Best Playground
Reid Park
900 S. Randolph Way
tucsonaz.gov
Reid Park’s playground system offers a variety of slides, swings and climbing structures located in a 131-acre urban park. The grounds include ramadas, walking paths, gardens and proximity to Reid Park Zoo. The playground is mostly ADA accessible and includes musical pieces and rocking features.
Reader Recommended
Brandi Fenton Park
3482 E. River Road
520-724-5000
pima.gov
Himmel Park
1000 N. Tucson Boulevard
520-791-4873
tucsonaz.gov
Best Place for a
Children’s Party
Children’s Museum Tucson
200 S. Sixth Avenue
520-792-9985
childrensmuseumtucson.org
Children’s Museum Tucson features interactive exhibits and themed rooms designed for hands-on play and discovery. The museum also offers event rentals and birthday party packages in a vibrant, family-friendly setting. Their exhibits and programs are designed for kids up to 10 years old.
Reader Recommended
Golf N’ Stuff
6503 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-296-2366
golfnstuff.com
Wild Katz
4629 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-415-7955
wldktz.com
Best Toy Store
Mildred & Dildred
1725 N. Swan Road
520-615-6266
mildredanddildred.com
Mildred & Dildred carries a wide selection of toys, games and children’s gifts from different brands. The store stocks items that appeal to various age groups and promote imaginative play. Some items include kids’ digital cameras, books and stuffed animals.
Reader Recommended
Tucson Games & Gadgets
Multiple locations
tucsongamesandgadgets.com
Bricks and Minifigs
6145 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-372-7733
bricksandminifigs.com
Best Public Pool/Splashpad
Brandi Fenton
3482 E. River Road
520-724-5000
pima.gov
Brandi Fenton Park operates splash pad amenities as part of Pima County’s free aquatic offerings during the summer season. The park’s aquatic features provide families a cooling, safe space for recreation. The facility has spray arches, water geysers and other water features.
Reader Recommended
Oro Valley Aquatic Center
23 W. Calle Concordia
520-297-7946
orovalleyaz.gov
Manzanita Park
5110 S. San Joaquin Avenue
520-578-2458
pima.gov
Best Kids Clothing Store
Twice as Nice
7333 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-298-7375
facebook.com/twiceasnicebroadway
Twice as Nice offers gently used children’s clothing and accessories in a clean and organized retail environment. Clothing items are hand-selected by employees for branding and quality. As a resale-buy-trade store, it provides a sustainable approach to kids’ fashion.
Reader Recommended
Little Bird Nesting Co
4508 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-203-7372
littlebirdtucson.com
Sweet Repeats
7936 N. Oracle Road
520-219-0675
sweetrepeatstucson.com
Best Story Time
Pima County Library
101 N. Stone Avenue
520-791-4010
library.pima.gov
Pima County Library hosts regular story time sessions for children to enjoy stories, songs and engage in literacy activities. Every Tuesday morning, the library hosts a family storytime where all ages are welcome. The library also hosts storytime for babies, bilingual family storytime and toddler storytime.
Reader Recommended
Drag Queen Story Hour
dragstoryhouraz.org
Mildred & Dildred
1725 N. Swan Road
520-615-6266
mildredanddildred.com
Best Restaurant
With a Kids Menu
Little Anthony’s Diner
7010 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-296-0456
littleanthonysdiner.com
Little Anthony’s Diner offers a classic diner vibe along with a dedicated kids’ menu featuring child-friendly options. Their “Little Be-Bopper” menu features macaroni and cheese, chicken strips, corn dogs, hot dogs, burgers, PB&J, grilled cheese strips and spaghetti. Their sides include chips or fries, and all kids’ meals include a soft drink, milk or juice.
Reader Recommended
The Barnyard Crafthouse and Eatery
11011 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-600-7570
barnyardaz.com
Pinnacle Peak
6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
5202960911
pinnaclepeaktucson.com
Best Fun for the
Whole Family
Reid Park Zoo
3400 E. Zoo Court
520-791-3204
reidparkzoo.org
Reid Park Zoo spans 24 acres and houses over 100 species, offering educational exhibits and wildlife encounters for all ages. Its layout and setting within Reid Park make it easy for families to combine a zoo visit with a broader park experience. The zoo also works with local and global partners to save wild animals and in 2024, it was certified as a Green Business through Local First Arizona.
Reader Recommended
ArizonaSonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Road
520-883-2702
desertmuseum.org
Golf N’ Stuff
6503 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-296-2366
golfnstuff.com
Best Summer Camp
ArizonaSonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Road
520-883-2702
desertmuseum.org
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum offers immersive summer camps that engage youth with the Sonoran Desert through guided hikes and animal interactions. Campers participate in multiple activities that involve jumping, running, playing and “getting a little messy.” Campers are encouraged to bring a full, reliable water bottle, sun protection and a packed snack and lunch.
Reader Recommended
Reid Park Zoo
3400 E. Zoo Court
520-791-3204
reidparkzoo.org
Tucson Jewish Community Center
3800 E. River Road
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
Best Way to Entertain Kids During the Summer
Children’s Museum Tucson
200 S. Sixth Avenue
520-792-9985
childrensmuseumtucson.org
Children’s Museum Tucson, located in Carnegie Library, has 10 indoor exhibits and an outdoor courtyard with enough space for kids to play. The museum hosts Discovery Nights and extended evening hours to accommodate family schedules. Through playful learning and rotating programming, it remains a top attraction for summer fun.
Reid Park Zoo
3400 E. Zoo Court
520-791-3204
reidparkzoo.org
Golf N’ Stuff
6503 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-296-2366
golfnstuff.com
Best Daycare
Tucson Jewish Community Center
3800 E. River Road
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
The Tucson Jewish Community Center has various programs for toddlers to elderly adults. The center emphasizes cultural, arts and physical activities alongside childcare. It has served the Jewish community in Tucson for over 60 years, including those of all faiths and identities.
Reader Recommended
YMCA
60 W. Alameda Street
520-623-5511
tucsonymca.org
Sandbox
2701 N. Swan Road
520-795-9595
sandboxtucson.com
Best Children’s
Entertainer
Mr. Nature
mrnaturesmusicgarden.com
Anthony Marc Aldinger or Mr. Nature, as he is known by friends and family, delivers interactive musical performances focused on kindness, compassion, empathy and mindfulness engagement. He performs at birthday parties, celebrations, playgroups, nursing homes, local businesses and in the classroom. “Music and storytelling are an incredible tool,” he stated on his website.
Reader Recommended
Children’s Museum Tucson
200 S. Sixth Avenue
520-792-9985
childrensmuseumtucson.org
Board & Brush
6429 N. Oracle Road
520-638-8062
boardandbrush.com
