Tucson for Multigen Families

Most people think of the obvious when planning multigen family travel to Arizona: The Grand Canyon. But Arizona is a vast state, offering many incredible destinations with their own charms. Tucson, in the heart of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, is the perfect way for multigen families to take a trip that will enthrall everyone, giving your family the perfect introduction to the beauty and flavors of the Southwest.

The little ones will love a day of interactive play at the Children’s Museum, open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (they are open until 7 p.m. Thursdays). Children with special needs can benefit from the museum’s My Time hours (3–5 p.m. on weekdays) which offer a quieter and more controlled experience.

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Kids of all ages will love Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which combines natural history with the living desert. More than 200 animal species call the museum’s 21-acre expanse home. Here, visitors can enjoy walking trails, a replica limestone cave, animal presentations and bird watching all in one unique location. For the older kids in the family, head to Musselman Honda Circuit for some go-cart action. Riders must be 16 years or older to rent these go-carts in one of the monthly race events.

Adults will love Tucson’s numerous golf courses and exploring the city’s many shopping districts for western wear, native artwork, Mexican handicrafts or even name-brand shopping. One of the best ways to shop Tucson — and entertain the whole family in the process — is going for a ride on the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar and hopping on and off for shopping and bites to eat at your leisure. The 3.9-mile journey runs through downtown from University of Arizona to Mercado San Augustin.

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Making sure everyone in the family enjoys their Tucson trip, be sure to check out Pima Air & Space Museum, where you can get up close and personal with a variety of aircraft, or head to Titan Missile Museum to uncover the history of the Cold War.

Surrounded by rugged desert, Tucson is a bounty of outdoor activities, historic landmarks and cultural hot spots, not to mention some of the best Southwestern cuisine in the region. This perfect pairing of big-city vibes and wild refuge will quickly become a family favorite.