Summer is incredibly hot here — we all know that. The kids are home from school and now the question is how will they stay happy and engaged.
There’s the annual Loft Kids’ Fest (it’s free!), Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo and Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
What follows is a list of possibilities for keeping the shorties happy. Don’t worry. Most of these are either in the cool part of the day or inside where the air con works.
The Loft Kids’ Fest
Keep children happy with The Loft’s yearly Loft Kids’ Fest. It all kicks off with a Looney Tunes Outdoor Movie Party at 6 p.m. Friday, May 31. The Loft says there will be plenty of fun with games and activities. Then at 8 p.m., settle in under the stars for Looney Tunes and Warner Bros. cartoons, many from the golden age of animation. It takes place on the north end of Himmel Park, 1000 N. Tucson Boulevard.
Best of all, the entire evening is free.
The following movies will be shown as part of the Kids’ Fest. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. and movies begin at 10 a.m. Screenings take place at the Loft, 3233 E. Speedway Boulevard.
• “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Mutant Mayhem,” Saturday, June 1. While supplies last, a free Eegee’s will be handed out after the movie.
• “Wall-E,” Sunday, June 2
• “Mary and the Witch’s Flower,” Saturday, June 8
• “Wonka,” Sunday, June 9
• “The Land Before Time,” Saturday, June 15
• “The Neverending Story,” Sunday, June 16
• “Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse,” Saturday, June 22
• “The Wizard of Oz,” Sunday, June 23
• “Pokemon Detective Pikachu,” Saturday, June 29
•"The Little Mermaid,” Sunday, June 30
Cost: Free, but it’s first-come,
first-served.
Info: 520-795-7777, loftcinema.org
Summer Safari Nights at
Reid Park Zoo
Find out if, indeed, zebras are reactionary and antelopes are missionaries at this year’s Summer Safari Nights at Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court. The gates are open from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturdays. There’s a new theme each week with activities to match. Enjoy keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, giraffe feedings, carousel rides, crafts and games. Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase. The Flamingo Grill will be open for dinner, and live entertainment will provide the soundtrack.
Here’s the lineup:
• May 25: Large and in charge
Highlighted Animals: Elephants and rhinos
Entertainment: Tucson Twist Its
• June 1: Super Heroes and Animal Super Powers
Highlighted Animals: Tamandua, giraffe, reptiles
Entertainment: Jamie’s Gang
Desert Peach Shopping Night at the Zoo
• June 8: Ocean Conservation & Sustainable Seafood
Highlighted Animals: Grizzly, otter, pacu
Entertainment: Amber Gaia
• June 15: Pollinator Power
Highlighted Animals: Lemurs, tapir, bats, monarch butterflies
Entertainment: The Just Intervals
Desert Peach Shopping Night at the Zoo
• June 22: Hoofin’ It
Highlighted Animals: Rhino, giraffe, zebra
Entertainment: Kids Unlimited
• June 29: Meet Your Zoo Night
Highlighted Animals: All
Entertainment: Speedway Brothers
Pathway to Asia Talk From Nancy Kluge, CEO
Learn About All the Zoo Departments and Committees
• July 6: Spots & Stripes
Highlighted Animals: Zebra, jaguar, giraffe, ring-tailed lemurs
Entertainment: Baja Caravan
• July 13: Slow & Steady: Reptiles Rule!
Highlighted Animals: Gator, turtle/tortoise, snakes, chuckwalla, bearded dragon
Entertainment: Mama Coal
Desert Peach Shopping Night at the Zoo
• July 20: Caring for Carnivores
Highlighted Animals: Lion, jaguar, African wild dog, meerkat, otter, vulture
Entertainment: Mr. Nature’s Music Garden
• July 27: Bear Necessities
Highlighted Animals: Andean bear, grizzly bear
Entertainment: Chris Arpad
Desert Peach Shopping Night at the Zoo
• Aug. 3: Bird is the Word
Highlighted Animals: All birds in the aviaries, flamingos, ostriches, crown cranes, peacocks
Entertainment: Jacob Acosta
• Aug. 10: From the Amazon to the Andes – Celebrating South American Animals
Highlighted Animals: Andean bear, capybara, anteater, tapir, jaguar, sloth, Galapagos tortoise, rhea, squirrel monkey
Entertainment: Tiny House of Funk
Desert Peach Shopping Night at the Zoo.
Cost is free for zoo members and children younger than 2; $6.50 for children ages 2 to 14; $8.50 for seniors ages 62 and older and $10.50 for adults ages 15 to 61.
Info: 520-791-3204, reidparkzoo.org
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
The summer months — when we get Tucson to ourselves—is the perfect time to visit Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2027 N. Kinney Road. Many animals start their days at night, when it’s cooler. It happens every Saturday night throughout June, July and August with a different theme and activities each night. Learn from docents, who will be around to interpret the desert, and speakers in the air-conditioned auditorium.
Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Saturdays
Here’s the lineup:
• June 8: World Oceans Night
• June 15: All About Art
• June 22: Dino Night
• June 29: Astronomy Night, the museum will be open until 10 p.m.
• July 6: Creatures of the Night
• July 13: Caturday Night Live
• July 20: Radical Reptiles
• July 27: The Magic of Monsoons
• Aug. 3: Singing with Saguaros
• Aug. 10: Insectopia
• Aug. 17: Bat Night
• Aug. 24: Teachers Appreciation Night
Some exhibits close early for safety reasons. The gardens close at 6:45 p.m. and the aviaries and Desert Loop Trail closes at 7 p.m.
The Mountain House Gift Shop, the Ocotillo Cafe and Phoebe’s Coffee Bar all close at 9 p.m. The bar at the Ocotillo Cafe and the Ironwood Terraces Restaurant close at 8 p.m. The Ironwood Gift Shop closes at 8:30 p.m.
Admission is $29.95 for visitors aged 13 to 64; $19.95 for youth ages 3 to 12; free for Desert Museum members, Native Americans with Tribal or CIB and children aged 2 and younger. Seniors 65 and older, and retired and active duty military receive a $2 discount.
There is a $20 discount on general admission and a $12 discount for youth tickets for those who hold a valid, nonexpired Arizona-state issued EBT card with valid photo I.D.
For an extra $3, touch a stingray.
Info: 520-883-2702, desertmuseum.org
Tohono Chul: Gardens, Galleries, Bistro
Head over to Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte and take a peek at what thrives under the desert sun. Learn why Tucson isn’t the home to tall, broad-leafed trees like maples or why cactus flowers are so showy. Plus, there are classes, exhibits and live music.
Daily, mostly in the morning, there are guided walks. Starting at 8:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, learn about the Birds of Tohono Chul. Check the website for more tours.
The Garden Bistro, the onsite restaurant, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, including Sunday. Last seating is at 4 p.m.
Chill at the Chul with live music from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in June, July and August. Admission is free and beverages will be available for purchase.
Other events include:
Capturing the Queen, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 31, in Classroom 1 in the Education Center. Bloom Night is coming. Learn how to catch elusive images like the night-blooming cereus cactus with photographer and author Karen Wright. She will discuss exposure, lens choices, lighting and composition and lead a short walk to locate the cereus cactus. The cost is $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers. Registration is required.
Curiosity Talks: LGBT+ A History in Arizona, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Wilson Room. Emmy-nominated Marshall Shore will deep dive into this very human aspect of history. Here in Arizona, the LGBT+ history began long before we were a state with a Native American belief of Two Spirits. Admission is free. Reservations are requested.
Vine & Dine: A five-course wine dinner at the Garden Bistro, 5:30 to 8:30 Thursday, June 20. Chef will pair five courses using locally sourced ingredients with offerings from Dos Cabezas Wineworks. Cost is $125 a seat. Reservations are required.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission is $15 for adults; $6 children ages 5 to 12; and students with ID, seniors and active military, $13.
Info: 520-742-6455, tohonochul.org.
Here are a few other places to visit this summer:
Eats
Rollies Mexican Patio
Eating at this casual dining space is like an invitation to your best friend’s uncle’s cookout. The menu is limited but the food is mighty. Owner and chef Mateo Otero is a seventh-generation Tucsonan and these dishes are from his mother and grandmother’s kitchen. The tacos are a real Sonoran treat and the dessert, well, who knew ice cream and conchas could be so tasty?
Rollies Mexican Patio, 4373 S. 12th Avenue
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; closed Sunday
520-300-6289
facebook.com/rolliestucson
KingFisher Bar and Grill
KingFisher is where Tucson goes for an elegant plate of seafood, including fresh oysters and shrimp. Once again, staff will take us on a summer road trip to experience the Southwest and Baja — without leaving the city. Begin with grilled octopus or beef tripe chicharron, followed by a plate of pan-seared plantain chip-crusted tuna and end with prickly pear dulce de leche cookies. You don’t have to have seafood. Get the braised beef short ribs or a grilled, half-pound Angus beef burger. A full-service bar will supply the drinks.
KingFisher Bar and Grill
2564 E. Grant Road
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday
11 a.m. to midnight Friday
4 p.m. to midnight Saturday
Closed Sunday
520-323-7739
kingfishertucson.com
facebook.com/kingfishertucson
Tumerico
Tumerico’s vegan tacos made chef Guy Fieri call his mom upon trying them. Featuring vegetarian/vegan Latin American cuisine, Tumerico is one of the first places Tucsonans go when they want food made from local heritage ingredients. Chef Wendy Garcia serves the community through healing food.
Tumerico
2526 E. Sixth Street
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday
9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Closed Monday
520-240-6947
facebook.com/tumerico.tumerico
tumerico.com
Buffet Bar
Talk about a Tucson institution. Established in 1934, the buffet bar is the oldest bar in Tucson. Everyone from students to construction workers, to judges and attorneys eat here. It’s a tradition for new UA graduates to have breakfast here. The place is great, but you must be 21 or older.
Buffet Bar
538 E. Ninth Street
6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Noon to 2 p.m. Monday
520-623-6811
buffetbartucson.com
Tandem American Eatery
Sometimes you just get hungry for a lobster roll, nothing else will do, but a trip to Maine is out of the question. When that happens, head to Tandem American Eatery and treat yourself to more than a lobster roll. There’s smoked shrimp and avocado toast. Then there are the burgers, the salads and the loaded fries, the latter of which comes with slow-braised short ribs and bleu cheese. There’s a kids’ menu, too.
Tandem American Eatery
8864 E. Tanque Verde Road
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Closed Sunday
520-526-2501
tandemaz.com
Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines
Plaza Liquors and Fine Wine specializes in locally and Arizona-made beverages. Who wouldn’t enjoy prickly pear vodka with a couple of bleu cheese-stuffed olives? Find that and more at this landmark store. They have delivery, too.
Plaza Liquors and Fine Wines
2642 N. Campbell Avenue
Noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday
10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday
520-327-0452
plazatucson.com/
Mercado San Agustin
Fresh Mexican Sweets? Check. Lifestyle boutique? Check. Coffee, burritos, men’s shop, and casual and upscale dining? Check, check, check and check. Best of all is the plaza with shade and places to sit.
Mercado San Agustin
100 S. Avenida del Convento
7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
mercadodistrict.com
Fourth Avenue Delicatessen
Gather your strength for your Fourth Avenue shopping adventure at the Fourth Avenue Deli, where you can sit down to a quarter-pound T-Town turkey sandwich or an Italian roast beef Dillinger sandwich. Both will keep your engine humming.
Fourth Avenue Delicatessen
425 N. Fourth Avenue
11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
520-624-3354
Caruso’s
End your Fourth Avenue adventure at Caruso’s, another Tucson institution. Sample a plate of lasagna or chicken parmesan and end it with tiramisu.
Caruso’s
434 N. Fourth Avenue
4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday
11:30 to 9 p.m. Friday to Sunday
Closed Monday
520-624-5765
carusositalian.com
Sonoita
Los Milics Vineyards
Take a ride east and enjoy the beautiful backroads to Los Milics Vineyards, where you can sample the wine and small bites. The tasting room overlooks the vineyards and the mountains. Find dry whites, rosés and pinot noirs here. There are dark reds, too. Reservations are recommended, though.
Los Milics Vineyards
423 Upper Elgin Road, Elgin
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
Closed Monday to Wednesday
520-221-0180
losmilicsvineyards.com
Tucson
Main Gate Square
So many shops and restaurants! How do you choose? So what do you like? Mexican? There’s Agave House. Italian? Bacio Italiano. None of these sound right? There’s Fuku Sushi, Chipotle, Jimmy’s Pita and Poke, Frog & Firkin, Kababeque Indian Grill, The Scented Leaf Tea House and Lounge, among so many delicious others.
It also houses stores to peruse, concerts to enjoy and a drug store for whatever else you may need.
Main Gate Square
814 E. University Boulevard
maingatesquare.com
Rialto Theatre
Any theater that advertises the next show with a beautifully painted mural on its side is worth investigating. The place features plenty of interesting acts, like a tribute to Patsy Cline, Silversun Pickups, Melissa Carper and Chameleons. Check its website for more.
Rialto Theatre
318 E. Congress Street
520-740-1000
facebook.com/TheRialtoTucson
rialtotheatre.com
Club Congress
Who doesn’t love music? Hustle down to Club Congress, where, with three venues, there’s bound to be something you like. Check out Club Congress if you like rock, alternative and anything new. Not your cup of tea? Check out Century Room, where the cool cats hang. Here you will find jazz, lots of jazz. Like the old stuff? You're in luck. We're looking forward to Mood Indigo, a Tribute to Duke Ellington. Keep an ear open for the new stuff, too.
Finally, check out the club stage, where the music is al fresco. There's always something going on but you never know what.
Hotel Congress
311 E. Congress Street
hotelcongress.com
520-622-8848
1-800-722-8848
Tucson Jewish Community Center
Age, ability, faith or identity: it doesn’t matter at Tucson JCC. There’s a gallery, book clubs, art workshops, places for kids to chill and a well-equipped gym. Look for aquatics, personal trainers, racquet sports, group classes and fitness training. In other words, everything you need to get and stay fit.
Tucson Jewish Community Center
3800 E. River Road
5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday
5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
Tucson Museum of Art
The Tucson Museum of Art seeks to connect art to life by providing meaningful experiences that inspire discovery, spark creativity and promote cultural understanding. And it does. With works of the American West and Indigenous arts to name just a couple of genres in its collection, and with revolving exhibitions, there will always be something to generate interest no matter who is visiting.
Get breakfast, lunch or a snack at Cafe a La C’Art.
The cafe’s hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and closed on Monday.
Tucson Museum of Art
140 N. Main Avenue
Museum hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday
Closed Monday and Tuesday
520-624-2333
tucsonmuseumofart.org
Bisbee
Bisbee has a history as a mining town, but over the years, it has been shaped by its arts community, shops, bars and haunted spaces.
Bisbee caters to people with different interests with fine and casual dining options, niche shops, art galleries, ghost and mining tours, museums, historic buildings and attractions. This makes for the perfect Bisbee experience for those wanting adventure, good food, a fun nightlife experience, a chance to engage with the arts or further insight into Bisbee’s history.
Guests can wet their whistle as they start their Bisbee adventure at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company, with a selection of eight beers, counting the root beer. They claim that libation will take guests back to the drive-in, even if they’ve never had the pleasure. Otherwise, choose from a pilsner, stout, ale, even a gluten-free “beer” known as Salut. Pair those with a few snacks, such as brats, chili or brats with chili. Visitors may even bring in their own food.
For those with cocktails on their minds, Old Bisbee Brewing Company’s Bisbee Blue Gin, made the usual way but with plenty of loving care. The gin really is blue. Find it at the company’s website: oldbisbeedistilling.com
After the eats, have a good laugh at Chuckleheads, Bisbee’s comedy club. Or enjoy a drink and live music. It’s all there. For anyone interested in trying out their comedy on the crowd, send them an email.
Some people don’t ever get scared. At least that’s what they say. Send them on a real ghost hunt because Bisbee’s got them. Lots of them. Find out where they are with the Bisbee Ghost App, or bisbeeghost.app. Find places that are said to have ghostly visitors, read about or listen to scary Bisbee ghost stories and measure the atmosphere to see if there is anyone (or anything) present with the in-app sensor reader. Happy hunting.
After the hunt, head to one of the local hotels to snag a room and get some shut-eye.
Since 1927, travelers have been stopping at the Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court in one way or another. Today guests stay in remodeled, vintage Airstream trailers. Lucky guests who have scored a reservation never have to leave the property during their vacation if they don’t want to. On weekends grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at Dot’s Diner. The menu is small, but mighty. If adult beverages are in the plans, hit Dots & Dashes, where there are drink specials. On weekends, there’s even live entertainment.
If a vintage trailer is not in the plans (i.e., booked), then look to the Copper City Inn, where three rooms with all the amenities are just waiting for someone to stay there. Someone adult, that is. No one younger than 16 years old may stay, nor do they accommodate pets. Only two people per room please. Also, the rooms are accessible by stairs. However, each room has its own set of French doors out to a balcony and the parking is free.
For those who like to stay right Downtown, get a room at the Bisbee Grand. The place has been receiving guests since 1906 so hospitality is its thing. The weary may choose from a hot tub suite or a budget room but everyone gets to lounge on the quiet patio and enjoy free parking. Downstairs from the rooms is a casual restaurant, which opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner, but in the morning if guests show their room key, they receive a complimentary breakfast. The restaurant features a fully stocked bar where the tenders know how to mix a drink. There is also live entertainment just about every night
Info: discoverbisbee.com
