Things to do in Tucson When the Temps Reach the 100s

Tucson has warm weather all year round but the summer months can really get your AC working overtime. But just because the temps have hit triple-digits doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy exploring the city and get the most fun out of your summer. Check out some fun ways you can escape the heat in Southern Arizona while supporting local businesses. 

You can always count on the four mountain ranges surrounding Tucson to help guide you and if you happen to be in the northeast of town, the Catalina Mountains can help lead you to Mt. Lemmon for some relief from the heat. About 30 degrees cooler than Tucson, Mount Lemmon provides the perfect views for a nice picnic and a getaway from the city. Be sure to take in the views on the Sky Island Scenic Byway which allows you to experience 8 different biomes, from desert scrub to a conifer forest, all within a 26 miles stretch. 

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Tucson makes for the perfect ice cream hub thanks to its hot weather year-round. Cool your body down and reward your tastebuds and grab yourself a raspado at Oasis Fruit Cones on 12th avenue, a Tucson staple. Or explore downtown and savor one of the many house-created flavors at HUB Icecreamery. If you’re looking for some ice cream alternatives, try Peachwave of Tucson for some frozen yogurt and gelato. 

Water is a precious commodity especially when it comes to living in the desert. Luckily, there are plenty of watering holes to help you cool down when it gets too hot. Book a staycation at Graduate Tucson and take a swim on their rooftop pool with a view of the Arizona Stadium. Or head to the west and surround yourself with the beauty of the Saguaro National Forest and float on a “lazy river” at JW Marriot Starr Pass.  

Check out Funtastic’s Cactus Springs which features waterslides and gigantic tipping buckets that dump 1000 gallons of water every 10 minutes. The city also has plenty of splash pads around town to help you and your little ones stay cool. 

From desert animals to a historic 10-acre gallery, Tucson has plenty for art lovers and historians alike. Go through the Saguaro National Forest and check out the wildlife at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or explore an architectural dreamscape designed and built by Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia. 

Who doesn’t love air conditioning? Head to the movies to enjoy the frigid air that pumps through your local cinema, like Galaxy Theatres. Nothing pairs better with a summer day than some popcorn, an ice-cold cola and an exciting film experience. 

While Tucson may be in the middle of a desert, it doesn’t mean there aren’t bodies of water nearby. Southern Arizona provides many lake options for families to swim, fish or boat. Take a drive out to southeast Arizona and spend some time at Patagonia Lake, a man-made reservoir open-year round or take Old Ruby Road and check out Arivaca Lake. 

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