Treat the child in your life to only the best education, playtime options and classic sundae with a twist. It’ll be one childhood to remember in Tucson’s Best Kids!
Best Family Restaurant
Swenson’s Ice Cream Factory & Eating Establishment
Here’s a place you don’t want to miss out on with the family. With just about every ice cream creation you can think of, Swenson’s Ice Cream Factory & Eating Establishment also has a terrific kids meal menu and vast array of adult entrées composed of soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. We recommend indulging in the Earthquake Sundae; that’s eight – count it, eight – scoops of homemade ice cream and eight toppings of your choice! 520.297.9974.
Best High School or Charter School
The Vail High School
With high expectations for student success, The Vail High School makes sure students are in the ideal environment conducive to learning. The small class sizes and teachers who work one-on-one as needed make students feel confident in their studies while making personal connections in the close-knit Charter school community. 520.879.1111.
Best Kids Clothing
Children’s Orchard
Striving to meet the unique needs of today’s mom, Children’s Orchard offers gently used, brand name clothing and accessories for children. The goal is for families to have easy access to a variety of products that help them live easier, safer and more environmentally conscious lives. Check out the “Just In! Listings” that give a special preview of items that have just arrived in store. 520.219.8800, www.childrensorchard.com.
Best Kids Hangout Indoors
The Tucson Children’s Museum
Offering guided tours, birthday parties and a non-stop flow of events, the Tucson Children’s Museum is sure to brighten your child’s day. The museum has tons of exhibits that cater to every possible interest of your child; stop by dinosaur world to visit the life-sized robotic dinos, take a trip to the art studio and create a masterpiece, or go to the ocean discovery center to learn about the mysteries of the deep. 520.792.9985, www.tucsonchildrensmuseum.org.
Best Kids Hangout Outdoors
Golf N’ Stuff
Skip the movies and indoor play dates and bring your child to Golf N’ Stuff for some healthy outdoor fun. Kids will have a blast with the two miniature golf courses, go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, over 100 interactive arcade games, and much more. Adults are always more than welcome to join in on the fun! 520.296.2366, www.golfnstuff.com.
Best Place for a Birthday Party
My Gym
This place takes care of everything from the invitations to the cake and, of course, the super fun gym activities. The trained staff promises hours of fun while taking part in games, gymnastics, rides, songs and even space flight. Your kids will have a blast while you don’t even have to clean up. 520.514.9192, www.mygymtucson.com.
Best Toy Store
Lulubell
Located in the heart of the Historic Downtown Tucson Arts District, Lulubell is a toy enthusiast’s dream. The toy bodega features exclusive Kaiju, Japanese vinyl, urban and designer vinyl, lowbrow art and books, and artist-designed apparel. With a passion for artistic toys, Lulubell practices what it preaches; taking part in First Saturdays Art Walk and hosting a new gallery show every month. 520.622.LULU www.lulubelltoys.com.
