Skip the usual tourist traps! This weekend in Tucson (Jan 31st/Feb 1st) is all about hands-on fun, from hunting for giant dinosaurs to exploring the truly local vibes of the Gem Show. Check out these unique spots before they change next week!
Quick Picks
The Tucson Gem Show (Viewing)
993 S Freeway
Wander through hundreds of vendors—totally unique and completely free entry!
Children's Museum - Family Brain Boost
200 South 6th Ave
A lunchtime session perfect for boosting the little ones' brains indoors downtown.
Children's Museum - Generation Creation
200 South 6th Ave
Channel creativity this Sunday afternoon with this hands-on session.
· January 31
3CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - FAMILY BRAIN BOOST : Pop into the museum for this special 'Family Brain Boost' session right around lunchtime. The museum is always great for the younger end of your crew.A special lunchtime session focused on cognitive fun—perfect if you need an engaging indoor activity downtown on Saturday.
JURASSIC QUEST (SATURDAY SESSION) : It's the biggest traveling dinosaur experience with roaring, breathing dinosaurs! Your kids can dig for fossils and play in LEGO zones, so it's super hands-on.While Sunday is an option, Saturday offers a full 10 hours to explore this massive, hands-on dinosaur park.
LATE NIGHT LASER BAD BUNNY SHOW : Check out this wild laser light show set to the music of Bad Bunny. It’s a late show, so best for the older kids in your group who like music and cool lights.This is niche and very cool for older tweens/teens—a short, high-energy laser show centered on contemporary music.
· February 1
3JURASSIC QUEST (LAST CHANCE!) : If you missed Saturday, Sunday is your last chance for the massive dinosaur event! Get there early for the best experience with the roaring giants.This is your final chance this weekend to see roaring, breathing dinosaurs and let the kids dig for fossils!
THE TUCSON GEM SHOW (VIEWING)FREE : The massive Gem Show is running, and wandering through the stalls to see hundreds of vendors is a totally unique Tucson experience. It’s free to get in and look around!This is the ultimate obscure Tucson experience! Spend a few hours wandering among vendors—it’s completely free and truly local.
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - GENERATION CREATION : This sounds like a great creative session at the museum, perfect for channeling some of that Saturday dinosaur energy into making things.It’s a dedicated creative session on Sunday afternoon—ideal for channeling energy into making something cool before the week starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Tucson this weekend?
The best free option is wandering through The Tucson Gem Show (Viewing) on Sunday (Feb 1st) near the 993 S Freeway entrance. You can spend hours looking at unique minerals without spending a dime!
Are there any hands-on activities for younger kids downtown?
Yes! The Children's Museum downtown has two great options on the weekend. Try the Family Brain Boost session Saturday at 12:00 PM, or the Generation Creation session on Sunday at 1:00 PM.
What is the last chance event happening this weekend?
If your family loves dinosaurs, you have to catch Jurassic Quest on Sunday, February 1st, before it leaves town. They have fossil digging and giant roaring reptiles!