Tucson is in full “Rodeo Mode” this week. With many schools heading into Rodeo Break this Thursday and Friday, the city is packed with desert hikes, story times, and western traditions. Here is your comprehensive guide to the week, including the new events and current pricing.
Monday, Feb 23
- 1. Desert Ecology Hike
- Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Location: Sweetwater Preserve
- Cost: Free
- The Vibe: Start the week outside. Pima County naturalists lead a guided hike through the preserve—a great way for kids to burn off energy while learning about the local landscape.
- 2. Babytime
- Time: 10:15 AM | Location: Joel D. Valdez Main Library (Downtown)
- Cost: Free
- The Vibe: (Featured Story Time) A short, engaging session for the littlest ones (0-18 months) in a comfortable, air-conditioned social space.
- 3. Read to a Dog
- Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Location: Sahuarita Library
- Cost: Free
- The Vibe: A low-pressure environment where kids can build confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog.
Tuesday, Feb 24
- 4. Family Storytime
- Time: 10:30 AM | Location: Quincie Douglas Library
- Cost: Free
- The Vibe: Designed for kids ages 0–5, usually including a hands-on craft or sensory play activity afterward.
- 5. La Fiesta de los Vaqueros (Tucson Rodeo)
- Time: Gates open at 11:00 AM | Location: Tucson Rodeo Grounds
- Cost: $18+ (Varies by seating; Kids 12 & under are often discounted)
- The Vibe: Tuesday is a great day to catch professional competition and the carnival atmosphere before the massive parade crowds arrive later in the week.
- 6. Clay Play
- Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Location: CMOV at Tohono Chul
- Cost: Free with Admission (Tohono Chul entry: Adults $15; Kids 5-12 $6; Under 5 Free)
- The Vibe: Hands-on sculpting and sensory play in an outdoor garden setting.
Wednesday, Feb 25
- 7. Garden Story Time
- Time: 10:00 AM | Location: Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Cost: Free with Admission (Adults $19; Kids 4-17 $10; Under 4 Free)
- The Vibe: A mid-week reset with nature-themed stories, puppets, and songs. The gardens are at their best this time of year.
- 8. Birds of Prey: Night & Day
- Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Location: Tohono Chul (Children’s Ramada)
- Cost: Free with Admission
- The Vibe: A live wildlife encounter where kids can meet hawks and owls and learn about desert predators.
- 9. Wee Create
- Time: 12:30 PM | Location: Children’s Museum Tucson (Downtown)
- Cost: $12 (General Admission)
- The Vibe: An art-focused session where kids can get messy with paint and crafts—and you don’t have to handle the cleanup.
Thursday, Feb 26 (Rodeo Break)
- 10. The 101st Tucson Rodeo Parade
- Time: 9:00 AM | Location: South 6th Avenue (New Route)
- Cost: Free (Grandstand seating $11–$17)
- The Vibe: A Tucson institution. The world’s longest non-motorized parade featuring horses, wagons, and local pride.
- 11. Discovery Nights
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Location: Children’s Museum Tucson (Downtown)
- Cost: Free / Pay-What-You-Wish
- The Vibe: Avoid the daytime sun and explore interactive exhibits during these special evening community hours.
Friday, Feb 27 (Rodeo Break)
- 12. Wee Play Bilingüe
- Time: 12:30 PM | Location: Children’s Museum Tucson (Downtown)
- Cost: $12 (General Admission)
- The Vibe: A bilingual play session that encourages language development through games and social interaction.
- 13. Rodeo Round Up
- Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Location: Trail Dust Town
- Cost: Free Entry; $8 Unlimited Ride Wristbands
- The Vibe: Unlimited train, carousel, and Ferris wheel rides, plus Western stunt shows at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
- 14. Jazz Under the Stars
- Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Location: Tohono Chul (Garden Bistro)
- Cost: Free entry to bistro area (Menu prices vary)
- The Vibe: A relaxed Friday evening. It’s kid-friendly enough that they can wander the paths while you enjoy live music and a cocktail.
