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Get Ready for Some Adventure this Summer, at Boomer Bear’s Favorite Arizona Places!

Join Boomer Bear for a state-wide tour of some great locations that are sure to make your summer break a lot cooler.

Route 66, Grand Canyon Railway, Bearizona & More!

A cool spot in our state is Williams. The so-called “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” boasts cool temperatures and even cooler things to do. Williams is the place to catch a ride aboard the Grand Canyon Railway. This northern Arizona town has forests and lakes for hiking and fishing, too. Plus, your family can drive through Bearizona and see animals including wolves, bison, and, of course, bears!

The main street in Williams is the Historic Route 66. It’s a great place to see a classic car, find a tasty treat, or cruise up and down on foot or on a zip line. While you are in town, you might want to check out the Poozeum—a free museum with a collection of coprolites, aka fossilized dinosaur poop! Find more fun adventures at experiencewilliams.com. Plan your railway trip to the Grand Canyon by visiting thetrain.com.

Cool Things at the Library

Libraries are always a cool place to hang out, and as part of the 2025 Summer Reading Program, Color Our World, kids can fill out a game board to win a prize. The Summer Reading Program runs through Aug. 2.

The colorful theme inspired libraries to add many arts and crafts, and animal and science related activities this summer. Kids can learn about electricity or learn about gardening. They might even meet a bunny or a miniature horse!

The library is always a good place to check out story times or practice reading skills with a Read to a Dog session. Kids can do yoga at the library, too. Find more information on Summer Reading 2025 and the hours and events at your branch by visiting library.pima.gov.

Climb the Walls at Rock Solid

When it’s too hot to go outside, don’t climb the walls at home. Climb the walls at Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness. Kids can attend a five day camp or single day camp and learn climbing techniques, play games, create art, do some yoga, and lots more. Thursdays feature outdoor water sports and games.

If you are interested in climbing but you’re not sure if it’s your thing, check out Trial Day on July 26. You can meet the coaches, run obstacle courses, get introduced to climbing and see if it’s right for you. There will be two 2-hour sessions from 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. for $20. For more information, go to rocksolidclimbing.com.

When it’s too hot to go outside, don’t climb the walls at home. Climb the walls at Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness. Kids can attend a five day camp or single day camp and learn climbing techniques, play games, create art, do some yoga, and lots more. Thursdays feature outdoor water sports and games.

If you are interested in climbing but you’re not sure if it’s your thing, check out Trial Day on July 26. You can meet the coaches, run obstacle courses, get introduced to climbing and see if it’s right for you. There will be two 2-hour sessions from 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. for $20. For more information, go to rocksolidclimbing.com.

Bisbee—History, Haunts and More!

Looking for a day trip with temperatures a little bit cooler than Tucson? Head to Bisbee, AZ. Bisbee is located in Cochise County a little over 90 miles from Tucson. Bisbee was a copper, gold and silver mining town in the late 1800s and the current population is just under 5,000.

In Bisbee you can visit the Art Wall, Camp Naco, the Historic Warren Ballpark (the Copper Classic games take place in April), take the Copper Creek Mine Tour, stay at the Bisbee Grand Hotel or Copper Queen Hotel (both of which are said to be haunted) and you can even take a ghost tour. Stroll through the Old Bisbee Neighborhood where you will find art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and more.

Cool Facts About Arizona

• • The highest peak in Arizona is Humphreys Peak at 12,633.
• • The coldest temperature in the state was -40°F at Hawley Lake.
• • Mount Lemmon is the southernmost ski area in the United States.

Big Screen Fun at the Fox Theatre!

Enjoy a free historical theatre tour at the Fox Tucson Theatre. Tours take place the first Tuesday of each month beginning at noon. The tour lasts 60–90 minutes and will educate you on the history of the Fox Theatre.

Be sure to register for Monsoon Literacy Celebration at the Fox Theatre on July 12. This afternoon event will feature a movie, singing, dancing, free books and photos with mascots Kitt the Fox and Boomer Bear. This event is suggested for ages 4–9, but all ages are welcome. Register for the Literacy event at www.foxtucson.com/event/lit-event-25/tickets/

Arizona’s Underground Jewel!

What stays a cool 70° F but with around 99 percent humidity? It’s the spectacular underground world of Kartchner Caverns State Park!

An hours drive southeast of Tucson, it’s a living, breathing cave. Called a wet cave, water drips and collects, depositing minerals on the cave formations (SPELEOTHEMS), making them grow.

This underground jewel of the desert is delicate, a series of rooms covering roughly 1,600’ x 1,000’. Discovered by cave enthusiasts Randy Tufts and Gary Tenen in 1974, the two kept their discovery a secret for four years to protect the cave. The Kartchner family owned the land, and after being informed about the cave in 1978, the group worked with Arizona State Parks to carefully open it to the public.

Kartchner Caverns is a guided tour. The Big Room tour is closed this time of year until mid-October so bats can use the Big Room as a dark and quiet nursery for their babies. The dazzling Rotunda/Throne Room tour is available year round and reservations are required and booking in advance is recommended.

Arriving an hour ahead of their tour time, families start at the Discovery Center to learn about caves, what lives in them and can watch a short film about Kartchner’s discovery. Guests then board a tram to go up to the cave entrance. Inside you’ll see growing stalactites and stalagmites, cave bacon, delicate soda straws and the massive Kubla Khan column. The tour is wheelchair accessible—no scooters though. Above ground, there are also hiking trails, a gift shop, a Bat Cave Café and campground and RV sites. Go to azstateparks.com/kartchner for details.

Boost Your Brain, and Have a Blast!

Each weekend at Children’s Museum Tucson, families can attend Family Brain Boost. This is a STEM based program that the entire family will enjoy. The program starts at noon on both Saturdays and Sundays and is presented in both English and Spanish on Saturdays.

An interactive program with science, arts and culture with bilingual activities is Discovery Nights. This free program takes place each Thursday from 5–7 p.m.

A great way to stay cool in the summer is to visit the Children’s Museum Oro Valley, which is located at Tohono Chul. Each Tuesday and Sunday kids can attend Clay Play and unleash their creative talents as they sculpt and mold with clay. New at CMOV is the Kids Cactus Club. Kids will receive a punch card and each time they visit CMOV they earn prizes. Thunderstorm Thursdays are filled with water play and icy cold treats. Kids will learn about monsoons in a fun and creative way from 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Even More Family Fun!

While it is hot outside, you can enjoy the cooler evening hours and stay out a little late while school is out. Summer evenings are a great time for family fun at Golf N Stuff.

At Golf N Stuff, you can play a round of miniature golf on one of the two 18-hole courses, ride go-karts, play in the arcade, play lazer tag, or maybe feel a refreshing splash of water while you battle your friends or siblings on the bumper boats.

Family night happens every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. Family Night offers include discounted 2-hour wristbands and Mini Park passes. Find out more at golfnstuff.com/tucson.

If paddle sports are your thing, you can find indoor pickleball, ping pong, and more at The Pad in downtown Tucson. The Pad offers lessons and events for every skill level, whether you are a champion at table tennis or a newbie to pickleball or padel.

For an introduction to different racquet sports or to work on their current court skills, kids can attend summer camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from July 7–11 or July 21–25. Single day camps are also available.

In addition to its world-class courts, The Pad has a gym and a cafe. It’s a great spot to get moving and still keep your cool. For more information, visit thepadtucson.com.