- A low-maintenance way to spend 3 to 4 hours on a hot day in Tucson
nugget Loved
- Getting wet
- Climbing around
- Gelato
nugget’s Advice
Recommended time of the year
This is a great summer activity. Monsoon season in Tucson is mid-July to mid-August, so if you are in that window, just stay safe if a lightning storm arrives. The gelato is great at any time of year!
About This Day
Looking for a cool thing to do in Tucson for kids? Beat the heat and head to the splash pad at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park . It’s Tucson’s best-kept secret and one of the greatest kids activities in Tucson. After a few hours watching your kiddos getting wet and burning off energy, continue to beat the heat and head to Frost Gelato for ice-cream.
This little splash pad is a great way to let your nugget blow off some energy while staying cool in the Arizona summer heat. It has a free entry and is low-maintenance regarding preparation (just have them throw on a swimsuit). Next to the splash pad is a great playground with a rock wall for climbing, some curvy slides and stairs. It’s another great way to let your little one run it out. Between the splash pad and the playground, you get a great two-for-one activity.
DIRECTIONS Enter the park through the Dodge Boulevard entrance and drive straight to the parking area. Park, then walk through the soccer field. The splash pad will be straight ahead, with the shaded playground on the left.
TIP Bring a change of clothes, so your little ones have something to change out of after they get soaked splashing around. Don't forget the sunblock!
Frost is a Tucson original that has grown internationally. What I love most is the quality of gelato and the great choices it has. If you can't have gelato in Italy, having gelato at Frost is the next best thing - seriously. After splashing and a bit of climbing, my little one is always ready for a snack. First, I let her taste the pink bubblegum gelato (free tastes of any flavor!), then I get the dietetic chocolate, which has no added sugars. My personal favorite is the roasted almond, but I also enjoy the gelato/espresso shakes that give a little pick-me-up after a half-day of activity with my 2 year-old.
DIRECTIONS There are three Tucson locations for Frost. I recommend going to the one on Tanque Verde Road.