Things to Do in the Tucson Summer…

I was thinking about how summer can be a relaxing and enjoyable time when kiddos are out of school, as long as there are some things to do Here is in Tucson, playing outside is luxury during the summer. You take advantage of the outdoors after it rains from the monsoons as it cools down nicely. Or you have the option of being outside early morning and late evening due to avoiding the high heat during the day. I am not sure why this town has very little shade implemented by way of trees; even indigenous water-resistant varieties are scarce. Poor city planning? I don’t know…Here is my list of things to do locally and without going bankrupt. If you live in a different town most, if not all, of these ideas can be implemented where you live

• Free movies. Every weekday during the summer, a few theatres offer free movies at 10 a.m. and adults pay $2.00 for admission. Concession stand snacks are usually discounted as well. Peanut and I went to the movies and we saw Alvin and the Chipmunks. Along with a soda, popcorn, box of candy, and admission the total was $6.00!
• Check out Tucson Children’s Museum. It is located downtown but is easy to find parking. The museum has a lot of hands-on exhibits and offers several art-type centers throughout the week. Admission is only a $1.00 on Monday nights during the summer. I buy an annual pass with unlimited use for my son and myself and it costs $40.00. It easily pays for itself within a couple of visits.
• The library is a great resource. Not only are there the obvious plethora of books available, we can rent children’s DVDs. There are also story times and play times throughout the week for infants through preschoolers.
• Story time at Bookman’s. I can’t find a link but they do offer a story time every week for kids of all ages. We went once and it was all about bugs with an interactive exhibit. Their number is 520/322-0911.
• Take them swimming. Tucson has a wide variety of community pools available to cool down and just chill. Admission is .25 for kids and $1.00 for adults. My favorite community pool in Tucson is the ARC-Edith Ball Pool located right by the zoo. It is outside, but is completely covered by a massive shade! There is a beach-entry type pool with several water effects and a “wading river” too.
• There is always the zoo, Peter Piper Pizza, and Chuck E. Cheese. All three I am conflicted about for various reasons, but they can be an option as well.