While summertime might be considered the “off-season” for some who call Arizona home, not all the city’s residents move with the seasons. And, as the temperatures rise, so do the opportunities for some cherished family time.
There are a myriad of program opportunities in Tucson during the summer break, and this is by no means a comprehensive list, but we tried to pull ideas from across the spectrum and provide a vast selection of suggestions for some local engagement and enrichment over the summer. Below you’ll find programs, events, and local spots that offer up summer fun, cool play, and maybe even a little brain building for your kids and family to enjoy.
Programs & Enrichment
One long-standing free program that continues to enrich the lives and minds of children is the Pima County Library Summer Reading Program. From May 21-July 16, the Pima County Library system is hosting what they call Summer Learning. This program kicks-off at all libraries on Saturday, May 21. Children can get a Summer Learning Gameboard and “go for the gold all summer long!” This board marks their progress, which is used to determine eligibility for free book giveaways; it also includes a Reid Park Zoo coupon. Parents can rest assured that the activities on the board connect with what kids are learning in school and meet the Arizona College & Career Ready Standards.
Library locations are also sponsoring fun and engaging events all summer long, you can view the calendar here. These programs are geared toward various age groups and cover a variety of interests, including game design, coding, knitting, yoga, creative writing, entrepreneurship, film and photography, and so much more. Parents are sure to find events and programs to engage and entertain children from preschool to high school; you can read more in this post.
Agua Caliente Park plays host to a great number of Saturday daytime and evening events in May and the beginning of June. You can see all their events on the Pima County Event Calendar.
All summer long, Bookmans is holding Summer Kids Events, like puppet shows, musical petting zoos, and others, with a different event each week. These events are free, open to all children, and include materials (while supplies last). Each Tucson store is hosting their own events, all culminating in a Back-to-School Bash, featuring all sorts of carnival fun.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers is also hosting their Summer Reading Triathlon between May 17 and September 6, 2016. By reading over the summer and filling out the Reading Journal, children will be able to choose a free book from the list in that journal. Or you can check out a great blog featuring some parent/child book club reading choices.
If you’re looking for something a little more extensive, the Pima for Kids and Teen Scene programs offered through the Continuing Education Department at Pima Community College might just suit you. These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) camps incorporate concepts from chemistry, physics, LEGO engineering, computer animation, and more into creativity and fun learning experiences. Check out their Summer 2016 programs here (note: these programs are not free).
Must-See
Looking for a fun way to cool off with the kids this summer? Try out one of the local splash pads in and around Tucson. Marana’s splash pad at Heritage Park (12375 North Heritage Park Drive) is free, open to the public, and has been called one of the best splash pads in the area. This water wonderland is 4,500 square feet of good, wet fun with an agricultural theme.
The Children’s Museum Tucson, at 200 S. 6th Avenue, features 17,000 square feet of exploration and fun through themed interactive exhibits. The target age range of the museum is 10 and under. Every 2nd Saturday is $2 admission day. The museum regularly announces free and discounted admission days on their Facebook and Twitter.
Check out the Cox Communications Movies in the Park this summer. On rotating Friday nights, beginning at dusk, Cox invites area residents to bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a free movie. There is also popcorn, soda, food vendors, live music, jumping castles, balloon twisters, and arts and crafts exhibits from area non-profits. See the link above or our event calendar below for dates and more information.
The Tucson Museum of Art showcases art from local and international artists. Its exhibitions change in three waves per year. There are currently seven exhibits set to run through June and July. While there is an entrance fee for adults, children under 18 are free; the museum also offers several discounts on adult admissions. Additionally, on the first Sunday of each month admission is free. Tucson Museum of Art is located in the El Presido Historical District, at 140 N. Main Ave.
Events
For your information and use, we’ve put together this Summer Event Calendar with local events. We will continue to update it with community events that might be of interest to La Paloma Academy families. Have a happy, healthy, and safe summer break!
