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Five Things to Make Summer Special
(right here in Tucson!)
Ahh, it's that time of year again! School is almost out, the weather is ideal, and it's the perfect time to create family memories! As I was editing the articles and columns for this issue - my first official issue as GNT Editor - it dawned on me… Summertime is just right around the corner, and my wife and I had not made any vacation plans. And then I realized that the prospects of getting away this summer for an actual "vacation" are slim; we've got too much going on.
With this in mind, we started brainstorming things we can do right here in Tucson that will appeal to the whole family without costing us an arm and a leg. So here's what we're going to do, and perhaps some of these things will be of interest to you, also.
1. Climb "A" Mountain.
Our children love going to Sentinel Peak to climb the big "A." Their grandfather helped paint the "A" as a part of the 1949 freshman class at U of A (it's been a tradition for over 90 years for the freshman class to paint the "A"). Not only is the view of Tucson incredible from "A" Mountain, but Sentinel Peak is also a great place to share a picnic with your family. Admission is free. To get to "A" mountain, head West on Congress St. to Silverbell Rd. Turn left on Silverbell until Sentinel Peak Rd.
2. Check out a Sidewinders Baseball Game.
Watching the boys of summer play ball is fun for the whole family! Friday nights are even more special at Tucson Electric Park, as a fantastic fireworks show happens right after the game. General Admission seating is $6 per person. For more information, visit www.tucsonsidewinders.com.
3. Visit the Old West.
Trail Dust Town (home to the popular Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd) is a entertaining stop where your kids can experience a "western town" atmosphere. While admission to Trail Dust town is free, there is a nominal fee for the attractions: The miniature train ride is $1 for kids and $2 for adults, and gold panning costs $1 per person. Admission to the nightly "Wild West Stunt Shows" is by donation. Take note that the shows contain potentially offensive language, "slap-stick" style violence, blank gun fire, theatrical explosions, and falls. For more information, call 296-0911.
4. Cool down at the Y.
The Northwest YMCA (7770 N. Shannon Rd) features two outdoor pools, one of which is a zero depth family pool with a twirling water slide. The slide is fast and a blast for kids and adults. The water slide is open on the weekends from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will be open daily beginning Memorial Weekend. Admission for non-members is $3 .75 for adults and 75 cents for kids. For more information, call 229-9001.
5. Establish a Family Night.
You can even have fun right in your own home! Choose a night to spend together as a family. For our family night, we've decided to watch reruns of old television shows that are available on DVD. Think about dedicating one night a week to spend quality time with your family, playing games, watching movies together, laughing together, and building your relationships!
I hope these ideas help you think through some of the things you can do with your family without leaving the Old Pueblo…or maybe it inspires some ideas of your own. The main thing is to make time to be with your family. Your kids will remember it forever!
Editor, Good News Tucson Magazine
© 2008 Good News Tucson™