children in tucson
Dec 30th, 2001, 04:08 AM
#3
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VERY CLOSE TO THE MUSEUM IS AN OLD WESTERN MOVIE STUDIO CALLED OLD TUCSON WHERE YOUR KIDS CAN SEE REENACTED GUN FIGHTS AND ALL SORTS OF "COWBOY" STUFF. ON THE WAY HOME HAVE DINNER AT THE TRIPLE C CHUCKWAGON DINNER SHOW WITH SINGIN' COWBOYS! ALSO THE TUCSON CHILDREN'S MUSEUM IS GOOD FOR A FEW HOURS
Dec 30th, 2001, 05:58 AM
#5
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dianne is trying to enjoy herself, that is why she is asking for kid-friendly restaurants and activities, so they won't annoy her and others. She's trying to be considerate and responsible and to entertain her children. Only some of the intellectually impaired child haters on this forum could and will find fault with that. Sorry dianne, I've not been to Tucson. Hopefully a mature poster will respond with some help. Ignore the morons, this is what they do for fun.
Dec 30th, 2001, 07:34 AM
#6
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Hi Diane,
we went to Tucson and south of it last April, just before Easter, with our two kids (8 and 10). We stayed at the Sheraton El Conquistador bcause we got a super rate via www.placestostay.com. (about 89.00/night)There were lots of kids and they also had a kids program (which my children didn't attend but they thought it looked like a lot of fun).
As for activities:
we went to Lemmon Canyon (?), which was croweded but quite enjoyable. You take a tram up and then can walk parts of the way down. There are picnic areas and a little stream, with a lot of little kids splashing in the water.
Also went to Sonora Desert Museum, which was quite nice and should keep your kids occupied for a good while.
Another good suggestion for a small park (very small) with a very pleasant outdoor restaurant is Tohono Chul Park http://www.tohonochulpark.org/
Our favorite outing, hweover, was a hike in the Catalina State Park, entrance very close to the Sheraton, where we saw most of the flowers and birds that are also in the Desert Museum (without the crowds). There are a few splash pools up the mountain but it's very nice, ebven if you don't make it all teh way up; if you can manage to carry the 7-month old in a backpack, this might be a fun hike.
Another kid pelaser was this one ice cream place, it's a chain with several locations in Tucson, where you can pick all the different toppings and flavors. I don't remember the name but you can't miss it. I'm sure my kids will know.
We also went to Tombstone, Bisbee, and Carlsbad Caverns, all of which were very interesting for our children. Your 5 year-old might be interested in Tombstone and Carlsbad Caverns. At CC they have a very pleasant picnic area a nice short hike away, and you can have the older one wash for small gem stones. You buy a bag of dirt and they can pan for the gems.
Have fun!
we went to Tucson and south of it last April, just before Easter, with our two kids (8 and 10). We stayed at the Sheraton El Conquistador bcause we got a super rate via www.placestostay.com. (about 89.00/night)There were lots of kids and they also had a kids program (which my children didn't attend but they thought it looked like a lot of fun).
As for activities:
we went to Lemmon Canyon (?), which was croweded but quite enjoyable. You take a tram up and then can walk parts of the way down. There are picnic areas and a little stream, with a lot of little kids splashing in the water.
Also went to Sonora Desert Museum, which was quite nice and should keep your kids occupied for a good while.
Another good suggestion for a small park (very small) with a very pleasant outdoor restaurant is Tohono Chul Park http://www.tohonochulpark.org/
Our favorite outing, hweover, was a hike in the Catalina State Park, entrance very close to the Sheraton, where we saw most of the flowers and birds that are also in the Desert Museum (without the crowds). There are a few splash pools up the mountain but it's very nice, ebven if you don't make it all teh way up; if you can manage to carry the 7-month old in a backpack, this might be a fun hike.
Another kid pelaser was this one ice cream place, it's a chain with several locations in Tucson, where you can pick all the different toppings and flavors. I don't remember the name but you can't miss it. I'm sure my kids will know.
We also went to Tombstone, Bisbee, and Carlsbad Caverns, all of which were very interesting for our children. Your 5 year-old might be interested in Tombstone and Carlsbad Caverns. At CC they have a very pleasant picnic area a nice short hike away, and you can have the older one wash for small gem stones. You buy a bag of dirt and they can pan for the gems.
Have fun!
Dec 30th, 2001, 10:52 AM
#7
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Brian..I thought Old Tucson burned down?? It was my favorite place to visit when in Tucson, loved the shoot- outs with the stunt men on the roof of the saloon, remembering the many cowboy movies, Alamo, etc, that John Wayne made there in the 50's..Also- in Tucson is the St Xavier Mission, very pretty and worth the stop.
Dec 30th, 2001, 04:29 PM
#8
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I'm from Tucson, though lived there as an adolescent primarily. The International Wildlife Museum is fun, the Reid Park Zoo is very sweet and they did rebuild Old Tucson. The have a website www.oldtucson.com. I'd also recommend Tombstone and Bisbee. I'm not sure which ice cream place you're talking about Ingrid, but there's Swensen's, Austin's and Cold Stone Creamery. Check out tucson.citysearch.com.
Good luck and have fun in the Baked Apple.
Good luck and have fun in the Baked Apple.
Dec 31st, 2001, 07:11 PM
#10
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Meg, thanks! I was born in Tucson and have great memories of Old Tucson and the Desert Museum,the prarie dogs
...glad to hear they rebuilt it..NY is the Frozen Apple tonight, happy to be sitting by the fire with the sleeping pup and husband(also sleeping tonight...brrr..
Happy New Years! C
...glad to hear they rebuilt it..NY is the Frozen Apple tonight, happy to be sitting by the fire with the sleeping pup and husband(also sleeping tonight...brrr..Happy New Years! C
Jan 1st, 2002, 05:55 PM
#12
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It was only last April and I'm alreday mixing up everything: It was Colossal Cavern, a dry cave, http://www.colossalcave.com/welcome.html
Also, I talked about Sabino Canyon (not Lemmon canyon).
Have you checked out http://www.catalina-az.com/thingstodointucson.htm ?
Also, I talked about Sabino Canyon (not Lemmon canyon).
Have you checked out http://www.catalina-az.com/thingstodointucson.htm ?
Jan 2nd, 2002, 07:19 AM
#13
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Dianne -
Others have recommended cave tours as a family outing. I cannot agree. We visited Kartchner Caverns last April and I noticed that no strollers or baby backpacks were allowed. The couple on our tour who had a toddler has to leave halfway through because it he or she was acting up. Save it for when they are older! The desert museum is great; the wildlife museum is not large and not very well-done. I agree with Sabino Canyon and Reid Park as nice outings. The best thing about Tucson is the great weather! You can eat outside much of the time and not worry about bothering other diners. One last thing: I don't know how parents cope with little ones and all the cactus in the landscape, but definitely educate your 5-year old in advance. One thing we liked about the Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park was the huge green courtyard for our kids to play on.
Others have recommended cave tours as a family outing. I cannot agree. We visited Kartchner Caverns last April and I noticed that no strollers or baby backpacks were allowed. The couple on our tour who had a toddler has to leave halfway through because it he or she was acting up. Save it for when they are older! The desert museum is great; the wildlife museum is not large and not very well-done. I agree with Sabino Canyon and Reid Park as nice outings. The best thing about Tucson is the great weather! You can eat outside much of the time and not worry about bothering other diners. One last thing: I don't know how parents cope with little ones and all the cactus in the landscape, but definitely educate your 5-year old in advance. One thing we liked about the Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park was the huge green courtyard for our kids to play on.
Jan 2nd, 2002, 08:38 AM
#14
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I second the idea that the Desert Museum will entertain a 5-year-old (for the 7-monther, I suggest a bottle and a nap). Be aware that there is a small cave at the Desert Museum that should provide you and your child with your fill of 'cave stuff.' You can walk through the whole thing in 15-20 mins.
Near the museum is a National Park Service exhibit where they show a brief film about the legends of the desert that might entertain a 5-year-old.
Near the museum is a National Park Service exhibit where they show a brief film about the legends of the desert that might entertain a 5-year-old.
Jan 2nd, 2002, 08:53 AM
#15
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At 6 and 7, my son loved the air museum. Not my favorite place but kids and airplane junkies really like it. Also Kitt peak is very interesting if anyone is interested in astronomy. Your kids are a little young yet but would also recommend Biosphere. Highly educational but more suited for school age kids and adults.
Jan 2nd, 2002, 09:09 AM
#16
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Hi Dianne,
Not sure what part of town you'll be staying in...Tucson is very widespread. That actually is a pain because it takes a long time to cross town. Anyway, low-key restaurants that are fine for children include Gentle Ben's Brew Pub near the University. Great beer and good food; nice patio. Risky Business - there are three of them now around town. Good sandwiches and burgers. Zacharay's pizza - kind of a dive, usually loud, but GREAT pizza. It's near the University, too. Also, the chain places like Macaroni Grill, Chili's, Tony Roma's. There are all kinds of great Mexican restaurants. Most are laid back and child friendly. Try Mi Nidito in South Tucson (not a pretty area of town). If you can get a sitter for a night, go to an adult restaurant because there are truly excellent places in Tucson to eat - Janos, Wildflowers, Red Sky Cafe, Vivace, to name a few.
Not sure what part of town you'll be staying in...Tucson is very widespread. That actually is a pain because it takes a long time to cross town. Anyway, low-key restaurants that are fine for children include Gentle Ben's Brew Pub near the University. Great beer and good food; nice patio. Risky Business - there are three of them now around town. Good sandwiches and burgers. Zacharay's pizza - kind of a dive, usually loud, but GREAT pizza. It's near the University, too. Also, the chain places like Macaroni Grill, Chili's, Tony Roma's. There are all kinds of great Mexican restaurants. Most are laid back and child friendly. Try Mi Nidito in South Tucson (not a pretty area of town). If you can get a sitter for a night, go to an adult restaurant because there are truly excellent places in Tucson to eat - Janos, Wildflowers, Red Sky Cafe, Vivace, to name a few.
Jan 2nd, 2002, 09:45 AM
#17
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Hi Dianne...two kid friendly restaurants that come to mind are Little Anthony's (a fun 50's style restaurant with great burgers, shakes, pizza, etc., music, and a friendly 50's dressed staff) and Hidden Valley Ranch with a western atmosphere, serving chicken, ribs, etc....they also have a huge collection of handmade miniature figurines depicting the old west throughout the restaurant that will appeal to your 5 year old's eyes...Old Tucson did burn down a couple of years ago but it has since been repaired and reopened...I think they now have a "kiddieland" area.
