5 ways to keep the kids active during summer

Summer heat in Tucson is no joke, making it extra challenging to keep children active. 

On one hand, you want them to move their bodies and burn off some energy, but on the other hand, you don’t want to risk them overheating outside. (Click here to learn about children and heatstroke)

Fortunately, there are some options to keep active and healthy without melting too much.

Play in the water

City pool is excellent exercise, and a great way to cool off. Just make sure to watch your children in and around the pool, slather them in sunscreen (reapply while you’re there) and stay hydrated. If you don’t have a pool or friends who do, there are a ton of City and County public pools. If your kids don’t swim yet, but love to play in the water, there are also several public splash pads. Find water safety tips from Safe Kids Pima County here.

Spend time outdoors when the sun goes down

While it’s still warm at night during summer months, it’s more tolerable since the sun isn’t beating down on you. Take the family out for an evening walk. Go down different streets in your neighborhood to keep it interesting or make it into a scavenger hunt.  

Local attractions

Take advantage of Tucson’s local attractions. The Reid Park Zoo hosts Summer Safari Nights on Saturdays during summer. There are fun, interactive activities and you can walk around and see the animals – good for the mind and body.

Children’s Museum Tucson and Oro Valley are great places to let the kids roam. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. There are loads of interactive exhibits to exercise their minds through play and exploration. There are memberships, too, so if you go and you like it, a membership will save you some money. Find more information here.

Roller skating is great exercise. Skate Country is open seven days a week and includes public sessions for toddlers to adults. Check here for rates and information on the Summer Fun Pass.

Free gym time

Planet Fitness offers free summer membership for teens age 14-19 through August 31 - no strings attached. Register here.

Indoor activities

Rocks and Ropes offers indoor rock climbing for the whole family. Don't worry, the staff will show you what to do. Reserve a spot here.

Designed for children 6 months - 13, Wild Katz is a great place to burn some energy and have a blast doing it. Each play area throughout this indoor playground is marked with color coded paws, indicating difficulty level and age specifications. There is also a snack bar and seating areas for parents. Find more information here.