Five Fun Frugal or Free Activities for Tucson Families

Tucson is the second largest city in Arizona. Known for sunny days, clear blue skies, and warm weather year-round, Tucson offers abundant opportunities to get out and spend time together as a family. However, you are on a budget. No problem! Just look around and you will find that there are many fun family activities that cost very little. Some are even free! Here are five fun activities for frugal families.

Sabino Canyon is a true desert oasis. This recreation area is located at the foot of the stunning Santa Catalina Mountains. Water from the snowmelt in the spring and the monsoons in the summer provides swimming holes, waterfalls, and trickling Sabino Creek. Pack an ice chest and swimsuits and plan to spend the day splashing in the cool water or lying on a big flat rock soaking in some rays. Besides playing in the refreshing H2O, your kids will love spotting rabbits, roadrunners, and lizards. Play hooky from work one weekday and load up the family - Sabino Canyon is open 365 days a year. There is a vehicle fee of $5 per day. Alternatively, buy an annual pass for only $20 and enjoy the canyon all year. A tram is available for a cost of $7.50 for adults and $3.00 for kids ages 3 - 12. However, unless you want to go to the top of the Sabino Canyon Trail, all you need is comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and some drinking water. There are very short hikes to get to water. The Visitor's Center will be happy to direct you. Bathroom facilities and drinking water are available along the trail, but anytime you are experiencing Tucson's outdoors, it is always a good idea to bring water along for everyone. To get to Sabino Canyon take Tanque Verde Road to Sabino Canyon Road and head north just past Sunrise Road to the Recreation Area entrance.