Arts & Entertainment
Tucson Rocks With Kids’ Activities In August
Tucson offers a wide variety of kids' events in August: animal encounters, cloud watching, story time, making a NERF board and much more.
TUCSON, AZ — While it might still be hot outside, many Tucson organizations are hosting a plethora of children’s activities to help area residents and their kids get out of the heat. Intellectual and artistic stimulation are also on the menu. This guide can help local families rock the rest of the month:
Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28, 11 a.m.-noon
Water Wednesdays
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Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. 6th Ave., Tucson
Weekly water activity including squirty toys, buckets, kid wash, water balloons and baby tools
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Included in regular museum admission fee of $3-$9
520-792-9985, childrensmuseumtucson.org
Aug. 8, 15, 22, 29, 9-9:30 a.m.
Viva Coffee House, 9136 E. Valencia Rd., Ste. 160, Tucson
Volunteers read good books to transport kids’ imaginations while parents relax
520-574-7505, vivacoffeehouse.com
Aug. 9, 9-10 a.m.
Little Critters Workshop – Sounds of Nature
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E Zoo Ct., Tucson
Ages 2-5 learn about nature sounds such as thunder’s boom, blowing wind and babbling water. Based on Arizona’s Early Learning Standards.
Preregistration and adult chaperone required
520-791-3204, reidparkzoo.org ($12 member kids; $20 nonmember kids – prices include 1 adult)
Aug. 10, 10:30-11 a.m.
Tiny Tales for Tots
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr., Tucson
Children participate in a singalong with a costumed character in this literacy program geared toward preschool-aged kids
520-881-0606, https://theminitimemachine.org
Aug. 10, 11 a.m.-noon
Kids’ Country
Exo Roast Co., 403 N. 6th Ave., Tucson
Family-friendly roots music is played by Mamma Coal’s string band, also including harmonica, banjo and lots of humor.
520-777-4709, exocoffee.com, $5 suggested donation
Aug. 10, 11 a.m.-noon
Kids Zone, Fun for All, Free for All
J.C. Penney, 5265 S. Calle Santa Cruz, Tucson
Kids make a NERF target board; parents get a one-day store shopping coupon
520-917-3280, stores.jcpenney.com
Aug. 10, noon-3 p.m.
Kids Create – Petit Kite
Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, 4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr., Tucson
School-aged kids art program in small scale, adult chaperone required. $7-$10.50 admission
520-881-0606, https://theminitimemachine.org
Aug. 10, 17, 6-8 p.m.
Summer Safari Saturday Nights
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E Zoo Ct., Tucson
Zookeeper talks, animal encounters, face painting, crafts and more
520-881-4753, reidparkzoo.org, $6.50-$10.50
Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31, 6-10 p.m.
Cool Summer Nights
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson
Families see nocturnal animals, night-blooming plants and stunning sunsets
520-883-2702, desertmuseum.org, $8.95-$16.95; ages 2 and younger get in free
Aug. 11, 9-11 a.m.
Young Explorers – Fall Series – Creatures of the Night
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct., Tucson
Kids discover the way animals sleep, through animal encounters, activities and adventures, created for youth ages 6-12
520-881-4753, reidparkzoo.org, $15-$20 admission, advance registration required
Aug. 11, 10-5 p.m.
Second Sundaze Family Day @ TMA: Travelogue
Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, 140 N. Main Ave., Tucson
Family-oriented Travelogue tours, art creation and in-gallery activities focused on artistic exploration through travel. Attendees can make a DIY sketchbook.
520-624-2333, tucsonmuseumofart.org
Aug. 12, 19, 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Make It Mondays
Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. 6th Ave., Tucson
Special guests host STEAM-based activities. Ages 10 and younger.
Aug. 12: Old Pueblo Archaeology
Aug. 19: Parks and Rec
Aug. 26: MOCA
520-792-9985, childrensmuseumtucson.org, $3 admission
Aug. 15, 11 a.m.-noon
Kids’ Country
Civano Coffee House, 5278 S. Civano Blvd., Tucson
Mamma Coal entertains with a kid-friendly blend of country and roots tunes
520-441-7400, civano.com
Aug. 15, 3-4 p.m.
Story Time at Natural Grocers
Natural Grocers, 5600 E. River Rd., Tucson
To celebrate Natural Grocers anniversary, festivities include reading, singing and dancing
520-325-5767, bookmans.com
Aug. 17, 9-11 a.m.
Dr. Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct., Tucson
Kids get a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s new Animal Health Center, giving them a zoo vet day-in-the-life experience, including science and math used in treating and diagnosing animal illnesses. Geared to ages 8-12
520-881-4753, reidparkzoo.org, $15-$20
Aug. 17, 10:15-11:15 a.m.
Kids’ Circus
Circus Sanctuary, 3113 E. Columbia St., Tucson
Circus experiences for kids including aerial silks, acrobatics, games, circus warmups and equilibristic skills
520-270-4181, www.circusanctuary.com
Aug. 17, 1-5 p.m.
Fall Kids Fest!
Bowlero Tucson, 114 S. Camino Seco, Tucson
One free hour of shoes and bowling for ages 15 and younger. Discounted rates for adults. $1 12 oz. soft drinks and cookies, $2 hot dogs
520-298-2311, bowlbrunswick.com
Aug. 18, 8:30-10 a.m.
Nandi’s 5th Birthday Bash
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct., Tucson
Nandi the elephant’s 5th birthday celebration, including Nandi’s favorite treats and activities
520-881-4753, reidparkzoo.org, free with regular admission fee
Aug. 23, 6-10 p.m.
Story Time at Packrat Playhouse
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Rd., Tucson
A 30-minute kids' activity and exclusive playtime before public playhouse hours begin. Activities center on exercise, language, science, socialization. Ages 2-5
520-883-2702, desertmuseum.org, $10-$12
Aug. 30, 6-8 p.m.
Kids’ Movie & Craft Night: School of Rock & Vinyl Painting
Bookmans Midtown Entertainment Exchange, 3300 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson
The 2003 film “School of Rock” featuring Jack Black is played, and participants show off their artistic skills during recycled vinyl record painting
RSVP by emailing midtownevents@bookmans.com
520-325-5767, bookmans.com
Aug. 31, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Nature Play Day – Get Your Head in the Clouds
Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Ct., Tucson
Children look at the clouds to identify animals and more, learn about cloud types and sketch the clouds
520-881-4753, reidparkzoo.org, free with regular admission fee
Aug. 31, noon-4 p.m.
Kids' Day
LEAD Athletics, 4750 S. Irving Ave., Tucson
Slime Time Parties, special appearance by the Slime Princess, giveaways, activities and lunch
520-833-7818, leadathleticsbasketball.com
Aug. 31, 5-9 p.m.
Zootopia Kids Night Out
Heart & Souls Kids Activity Center, 8363 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson
Nick and Judy lead activities, crafts and games in the gym, ages 3.5-13 (potty training required)
520-818-7974, heartandsoulkids.com, $20-$35
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