Tucson Affordable Family Fun

Tired of TV? Plan a family fun day. Tucson's sunshine makes planning a day of family fun a snap, even when on a tight budget. With plenty of activities from dawn 'til dusk, this mini-guide will provide tips to keep the whole family easily entertained.

How many times have we heard 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day'? Back up this nutritionally sound advice by starting your day at The Cereal Boxx, a place that goes way beyond breakfast. Imagine the thrill on your child's face when greeted by a wall of over 30 cereals and 40 toppings! Open eight o'clock most mornings, this unique café will allow your family to be creative food assemblers as they build their own bowls of hot or cold cereal. With a huge selection ranging from homemade granola, scramble wraps, bagels and lox, smoothies, espresso and baked goods there is something for everyone, including those requiring gluten and sugar free selections.

Riding the new wave of fast-casual concept restaurants, The Cereal Boxx, also provides cartoons and free WiFi. Whether inside or patio-side, this whimsical atmosphere is perfect to build a parfait and a family memory! Located in the Main Gate Square at 943 East University, call The Cereal Boxx at (520) 622-2699 for directions and further details.

After your meal, Brandi Fenton Memorial Park will help burn-off excess energy. This special park commemorates the life of a 12 year-old girl killed in a drunk driving accident. Brandi Fenton carefully constructed utilizes the remaining acreage from the farming community settled in 1875, has numerous built-in activities. A heat-chilling feature your family will enjoy is the free water splash park. If the water is not running when you arrive, press the large button at the main entrance, (River Road and Dodge Boulevard). The splash pad has water bubbling up from the tiled surface below while splashing down from buckets above creating an absolute blast for hours of fun.

Additionally Brandi Fenton offers large playgrounds, basketball courts, an equestrian center, and a dog park. Be sure to pack a lunch to eat under the shaded armadas or on the grass. While eating, challenge your family members to a game of checkers using the built-in checkerboards. The park is open 7 days a week, 7am-10pm. If you are planning a large family gathering, you may want to call (520) 877-6000 to reserve a pavilion. Brandi Fenton is located at 3482 East River Road next to the Rillito Riverwalk.

Entrance to the Rillito Riverwalk is located adjacent to the parking lot on the South end of Brandi Fenton Park. The Riverwalk runs for miles along the Rillito, making it a perfect activity after your picnic. Whether exploring by foot, bike or skateboard the spectacular views of the foothills will inspire. While easily managed, younger children may need assistance navigating the bridges and two steep hills. The Riverwalk complete provides frequent rest facilities with bathrooms, water fountains and benches. Although appearing secluded, the Rillito Riverwalk has easy access to Trader Joe's, the Tucson Mall and Wal-Mart.

After traveling the Riverwalk, drive around the corner to the community-based Clay Co-Op located at 3326 N. Dodge, slightly North of Fort Lowell. Whether you have a one-time session to become familiar with the generalities of throwing or maintain a membership with dedicated studio space, The Clay Co-op will make pottery an affordable fun-filled activity for your entire family. All lessons include studio practice time. Be sure to call 520-792-6263 to reserve your family group time.

On the drive home, share the day's memories by asking each family member which activity was their favorite. After this fun-filled family day, they may never want to watch TV again!

Additional Resources:
Recipes for Picnic Fun

Sources:
Personal Experience
www.brandifentonmemorialpark.org
www.thecerealboxx.com

www.tucsondayco-op.com