Tucson, perched along Santa Cruz River in the hilly plains of Sonoran Desert, is Arizona’s second-largest city. It proudly holds on to its Hispanic heritage, affording the city its nickname “Old Pueblo”. The prestigious University of Arizona calls Tucson its home and the college students add a youthful tenor to the city’s vibe. Visit Airplane Boneyard and get fascinated with all the aeroplanes. You can also take your kids to Trail Dust Town, an Old-West-inspired attraction. Hike tails such as Mine Mountain and Richard E. Genser Starr Pass Trailhead. The sun shines over Tucson in all its glory for most of the year and that can become uncomfortable for visitors, especially while venturing outdoors. So, we have come up with a list of some interesting indoor activities that will not sap the fun out of your getaway. Scroll down for the best things to do indoors in Tucson, Arizona.
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1. Explore the beauty of Tucson Museum of Art
Tour through history, art and culture at Tucson Museum of Art. The exhibits, housed inside five historic buildings and a modern wing, feature a wide range of Latin American, western as well as contemporary art that is every bit worth checking out. In fact, not just the galleries, but even the buildings are a sight to behold. These are named La Casa Cordova, Romero House, J. Knox Corbett House, Fish House and Stevens/Duffield Houses.
Tours, studio art classes and education programmes can be arranged on prior request. If the touring around kicks up the hunger, you can head to the museum’s Café a la C’Art to savour some top-notch fare.
Tucson Museum of Art
Address: 140 N Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
Website: Tucson Museum of Art
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 7 - 12 USD
2. See the tiny-sized attraction of The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Happy New Year! We will be closed on New Year's Day, but look forward to seeing you soon in 2019! https://theminitimemachine.org/portfolio/reflections-1930s-new-years-celebration/
Posted by The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures on Monday, December 31, 2018
Step into a world of tiny-sized objects at the wonderful The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. This state-of-the-art facility showcases more than 500 antique and contemporary miniature dollhouses and room boxes. Right from the historic Ball-Paylore Miniature House to the seasonal Wee Winter Wonderland, every exhibit will transport you into a fantastical world. You can even hitch a docent-led or self-guided group tour to ensure that you don’t miss any of this charming place’s highlights.
Furthermore, the museum offers monthly do-it-yourself creative projects for kids. These are excellent to teach your little ones a new skill as well as keeping them busy. Check out the museum’s website for more details on the project planned for the month you will be visiting Tucson.
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Address: 4455 E Camp Lowell Dr, Tucson, AZ 85712, United States
Website: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 8 - 14 USD
3. Polish your science knowledge at Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
At Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, you can explore science, marine biology, earth science and astronomy exhibits spread across two floors. While Undersea Discovery will offer an insightful peek into the fascinating marine life, Wild World of Bugs! will unleash intriguing facts about insects. And, these are only a few of the many engaging galleries here. You can even peer through the Flandrau Observatory telescope and explore the starry night sky.
Aside from this, consider stepping into the planetarium theatre for a wondrous journey through the solar system. Every evening between 6pm to 10pm, the centre hosts Special Laser Light Music Nights, in which the exhibit halls come alive with music and light effects.
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
Address: 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
Website: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 8 - 12 USD
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4. Enjoy a show at Gaslight Theatre
The saloon-style Gaslight Theatre has been entertaining its audiences since the 1970s. You can catch a range of interesting family-friendly shows, including genres such as comedy melodramas, science fiction and seasonal special shows, among others. You can also enjoy the performances while relishing some delicious food and refreshing drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
Besides the delicious meals, you can buy Gaslight Theater and restaurant gift cards. Your physical gift card will be mailed to you once you pay for it. You can even gift the cards to your friends or family if they are planning to visit Tuscon.
Gaslight Theatre
Address: 7010 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85710
Website: Gaslight Theatre
5. Get rid of your fatigue at Yoga Oasis
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Repost @toughloveyoga Is deepening your practice part of your 2023 plans? Join @nedadraupadi @darrenrhodesyoga and @...
Posted by YogaOasis on Friday, December 30, 2022
Beat the fatigue out of your body by stretching at Yoga Oasis. It is one of Tucson’s most popular yoga studios, offering a range of classes that are ideal for visitors across different experience levels and age groups. Guests with physical limitations will also find sessions suited to their needs. Additionally, kid-specific classes are carried out periodically. Yoga Oasis has three outlets in the city and you can attend in-studio classes wherever it is most convenient for you.
If you are attending an in-studio class, do remember to bring your mat with you. You can even borrow one from the studio.
Yoga Oasis Central
Website: Yoga Oasis Central
Price: 10 USD
6. Sample delicious wares at Barrio Brewing Co.
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Stop in for one of our USDA Prime Ground Chuck burgers tonight. You'll love our secret blend of seasonings harmonizing...
Posted by Barrio Brewing Co. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Hang out with your buddies with some freshly brewed beer at the pet-friendly Barrio Brewing Co. It is Arizona’s oldest brewery, serving a range of refreshing beers as well as pub snacks. While you sip on Arizona’s oldest beer Tucson Blonde Ale, consider trying the fruity Tj’s Raspberry Ale next. Several delicious seasonal flavours also feature on the menu such as Viva Vienna Lager.
Furthermore, these can be paired with some lip-smacking dishes such as wings, salads, burgers, sandwiches and lots more. Also, don’t forget to order a Reuben sandwich and spinach artichoke dip to try and appreciate the use of beer as an ingredient.
Barrio Brewing Co.
Address: 800 E 16th St, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States
Website: Barrio Brewing Co.
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm
7. Appreciate live performances at Tucson Convention Center
If you’re downtown, consider catching an event at Tucson Convention Center. It is home to three venues – The Tucson Arena, The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall and Leo Rich Theater – where you can enjoy numerous cultural gigs.
Tucson Arena is famed for hosting entertaining ice shows and sports competitions, while excellent theatre acts, music concerts, ballet recitals and opera performances are presented in The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall and Leo Rich Theater. You can purchase admission tickets for the events from the Box Office on-site.
Tucson Convention Center
Address: 260 S Church Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
Website: Tucson Convention Center
8. Indulge in retail therapy at Park Place
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Find your summer fun at Park Place!
Posted by Park Place on Sunday, April 30, 2023
There’s nothing quite like a hearty dose of retail therapy alongside tasty food and lots of other entertainment. Park Place is the ideal place if you’re looking for some fun. This two-storey mall, in midtown Tucson, is home to more than 100 retail stores, a children’s play area, a movie theatre as well as numerous dining options.
Moreover, you can do some shopping at outlets such as Banana Republic, Guess, Forever 21 and H&M, among others. For meals, consider heading to the food court or one of the several individual restaurants that include Red Lobster and Yard House. This can be followed by a few hours of fun gaming at Round1 Bowling & Amusement or you can even catch up on a movie while you here.
Park Place
Address: 5870 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711, United States
Website: Park Place
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
9. Try solving puzzles at Will You Escape?
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The earth is at the perfect tilt to have a broom stand on its own. Try it and share your photo!
Posted by Will You Escape? on Monday, February 10, 2020
Put on your thinking caps at Will You Escape? This team activity is the perfect way to spend a fun-filled time with your loved ones or make new friends. You, as a team, have to solve puzzles, uncover clues and crack the riddles within 60 minutes to emerge out of the locked room victorious. The crime-themed Warden’s Ruse, hardcore Serial Killer and fantasy-themed Santa’s Naughty List are some of the games you can play here.
These escape rooms vary from a medium level of difficulty to a very hard one. Some even require adult supervision for minors.
Will You Escape?
Address: 2577 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
Website: Will You Escape?
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 1:30pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 29 USD
10. Experience rock climbing at Rocks & Ropes of Tucson, Inc.
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Rocks and Ropes on Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Pack in some physical activity at Rocks & Ropes of Tucson, Inc. Here, you can enjoy indoor rock climbing regardless of your experience level. You can rent the necessary equipment, such as harnesses, climbing shoes and helmet, at additional charges of 8 USD on-site. So, all you need to do is reach here and give yourselves a workout as well as tons of enjoyment.
Remember to make a prior booking for a smooth experience. For more convenience, you can even purchase a Day Pass which also involves gear and equipment instructions.
Rocks & Ropes of Tucson, Inc.
Address: 330 S Toole Ave #400, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States
Website: Rocks & Ropes of Tucson, Inc.
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 9:30am - 7pm
Price: 20 USD
Explore the indoors of Tucson
Tucson offers a diverse experience that appeals to travellers of all sorts. And, if you’re worried that the weather might sap the fun out of your visit, consider planning your itinerary with some fun indoor activities. You can use this article as a guide to plan an ultimate Tucson getaway and return home with tons of brilliant memories.
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