When it comes to staycation ideas in Tucson, Arizona, you’ve got a host of fun-filled and educational options. These are our top 11 destinations to check-off your family’s to-do list before once again putting yourself through airport queues and expensive travel.
Reid Park Zoo
The Reid Park Zoo features more than 500 animals, including grizzly bears, lions, giraffes, and giant tortoises.
This is the perfect place in Tucson to let your family explore and connect with wild animals. You can also experience a camel ride and read-up on the unique characteristics of each zoo animal.
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The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures encourages young and old alike to use their imagination as they explore tiny renditions of famous locales throughout history.
This is such a unique museum, and experience, that it easily deserves a spot on your “staycation ideas in Tucson to-do list”.
Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum
The Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum changes and grows every year, and is a unique place to visit — if someone in your family loves trains.
There are a ton of antique toy trains and displays in the museum, plus the walls are littered with framed railroad art, including prints, photographs, and signs.
If the toy train museum makes it on to your “staycation ideas in Tucson to-do list”, make sure you check the opening timings before heading out, as times vary.
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Tucson Botanical Gardens
The Tucson Botanical Gardens was named one of the “Top 10 North American parks worth visiting” by the Canadian garden council.
From its magical butterfly exhibit of more than 400 butterflies, to its outstanding gardens, expertly cultivated foliage, and mature trees. It is easy to see why it ranks in the Top 10.
If you’re looking for serenity add this destination to your “staycation ideas in Tucson to-do list” immediately.
Biosphere 2
Biosphere 2 is said to be the world’s largest earth and environmental laboratory. And best of all, you can take a guided tour, attend educational lectures, and more.
If you have a family of budding conservationists who enjoy learning about Earth and its future, then this will be a destination they’ll never forget.
Pima Air and Space Museum
The Pima Air and Space Museum is best known for its significant collection of more than 400 commercial, military, and experimental aircraft.
For any aviation fans in your family, it is the perfect place to explore the history and engineering of aircraft.
International Wildlife Museum
The Tucson International Wildlife Museum is home to more than 400 animals, including insects, mammals, and birds from all over the world. Be warned, this museum is filled with preserved lions, bears, and snakes. rattlesnakes.
The collections are more than 100 years old and have been donated by various wildlife rehabilitation centers, government agencies, zoos, captive breeding programs, and individuals.
Tucson Children Museum
This museum is specially designed for children under-10. So if you’ve got a young family it could be perfect for your “staycation ideas in Tucson to-do list”.
The Tucson Children Museum is all about hands-on, interactive learning. Plus, there’s an outdoor area perfect for a family picnic.
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Most of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is outdoors and because of it, you can really explore, and enjoy a unique fusion museum experience.
From 250 species of animals to plant life and a famous birds-of-prey event. This is one museum experience all of your family will enjoy and should definitely make your “staycation ideas in Tucson to-do list”.
JW Mariott Starr Pass Resort and Spa
Sometimes you need a break from the four walls of your home, and what’s better than a resort and spa staycation?
The JW Mariott Starr Pass Resort and Spa offers uncomplicated relaxation and magnificent Tucson views. It includes a full-service spa, three nine-golf courses, a water-slide, and natural trails for hiking and biking.
It is the perfect way to end your Tucson staycation adventure.
Old Tucson Studios – Closed
Just as it made it on to our list, the Old Tucson Studios, one of Arizona’s top attractions, that featured live shows, live stunts, musicals, and more, has indefinitely closed because of COVID-19.
Lets hope it re-opens in the future, because it offered one of the best staycation opportunities in Tucson, with its carnival games, pony rides, and heavy nod back to the old west.