Family Activities to Stay Cool and Beat the Heat in the Summer

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine and let your kids run wild outside, right? Wrong! With temperatures shooting into the three-digit range and no end in sight, it is better—and safer—to stick with indoor activities. Drawing a blank on what fun summer things are left? We can help!

See a Movie

We can’t forget the classic choice for date nights and family outings! Summer is prime time at the theaters. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly options like Captain Underpants and Despicable Me 3 or a movie like Baywatch for older audiences, the movie theater has any type of entertainment you could ask for! There are over 50 cinemas spread out throughout Arizona, so pick your favorite, grab some popcorn, relax and enjoy the show.


Does a typical movie theater bore you? Head to a children’s theater! We are sure your children will love the performances at places like Valley Youth Theater, and you will have the novelty of trying something new.

And don’t forget when the sun goes down, there are a few drive-in theaters in the valley that can create a lot of fun family memories. 

Go Out and Learn

Spend your time this summer discovering new things and expanding your horizons. Whether you choose to get tuneful at the Musical Instrument Museum (where you can actually try out some of their instruments!) or have fun with the kids at Children’s Museum Tucson, there are endless educational opportunities for both you and the kids. Museums, aquariums, historical exhibits and other fun centers are experts at accommodating all ages and guaranteeing everyone has a good time. Don’t let summer be consumed with mindless activities. Go learn something new, and have some fun along the way.

Find Indoor Adventures

Don’t go to the same three places every summer. Go somewhere new and mix things up! Try ice-skating or rollerblading at a local rink, or learn a new sport by going to an indoor soccer or golf center. Take morning tennis lessons, visit one of our aquariums, make memories at indoor skate parks, there are go-karts and pools. Feeling a little crazy? There are multiple indoor skydiving facilities in Arizona waiting for you to try them out!