Marana, Arizona
If the phrases “I’m bored” or “There’s nothing to do” are now your summer soundtrack, you’re not alone! Navigating the summer months as a parent can be challenging with the temps turned all the way up in Southern Arizona. In addition to combating boredom, you’re also trying to prevent sunburns, heatstroke, and dehydration. But perhaps the biggest challenge is the rising costs of summer camps, childcare, and activities, making it hard to stay financially afloat during the season that’s supposed to feel like vacation.
According to a new study conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma,
- 61% of parents with children under 18 say it feels even more expensive to raise kids in the summer months
- More than one-third (35%) of parents have to adjust their summer work hours to care for their children because the cost of childcare is too expensive.
- 29% of parents are unable to save money during the summer due to childcare costs
Are you ready for some good news? We scoured Southern Arizona for FREE and FUN activities for the whole family, providing much-needed relief from the financial strain of summer costs!
Below is a list of 9 FREE kid-friendly activities in Marana and beyond. Please read the descriptions, as some discounts only apply to specific age groups.
The Art of Summer at the Drawing Studio (Camp, Classes and Open Art Nights)
Location: The Drawing Studio (7366 N. Paseo del Norte Tucson, AZ)
Website: https://thedrawingstudiotds.org/drawing-classes/youth-classes/
Cost: FREE – there are still multiple scholarships available for children and teens. (Easily apply.)
About: Make this a summer of creative exploration! From painting to creating comic book characters, wellness activities and more – help your child discover their inner artist at The Drawing Studio!
Family Bonus: The Drawing Studios hosts FREE community art nights throughout the summer. Visit https://thedrawingstudiotds.org/ for more info!
Children’s Museum of Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
Location: Tohono Chul Park (7366 N. Paseo del Norte) Tucson, AZ
Website: https://tohonochul.org/cmov-at-tohono-chul/
Cost: FREE for children ages five and younger. Visit the website for additional rates.
About: Explore art, nature and fun at CMOV at Tohono Chul. The museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities for kids and families featuring the culture, animals, and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
Chillin’ at the Chul
Location: Tohono Chul Park (7366 N. Paseo del Norte) Tucson, AZ
Website: https://tohonochul.org/event/chillin-at-the-chul-2024/2024-06-01/
Cost: Admission is FREE for all ages
Days/Times: Every Friday and Saturday night from NOW – August
About: Your weekends just got better! Head to Tohono Chul every Friday and Saturday night now – August for live music and entertainment in the most serene Sonoran Desert surroundings. (Food and beverages are available for purchase but admission is free.)
Discovery Nights Children’s Museum of Tucson
Location: Tohono Chul Park (7366 N. Paseo del Norte) Tucson, AZ
Website: https://childrensmuseumtucson.org/discovery-nights/
Days/Times: Thursday Nights from 5PM – 7PM
Cost: Admission is FREE for all ages
About: Get a jump-start on your weekend plans at Children’s Museum of Tucson! Enjoy some artsy activities with your kids every Thursday night.
Kids Bowl Free!
Location: Tucson Bowl, Cactus Bowl and Main Event Tucson
Website: https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/index.php
Cost: FREE Bowling (2 games per child per day). Rental shoes are not included.
About: We see some strikes in your future! Stay active while having fun with a field trip to the bowling alley!
The Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Location: Barnes and Noble Booksellers (7325 N. La Cholla Blvd., Tucson, AZ)
Cost: FREE
Days/Times: Now – August 31, 2024
About: School may be out but your child’s love of reading can continue all summer long! This program is for students in first – sixth grade. Read any eight books, fill out a brief journal entry about each book and earn a free book!
Marana Pool at Ora Mae Harn Park
Location: 13250 N. Lon Adams Road
Website: https://www.maranaaz.gov/aquatics
Cost: FREE
Days/Times: Open every day, visit website for pool hours
About: Memories and friendships are made at the pool! Make a splash every day of the week. With lap lanes, a diving bay and plenty of open-swim hours, there’s no shortage of fun awaiting you at the pool!
Heritage Splash Pad
Location: Gladden Farms Community Park (12205 N. Tangerine Farms Road)
Website: https://www.maranaaz.gov/aquatics
Cost: FREE
Days/Times: Open every day from 8AM – 7PM
About: Enjoy a full day of water play! There are no shortage of water features, fountains, and ways to get wet.
Crossroads Splash Pad
Location: Crossroads at Silverbell District Park (7548 N Silverbell Road)
Website: https://www.maranaaz.gov/aquatics
Cost: FREE
Days/Times: Open every day from 8AM – 7PM
About: This splash pad offers all of your favorite water features plus there’s a nightly water and light show from 7:30PM – 9:30PM. Enjoy a full day of water play! There are no shortage of water features, fountains, and ways to get wet.
