Tucson is one of those places that we can’t get enough of. As a family we keep coming back, year after year. The city has so much to offer family travelers that we never get bored, and we often return to our favorite attractions each time. So when Hotels.com asked us to share our favorite places in Tucson, we were so excited.

The first time we visited Tucson, Augustine was not yet two years old and everything was a big adventure. A butterfly landed on her knee at the Tucson Botanical Garden and it was as if a real life fairy had just put a spell on her. The cactus were so big in Sabino Canyon that it looked like we were in ‘Honey I shrunk the kids!’

The second time we visited Augustine was turning three and was much more vocal and aware of her surroundings. This time we visited the Arizona-Sonora Museum and Zoo and we had the best time wandering around looking at the bears and wolves. The Children’s Museum is so interactive, including an awesome musical park outside, that she never wanted to leave.

The best part, the city has tons of attractions that are kid friendly but appeal to the parents too and the city’s culinary scene is outstanding. All this together makes Tucson one of our favorite family friendly destinations.

Know before you go:

The city is big and can easily take you thirty or so minutes to drive from one end to the other and another thirty to get out to the National Park or up to Mt. Lemmon. Book your hotel on the side of town you think you’re going to spend most of your time and then venture out on day trips after that. There are quite a few hotel options to fit any family size. Our favorite hotels (on opposite sides of the city) are:

• The Lodge on the Desert: We loved the cute, very desert Tucson style of this hotel. With an indoor/outdoor restaurant with fire place, you can easily wake up and have a hearty breakfast before heading out for the day.
• JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa: Located on the west side of town, this spa is perfect for hiking and hitting the National Park. With morning yoga and hiking adventures right from the property into the desert mountains, you’ll definitely feel like you’re away from home here. The lazy river in the kids pool makes it super family friendly.

Here’s our 16 favorite things to do in Tucson, with kids!

1) Tucson Botanical Garden: Fun for the whole family, don’t skip the butterfly exhibit

2) Reid Park Zoo: A very compact but beautiful zoo, easy to go and feel like you saw everything in one afternoon (perfect for toddlers!)

3) Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Arrive early to see the bears and wolves

4) Old Tucson: If you’re already out near Arizone-Sonora Museum, stop by for a fun afternoon

5) Children’s Museum Tucson: located walking distance from the main downtown area and across from a big park, this interactive museum is a must for toddlers

6) Sabino Canyon Tram: A fun way to get WAY up into the canyon and see a lot of desert plants and wildlife

7) Pima Air and Space Museum: Kids of all ages will love seeing the huge planes from years gone by

8) Mt. Lemmon, especially fun in the summer or fall when it’s significantly cooler than downtown Tucson

9) Mini Time Machine Museum: Bring the grandparents!

10) Flandrau Planetarium: Located near the University, older kids and parents will really enjoy this one.

11) Splash Pads: During the spring and summer make sure to check out the numerous splash pads around the city.

12) Ventana Canyon

13) Trail Dust Town

14) Tucson’s Street Car: Hop on and hop off and explore the old city via street car.

15) White Stallion Ranch – ride horses in the desert, make sure to bring a cowboy hat!

16) Presidio San Augustin Museum – play games from the 1770’s