 28, 2020.
Mildred & Dildred opened its doors in 2007.
Shops for babies, kids and teens
From toys to clothing, here are a few stores for your kiddos.
- — Find all kinds of toys and books at this midtown shop, .
- — This shop carries new and gently-used clothing for kids. Find the shop at .
- — Find clothing, toys, pacifiers, toys and more for babies at this boutique located at
- — This online shop, , is home to desert-themed clothing, accessories and toys for babies and kids.
- — Find all kinds of kids’ books at this children’s bookstore located at
- — This comic shop at has been around for two decades. Beyond the comic books, you can also find games and vinyl. Find more comic book stores !
- — If your kiddo is a fan of LEGO, this is where to go. Find all things LEGO here, both new and used. Find the shop at .
- — Here’s where to go for K-pop and anime items, from plushies to figurines. Find Kira Kira at .
- — This K-pop shop brings Korean music, snacks and beauty items to Tucson. Find it at .
- — Among the newest shops on this list, this store buys and sells gently used kids’ clothing, toys and other items. Find it at .
- — One of the newest additions to the Mercado District, Minimal Mae offers sustainably-made clothing, toys and accessories for kids. Find it at .
- — A section of this shop in the MSA Annex has kids’ clothing and children’s books. Find it at .
Gloria was born and raised in Tucson and is a 2018 University of Arizona grad. She loves all things Tucson and hopes to share her love of the city with readers.
Gloria Knott
#ThisIsTucson Editor
