Family Friendly Activities During Rodeo Weekend in Tucson, Arizona

In Tucson, Arizona the rodeo has been a long standing tradition since 1925. This year on February 22^nd and 23rd, school will let out and your kids will be begging for some fun in the sun. Whether you're an Arizona native or a newcomer to the area, there is much fun to be had in taking part of Tucson's Annual Rodeo holiday where "the Old West meets the Wild West".

The Rodeo: 82^nd Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros

If you've never had the opportunity to check out a bonafide, rootin' tootin' rodeo, you're not going to want to miss it this year. The Tucson Rodeo, which starts on Saturday February 17^th and finishes up with the finals on Sunday February, 25^th, brings together an exciting tradition of bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and women's barrel racing.

The first annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros was held in 1925 and has been a rich Tucson tradition ever since. The Tucson Rodeo boasts of contestants that are current and former Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) world champions and is considered one of the top 20 rodeos to see in the nation. Tickets sell for as little as $6 for adults and $4 for children. Make sure to stick around for the after-rodeo music entertainment.

Check out www.tucsonrodeo.com for schedule times, ticket purchases and more information.

The 82^nd Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo Parade

The annual Tucson Rodeo Parade, the nation's longest non-motorized parade, consists of over 200 floats and numerous area schools and businesses marching through the streets of Tucson. The Parade, which starts at 9 am on Thursday February 22nd, begins at Ajo and Park Avenue continuing south on Park to Irvington Rd., west on Irvington to Sixth Avenue and north on Sixth to the North end of the Tucson Rodeo Grounds.

Tickets can be purchased for grand stand seating, but free seating is located down both sides of each street for the one mile stretch of parade route. For more information, check out www.tucsonrodeoparade.com.

Rodeo Week at the Tucson Children's Museum

On February 22^nd and 23rd shuffle on down to The Tucson Children's Museum and make a rodeo bandana, compete in rodeo races, have fun with "Steed on a Stick" pony-making, or play a round of horseshoes! The Tucson Children's Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm, and Sundays from noon to 5pm. The admission fee for children ages 2 - 16 is $3.50 and $5.50 for adults.

Check out www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org for more information.

Old Tucson Studios

Step into the Old Southwest with Old Tucson Studios. First created as a movie set, Old Tucson has evolved into a gun-slinging, barbecue devourin', gold pannin', heck of a time. Kids can ride the historic C.P Hunington Train around the park, pan for gold, hold target practice at Dead-eye Dan's shooting range, and hop on a mine ride of the spooky kind.

Old Tucson also has wild west stunt shows, tasty western cuisine, and comedy shows the whole family will enjoy. They're open from 10 am to 4 pm daily. Check out www.oldtucson.com for show times, attractions and admission information.

Trail Dust Town at Pinnacle Peak

For 40 years, Trail Dust Town has been a Tucson landmark. A western town, complete with wood boardwalks, red brick streets, a miniature ride-on train, the historic Fiesta de Presidio Carousel, gold panning, stunt shows, an old fashioned town square glowing with the soft light from authentic gas lit lamp posts and the Pinnacle Peak restaurant, known for it's Famous Cowboy Steak.

Stunt shows are a blast and kids will love reliving the old days in Trail Dust Town where they are free to roam through the streets, check out the country shops and ride the miniature train through "jungles" and "mines". There's even a shooting gallery and arcade. Each activity is either free or $1. It is free to walk through Trail Dust Town, which is located 6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Check out www.traildusttown.com for more information.

Tombstone, Arizona

If you want a taste of more Southwest adventure and don't mind a little travel, Tombstone, just an hour and a half from Tucson, offers family friendly activities that will leave you with a desire for leather chaps and a sheriff's star.

The city of Tombstone has kept an Old West flavor with unpaved streets, boardwalks, and the re-enactment of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Everyday at 2pm, Wyatt Earp and his posse can be seen in a shoot out with the McLaurys and Clantons. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, stop in to one of the many Old West Museums, the Boothill Graveyard, Helldorado Town, western shops or restaurant/saloons for some great family fun.

For more information, check out www.ok-corral.com or www.tombstone.org

Tucson Rodeo only comes once a year so put on those boots and saddle up. It's time to party, western style!