While much of the country gears up for enjoying beautiful weather when school lets out, residents of Tucson have a very different experience. For many of us, summer is a season of perseverance- tolerating 5+ consecutive months above 100 degrees.

But fear not - we have compiled a list of free and low-cost activities for you and your family, to help you beat the heat and enjoy time together!

Free

Tucson city pools and splash pads

Pima County pools and splash pads

Marana splash pads

Zion City splash pad Flowing Wells area

Free National Park days May 25, June 14, July 3-5, Aug. 25

The Loft Cinema Loft Kids Fest summer movies

Oro Valley movies on the lawn

Cox movies in the park in Tucson (Reid Park), Benson, and Sierra Vista -kids activities followed by a big screen outdoor movie

Tucson Pops Orchestra Music Under the Stars in Reid Park - outdoor concert with food trucks available for purchasing snacks

Pima County Public Library events: lego club, read to a dog, indoor planetarium, crafting, family storytime, summer reading

Join a summer reading program to earn fun rewards.

Bookmans Summer Reads program - earn free books and weekly storytime

Barnes & Noble summer reading program - earn free books

Mildred & Dildred storytime Tuesdays at 9:30am

Summer storytime at Sabino Canyon

JCPenney Kids Zone - free craft activity 2nd Saturday of the month

Michael’s Kids Club - online craft tutorials available anytime

Home Depot kids workshops - free hands-on project 1st Saturday of the month

Lowe’s kids workshops - free hands-on project 3rd Saturday of the month

Take advantage of the cooler weather in the mornings to enjoy the Sonoran desert.

Mt. Lemmon hiking and fishing

Early morning hikes -Tumamoc, Sabino Canyon, Agua Caliente

Madera Canyon day trip picnics and hikes, overnight camping (free and paid options)

Mall walking at Park Place Mall

Tucson Mall Playground

Tucson Recreation Centers - the following centers are free for general use: Fred Archer, Cherry Avenue, El Rio, Freedom, Marty Birdman, Oury, Quincie Douglas, and Santa Rosa. Other rec centers require purchase of a day pass.

Culture passes at Pima County libraries - free admission to many local museums and attractions!

Children's Museum Discovery Nights free Thursdays 5-7pm

Tucson Museum of Art free 2nd Sunday of every month

Second sky - indoor meetup space with STEAM activities for kids

Vacation Bible School - many churches around town offer free or low-cost VBS programs, this is a list that is continually updated as more events are announced

Youth Earn-A-Bike classes at BICAS

Volunteer at Ben’s Bells

Low cost

Cinemark summer movie clubhouse $1.75/ticket

Harkins Summer Movie Fun 8 movies, 8 weeks, $8

Road House Cinemas

Unscrewed Theater nonprofit improv comedy shows with regular family-friendly nights