Reid Park Zoo

1030 S. Randolph Way (in Reid Park), Tucson.

Phone 505-881-4753

Daily 9 am-4 pm.

More than 400 animals from around the world can be seen in naturalistic surroundings at this zoo, located on the grounds of one of the city's most popular parks. Rhinos, zebras, elephants, polar bears, giraffes, baboons and anteaters are among the many species in residence.

Tucson Children’s Museum

200 S. Sixth Ave. (in the Carnegie Library building), downtown, Tucson.

Phone 520-792-9985.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

This museum is aimed at children ages 6 through 12 and has different areas for them to explore. The Tucson Children’s Museum features 10 hands-on galleries that demonstrate science, machinery, and natural history.

Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum

2021 N. Kinney Road (30 minutes northwest of downtown), Tucson.

Phone 520-883-2702.

October-February daily 8:30 am-5 pm, March-September daily 7:30 am-5 pm. November-April

Prairie dogs pop up, rattlesnakes slither (behind protective glass), coyotes howl and Gila monsters lie in the high noon sun at this wonderful museum with more than 300 species of native wildlife. Tours and live demonstrations can teach you even more about what lives in the Sonoran Desert.

Columbia University's Biosphere 2 Center

Oracle Road (Highway 77) at mile marker 96.5 (about 20 minutes north of Tucson), Oracle.

Daily 9 am-4 pm.

Phone 520-838-6200. All of Earth's climates and ecosystems including oceans, rain forests, marshes, deserts, and African-style savannahs are represented within the center's 3-acre glass-and-steel structure. An updated tour includes a new visitor center, movie, and gift shop.   The guided tour leads visitors Under the Glass  to experience first-hand the center's re-created "miniworld." Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking

Funtasticks Family Fun Park

221 E. Wetmore Road (next to Tucson Mall), Tucson.

Phone 520-888-4653.

A park with a diverse range of family entertainment. For small children, there are mini go-karts and tiny bumper boats, a pint-sized arcade and even a kiddie coaster. Older kids (and adults, too) can take a swing at the batting cages, miniature golf, bungee trampoline and video arcade. Daily; hours vary by season, call for details.

Justin's Water World

3551 S. San Joaquin Road, Tucson.

Phone 505-883-8340.

May-September Friday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm.

Waterslides and pools for children of all ages are in store for visitors to Justin's Water World.