What to Do With Kids Tucson When They Become Teenagers
Everything they liked doing here when younger, they still want to do when they come. But as they grew into their early teen years, we added other activities per their request.
Golf
Morgan Tees Off at Silverbell Golf Course
The Municipal Golf Courses are inexpensive and fairly easy – perfect for teaching youngsters the great game they can play for the rest of their lives. If your children are new to the game, give them at least one professional lesson. It will make all the difference in their enjoyment of the game.
One of the first things the boys want to do when they arrive in Tucson for a couple of weeks is to go to the driving range and hit a bucket of balls. And I delight in taking them. Once they get their shots under control (relatively speaking) we make a tee time.
Trap & Skeet
Our grandchildren have outgrown their BB gun and tin cans. Now they want a 12 gauge and a fast-moving, unpredictable, clay target. So, we take them to the Tucson Trap & Skeet Club where we rent shotguns ($12) and blast away for an hour or two. This is a fine facility for teenagers. Before they are ever handed a shotgun, the expert staff gives the kids a lesson in gun safety in general and safety procedures on the range in particular. The staff here is great. Strictly safety first.
Horseback Riding
Southern Arizona has many stables and miles of horse trails. Horseback riding is particularly enjoyable if you are staying at one of our fine dude ranches. Jessie prefers horseback riding to golf. Jon – just the opposite. But we do it all and have a great time together.
Two other recommended stables are: White Stallion Ranch on the West side; Tanque Verde Ranch on the East side.
Or try further out in the desert near the Arizona Trail, The Riding Stables at Colossal Cave Mountain Park, also great for picnics and spelunking, (caving) at the park.
If you have access to a pool, swimming will keep kids occupied for hours.
Splash Pads are available at several Parks for the young ones, like Brandi Fenton Park off River Rd. or Try any one of Pima County’s Pools. We like the pool and Splash Pad in Marana.
Historical Museums
Many fine Southern Arizona historical museums can be found in our Southern Arizona Guide Museums section. For younger children, the Children’s Museum downtown is ideal. Several museums, such as the Arizona History Museum and the Presidio downtown may have special events with historical reenactments. These are entertaining and enlightening for adults & children. Check out our Events Calendar for dates/times.
Hike Mt. Lemmon
Hiking Mt. Lemmon is a year-round adventure. In the summer months, head to the top and hike the Aspen trail. In the winter, try Gordon Hirabayashi campground as a base. For more ideas visit our page on Hiking in Southern Arizona.
Observing the Night Sky
See our Kitt Peak and Mt Lemmon videos, and our review of the Sky Center and visit the websites. A great adventure. Mt. Hopkins is another choice. Cool off in the summer.
Learning at the Science Centers – Biosphere 2 & the Flandrau Planetarium
Biosphere 2 north of Tucson is the ultimate Sci-Fi experiment. Built in the ’60s as a fully enclosed biosphere, it eventually failed but not without important lessons. Today it is owned and operated by the UA, as a lab, science center, learning and conference center. New developments and renovations are underway.
The Flandreau Science Center at the University of Arizona Campus always has exhibits and shows in the Planetarium that will thrill children of all ages.
Visit Historical Sites and Reenactments
The Renaissance Festival near Phoenix in February and March is a good bet. And there is always Tombstone.
Appreciating the Arts
Visit the Center for Creative Photography;
The Tucson Museum of Art; Check out First Thursdays or Second Sundaze.
& the U of A Art Museum.
Still waiting on that Hot Air Balloon Ride!
Balloon Over Our House.
Visit Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance and purchase a Book of Fun. This little booklet or Digital App is jam-packed with 2 for one and other discounts to over 100 attractions, many of them for Children.