Things to do with the family

“A” Mountain:  This peak, to the west of Tucson, was a lookout point for the valley’s early inhabitants.  Indians watched for flash floods and approaching enemies; the Spaniards used it to provide warning of Apache raids.  Today, University of Arizona freshmen annually whitewash the “A”.

Amerind Foundation Museum:  An archaeological and ethnological museum, it displays jewelry, pottery, baskets, crafts and other items unique to the native people of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.  Located between Benson and Willcox off I-10.  Ongoing exhibits:  Horned Toads & Buckboards; The Prehistoric Southwest; and The Brush of Tradition in the Art Gallery.  Open daily, 10am-4pm; closed on Mondays & Tuesdays from June to August and major holidays.  (520) 586-3666.

Arizona Historical Society Sosa-Carrillo Fremont House Museum:  One of Tucson’s oldest adobe residences restored to circa 1880, when it was rented by Territorial Governor Fremont and his daughter.  The property was originally owned by the Jose Maria Sosa family around 1860 and later owned by the Leopoldo Carrillo family between 1878 and 1969.  Restored by the Tucson Heritage Foundation, now a branch museum of the Arizona Historical Society, the museum displays 19^th century furnishings and memorabilia of the Sosa, Carrillo & Fremont families.  151 S. Granada (Tucson Convention Center Complex).  (520) 622-0956.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:  Recognized worldwide as a leader in natural history interpretation and exhibitory, this “living” museum houses over 1,300 kinds of plants and 300 species of animals that live in enclosures designed to replicate their niche in the wild.  Docents answer questions and share their knowledge of the Sonoran Desert.  Visitors can enjoy a cappuccino on the veranda at Phoebe’s Coffee Bar or choose from a complete menu at Ironwood Terraces Restaurant.  Wheelchair-accessible, the museum is located 14 miles west of Tucson in Tucson Mountain Park.  Take Speedway west and follow the signs.  Open 7:30am-6:00pm daily.  2021 N. Kinney Rd. (520) 883-2702.

The Asarco Mineral Discovery Center:  An inside look at an operating open-pit copper mine is just part of the Mineral Discovery Center experience.  The Center features displays and exhibits explaining the history and process of mining and mine reclamation and a multimedia theater showing presentations related to mining and minerals.  Historic and modern mining equipment, including a series of huge ore hauling trucks, is displayed on the museum grounds.  The 1-hour bus tour through the Mission Mine includes views of the mining operations and a visit inside one of the mine’s copper mills.  Admission to the Center is free.  There is a small fee charged for the mine tour.  Wheelchair-accessible.  The Discovery Center is located 15 miles south of downtown Tucson at Pima Mine Road and Interstate 19.  Open Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm.  For more information call (520) 625-7513.

Barrio Viejo (Barrio Historico):  This redeveloped area of territorial Tucson is part of the original Barrio Libre, the oldest area of the city, located south of the walled presidio.  It includes the famous El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, located at 356 S. Main Ave.

Bisbee:  Situated about 100 miles southeast of Tucson, Bisbee is a charming old mining town.  Bus tours of the Lavender Pit Copper Mine, one of the world’s largest open pit mines, and guided underground tours of the Copper Queen Mine are offered.  You may also want to visit the Mining and Historical Museum and the Restoration Museum.  Free guided tours are available at Arizona Cactus & Succulent Research from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.  Group tours are welcome.  Located 6 miles south of Bisbee, just off Border Road.  For more information call or write:  Arizona Cactus, 8 South Cactus Lane, Bisbee, AZ 85603 or call (520) 432-7040. 

The Center for Creative Photography:  This archival home of many noted American photographers features changing photographic exhibits drawn from its archives of major 20^th-century photographers, as well as traveling exhibitions.  A library and research collections also are available on the UA campus just south of the Speedway underpass on Olive.  Mon.-Fri.:  11am-5pm; Sun.:  noon-5pm.  (520) 621-7698.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park:  This beautiful desert park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features daily guided tours of Colossal Cave.  Over the centuries, Colossal Cave, with its complex passageways and myriad crystal formations, has been a shelter for prehistoric people, a bandits’ hideout, an exciting dangerous playground, & a challenging workplace.  The Park also offers off-route Cave tours, Western trail rides, and cool wooded picnic areas.  Take Interstate 10 east to the Vail/Wentworth exit, then 7 miles north.  Mar.- Sept.:  Mon.-Sat.; 8am-6pm:  Sun. & holidays; 8am-7pm:  Sept.-Mar.:  Mon. – Sat.:  9am – 5pm; Sun. & holidays: 9am-6pm.  (520) 647-7275.

 Columbia University’s Biosphere 2 Center:  This $200 million facility, the world’s largest man-made controllable environment, has been visited by nearly a million and a half people from all over the world since opening in 1991.  It features tours daily including the Biosphere Theatre, Demonstration Labs, Human Habitat, Climate & Earth exhibit, Ocean Viewing Gallery, Restaurants and Gift Shops.  It also has conference facilities and guest suites overlooking the Sonoran Desert and Santa Catalina Mountains.  Inquire about special summer rates that include dinner and breakfast for two.  Thirty minutes north of Tucson.  Take highway 77 to Mile Marker 96.5.  Call (520) 896-6200 for information.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun:  An ongoing memorial to the late Ted DeGrazia, the prolific Tucson artist, whose watercolors of Mexican children won worldwide approval.  The unique adobe building was designed by the artist and houses many DeGrazia originals.  The gallery is open daily.  10am-4pm.  6300 N. Swan.  (520) 299-9191.

El Presidio Park:  Lt. Col. Hugo O’Conor of the Royal Spanish Army selected this site on August 20, 1775, as the location for a new frontier presidio.  The park is the southern half of the old Tucson presidio at 160 W. Alameda, and is known as Plaza de las Armas.

Flandrau Science Center, University of Arizona campus:  Corner of E. University Blvd. & Cherry Ave.  Hands-on science exhibits, multi-media planetarium and laser lights shows, Arizona’s largest collection of gems and minerals with over 15,000 specimens, 16-inch telescope for nighttime public observing, Science-To-Go field trip programs, on-site science demonstrations, overnight science camps, astronomy and science gift store.  Open daily, 9am-5pm; Wed.-Sat.:  7pm-9pm.  (520) 621-STAR.  Web site:  http://www.flandrau.org.

Fourth Avenue:  A unique pedestrian shopping area in historic downtown Tucson featuring unusual retail stores, boutiques, restaurants and craft shops.  The Fourth Avenue Merchants Association sponsors an annual Winter Street Fair in March that draws artisans and craftsmen from all over the country.

Garden of Gethsemane:  On the west bank of the Santa Cruz River at Congress Street, this unusual grouping of religious statues depicts the Holy Family, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.  The statues were created by the late Felix Lucero, a Spanish sculptor, who vowed to do the work when he was spared on a World War I battlefield.  Open daily, 9am-4pm.

Getaway Adventure Driving Tour:  A free audio cassette driving tour through the Coronado National Forest, narrated by Rex Allen and covering Sonoita, Sierra Vista, Tombstone and Bisbee.  Available from the Sierra Vista Convention and Visitors Bureau.  A $3 donation is requested.  (800) 288-3861.

 La Casa Cordova:  La Casa Cordova and the J. Knox Corbett House, part of the Tucson Museum and Historic Block, are two restored historic homes reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Tucson.  The historic residence of J. Knox Corbett abounds with rare period arts and crafts from the early 20^th century.  This historic home is the personification of early life in the old Pueblo, complete with drawers full of antique gloves, corsets and hankies, as well as hand-hewn bathroom medicine cabinets full of healing powders.  175 N. Meyer.  (520) 624-2333.

Mission San Xavier del Bac:  Because it can be seen for miles, this white edifice rising out of the desert is often called “The White Dove of the Desert.”  Situated in the midst of the San Xavier Indian Reservation, it is still the mission for the Tohono O’odham Indians and was the northernmost mission established by Father Eusebio Kino in 1629.  The present buildings were begun in 1783 and took approximately 14 years to construct.  They were restored in the early years of this century.  The mission has been in almost continual use since its foundation, and masses are celebrated every day except Monday.  (520) 294-2624.

Mt. Lemmon:  Just a 35-mile drive from Tucson is this retreat in the pines.  With an altitude of 8,250 feet, Mt. Lemmon provides winter skiing, a chance to see the leaves turn color in the fall and a way to cool off during the summer months.  There are numerous gift shops and restaurants to enjoy.

National Optical Astronomy Observatories at Kitt Peak:  Kitt Peak is home to the world’s largest collection of ground-based optical telescopes.  The Kitt Peak Visitor Center offers daily guided tours of telescope facilities, public observing events, and exhibits and videotape presentations on astronomy and the Tohono O’odham culture.  56 miles southwest of Tucson via State Route 86.  Recorded information:  (520) 318-8200.

Nogales, Sonora, Mexico:  A trip to this Mexican border town (60 miles south of Tucson) is a must for newcomers and tourists.  A great place for shopping and eating.  Nogales offers good values on hand-carved furniture, hand-blown glassware, lace and embroidered dresses, hand-woven rugs and more.  No passport or visa is necessary to enter Nogales; however, if you plan on traveling further into Mexico, you will need one or the other.

 Old Town Artisans:  Located within El Presidio Historic District in downtown Tucson, this 1850’s restored adobe building houses shops featuring contemporary and traditional work of hundreds of artists and craftsmen, representing the best of local talent, Native American tribal art, and imports from Latin American cultures.  In the walled Spanish-style patio is La Cocina, serving a variety of soups, salads, and items from the mesquite grill.  Call for directions.  (520) 623-6024.

Old Tucson Studios:  This world-famous Western theme park and movie set has seen the action of more than 300 motion pictures, TV shows and commercials, beginning with “Arizona” (1939) through “The Quick and the Dead” starring Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman.  Shows are presented daily with live gunfights.  Three restaurants, a cantina, ice-cream parlor, sweet shop and gift shops are on the grounds.  Tours available at Guest Relations window at the front gate.  Located 12 miles west of downtown.  Take Speedway or Ajo Way, exit west and follow the signs to 201 S. Kinney Rd.  Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.  Hours:  Dec.- mid April:  9am-7pm and 10am-6pm the rest of the year.  For more information call (520) 883-0100.

Picacho Peak:  If you’re heading north on Interstate 10, you may want to stop at Picacho Peak, the site of the only Civil War battle fought in Arizona (a plaque marks the spot).  In the spring, the hillsides are ablaze with wild flowers, offering wonderful photographic opportunities.

 Pima Air & Space Museum:  Over 200 aircraft are on display, ranging from a full-scale replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1903 flyer to the SR-71 Blackbird, the world’s fastest aircraft.  Daily 9am-5pm  (last admittance 4pm).  Closed on Christmas.  6000 E. Valencia.  (520) 574-6958

 Pima Air & Space Museum “Boneyard” Tours:  The docent-led experience will enable aviation enthusiasts to view the more than 5,000 aircraft currently stored at the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC).  The AMARC is a 2,600-acre open-air warehouse for aircraft, missiles, components and support equipment.  Open five days a week:  9:30am-5pm (guided tours only, reservations suggested.)  6000 E. Valencia.  (520) 574-0462.

Reid Park Zoo:  Tucson’s city zoo contains more than 300 species of mammals, fish, reptiles and birds from  all over the world.  New South American Habitat Loop features 12 exhibits housing more than 100 new animals.  Open daily 9am-4pm.  Closed Christmas Day.  (520) 791-3204.

Sabino Canyon:  The Santa Catalina Mountains form a huge triangle deeply cut by steep canyons.  Sabino is the largest, located 19 miles from downtown Tucson.  The canyon is a favorite picnic place because most of the year it boasts a bubbling mountain stream fed by the nearby peaks.  At the canyon’s entrance, the U.S. Forest Service maintains a visitor center staffed by ranger naturalists.  A series of exhibits explain the geology, history and nature lore of the region, and a marked nature trail offers fine examples of most of the plants native to the high desert.  Private vehicles are not allowed into the canyon, but a shuttle tram operates.  (520) 749-2861.

Sabino Canyon Tours, Inc.:  Shuttle tram operates 7 days a week.  Currently running Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm; weekends & holidays:  9am-4:30pm.  For group rates and moonlight ride information, call (520) 749-2861.

Saguaro National Park:  Tucson’s famous saguaro forest encompasses almost 80,000 acres in two separate regions of Pima County.  The main section, to the east, includes Tucson’s highest peaks, Rincon, Spud Rock and Mica Mountains.  Beneath slopes lined with pine, fir and aspen, the foothills are covered with saguaro cactus, a species that only grows in this area of the world.  A visitor center contains special exhibits about the saguaro and other desert flora and explains the influence of men and animals on the Sonoran Desert.  Some of these cacti live for more than 200 years and reach a height of 50 feet or more.  During May or early June, white or yellow blossoms top the saguaro branches.  Arizona’s early legislators selected the saguaro blossom as the state flower and applied its likeness to the Great Seal of Arizona.  Saguaro National Park West is 16 miles west of Tucson in the Tucson Mountains.  Naturalists conduct daily interpretive tours at both sites at 10am & 2pm during the winter season.  Park headquarters, 733-5100– Rincon Mountains visitor center, 733-5153 – Tucson Mountains visitor center, 733-5158.

Seven Falls:  A beautiful four-and-a-half mile hike from the lower portion of Sabino Canyon, the trail takes you to a clear, cool natural pool.  The Sabino Canyon tram will deliver you to the beginning of the trail.

Steward Observatory:  Contains a 21-inch telescope and a 7-inch photographic telescope.  Photos of outer space decorate the walls.  Call for information regarding public viewing nights.  University of Arizona campus.  (520) 621-2288.

Tohono Chul Park:  The park is a 48 acre desert preserve, promoting the preservation of arid lands and desert conservation and encouraging the use of desert plants in landscaping.  Self or guided tours take visitors along nature trails, to display gardens, cactus armadas and a greenhouse.  A tea room and two gift shops are on the grounds, as well as a gallery and exhibition hall displaying changing art exhibits.  The park is open daily, 7am to sunset.  Galleries and shops are open Mon. – Sat., 9:30am to 5pm; Sun. 11am to 4pm.  Tea Room hours are 8am to 5pm, daily.  The greenhouse is open Mon. – Sat. 10am to 4pm; Sun.:  11am to 4 pm.  7366 N. Paseo del Norte.  (520) 575-8468.

Tombstone:  Known as “The Town Too Tough to Die”, Tombstone was a notorious mining town and outlaw hangout.  Today, you can visit the site of the Gunfight at the OK Corral, the neighboring Historama, the Birdcage Theatre, Boothill Graveyard, Rose Tree Inn Museum and Court House Museum.  During October, the town stages “Helldorado Days”, a re-creation of the heydays of the town.  About 75 miles from Tucson.

Trail Dust Town:  Authentic old-West architecture and ambience are features of this “in town” western town – a Tucson landmark for almost 50 years.  In addition to the Savoy Opera House, Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, galleries and retail shops, Trail Dust Town has numerous attractions, including Dragoon Street Wild, Wild West Stunt Shows, the Fiesta del Presidio carousel, the C.P. Huntington narrow gauge train and mine tunnel tour, the Shootist Arcade, the wagon and carriage museum and more.  During Rodeo Week, Trail Dust Days features continuous live entertainment and western craftspeople.  6541 E. Tanque Verde.  Call for times of events and store openings.

Tubac:   Located in the Santa Cruz Valley, 50 miles south of Tucson, Tubac was at one time the site of a Spanish presidio built to protect nearby missions and settlements from unfriendly Indians.  Today, Tubac is known as an artists’ community where unique shops and art galleries offer pottery, hand-screened fabrics, art, jewelry and more.  In February, the town sponsors a nine-day festival featuring international crafts, art demonstrations, entertainment and food.

Tucson Botanical Gardens:  Situated in the center of Tucson, this collection of gardens includes a xeriscape (arid landscaping) demonstration garden, a historic Tucson garden, spring wild flower garden, tropical greenhouse and iris garden.  Lecture tours offered.  Open 7 days a week, 8:30am to 4:30pm (except city holidays).  Gift shop open Mon. – Fri.:  8:30am to 4pm; Sat.:  9am to 4pm; Sun.:  noon to 4pm.  2150 N. Alvernon.  (520) 326-9225.

Tucson Mountain Park:  Located west of Tucson, in the Tucson Mountains, this 12,000 acre preserve encompasses some of the most beautiful desert in the Southwest.  The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Old Tucson are within its boundaries, as is Gilbert Ray Campground, which provides spaces for trailers and campers to park for one week.

Tucson Museum and Historic Block:  A recent $3 million expansion doubled the Museum’s gallery and public spaces.  Tucson Museum of Art offers a varied year-around schedule of changing fine arts and crafts exhibitions.  Permanent collections included Western, Pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial, 20^th Century European and American Art.  Galleries are housed in a complex that covers an entire block and includes the historically restored La Casa Cordova and J. Knox Corbett homes, Casa Romero, a library, serene outdoor courtyards with many sculptures and an elegant Museum Shop, featuring the best of Arizona’s artisans.  Mon. – Sat.:  10am to 4pm; Sun.:  noon to 4pm.  140 N. Main.  (520) 624-2333.

Tumacacori National Monument:  Just off I-19, 48 miles south of Tucson, the ancient Franciscan mission of Tumacacori was one of a string of missions established by Father Eusebio Kino some 200 years ago.  Today, the ruins of the mission church and other buildings, as well as extensive gardens, are all open to the public.