Explore historic mining towns, serene lakeside retreats, underground wonders, world‑class wine regions, alpine escapes, and stargazing havens—all within easy reach of the city. Each destination offers a distinct taste of Southern Arizona’s landscape, culture, and charm.
🏊♀️ Edith Ball Adaptive Recreation Center (Swimming)**
3455 E Zoo Court (within Reid Park) • (520) 791‑5643
An award‑winning inclusive aquatics facility, the Edith Ball ARC features a shaded recreation pool with walking channel, splash features and lap lanes. The indoor warm therapy pool offers accessible support for improved flexibility, pain relief and relaxation—a great spot for families or therapeutic exercise.
Tip: Check the City’s Parks website for aquatic fitness class times and open swim calendars.
🦆 Reid Park Duck Pond
900 S Randolph Way (within Reid Park)
Take a leisurely stroll around the serene duck pond, shaded by mature trees and dotted with benches and artwork. Keep your eyes peeled for ducks, turtles and geese lazily enjoying the water among beautiful fragrant flowers—a peaceful escape within the park.
Tip: Visit early morning to see wildlife at their most active and enjoy a quiet moment before the day starts.
Open since 1965, this 24‑acre zoo showcases hundreds of animals—ranging from prairie dogs, squirrel monkeys and farm animals to lions, elephants and flamingos—in spacious, naturalistic exhibits. Family-friendly features include holiday light displays and the Behind‑the‑Scenes tour, offering up-close giraffe and rhino encounters.
Tip: Book your Behind‑the‑Scenes tour in advance. Zoo Lights in early December is magical for families.
⚾ Corbett Field Baseball Stadium
900 S Randolph Way (within Reid Park)
Home to University of Arizona Wildcats baseball, Corbett Field is a classic ballpark with major‑league caliber amenities. Cheer on the team while enjoying concessions, ample seating and a popular local atmosphere. There are also six adult baseball fields nearby often hosting amateur games.
Tip: Grab a stadium hot dog and soda and catch a weekday or weekend collegiate game for affordable fun.
🎵 Reid Park Amphitheatre
Within Reid Park
This outdoor venue offers stellar acoustics where concertgoers can hear performers clearly while enjoying Tucson’s cool evening air. Bring chairs or a blanket, arrive early to secure a good spot, and settle in under the stars for a memorable night—whether listening to jazz, country or symphonic music.
Tip: Pack a picnic, including wine if allowed, and enjoy live music in the open air with friends or family.
A beautifully maintained rose garden featuring over 800 bushes from more than 100 varieties, lovingly cared for by volunteers. Closed in winter, the garden blooms spectacularly from February through May and won the Pacific Southwest Garden of the Year Award.
Tip: Visit during peak bloom season and bring a camera—it’s prime photo territory for gardeners and romantics.
🐶 Reid Park Dog Parks
900 S Randolph Way (within Reid Park)
Let your pup roam free at one of two off-leash dog parks—one for small dogs and one for large. They’re grassy, equipped with drinking fountains, benches, and even donated tennis balls—perfect for play and socializing for both pets and owners.
Tip: Visit late morning or early evening for the best canine company—play dates at the park are a local tradition.
🛝 Children’s Playground Facilities
Within Reid Park
These award‑winning, ADA‑accessible playgrounds offer fun for all ages. Little ones (ages 2–5) climb, slide and swing in a play area with soft wood-chip base, while larger kids enjoy a separate rope‑climber section (ages 5–12). Pet water fountains also show that Fido is part of the family.
Tip: Head there on weekends with the kids—the playgrounds are consistently ranked Tucson’s favorite.
🚂 Zoo Choo‑Choo Train
Within Reid Park Zoo
Climb aboard the family‑favorite Zoo Train for a charming ride through the zoo grounds, around the duck pond and even as far as the Rose Garden. Kids of all ages will love the rhythmic “clack, clack” of the train as it winds through nature.
Tip: Request the train when you enter—last rides often go at sunset, offering a peaceful perspective on the park.
⛳ Reid Park Golf Courses
900 S Randolph Way (Pro shop on-site)
Two 18-hole golf courses—South and North—offer different play styles: the South for friendly recreational rounds and the North for more experienced golfers seeking a challenge. A 50-station grass driving range and full pro shop make this a golfer’s delight. On-site dining overlooks the greens for a relaxing finish.
Tip: Tee off on weekday mornings for cooler temps and fewer players; finish with a mid-afternoon drink on the patio.
