See, Play & Explore at UA Attractions
A red-brick mini-city and massive public green space in midtown Tucson, the University of Arizona (UA) campus houses respected museums and attractions, acclaimed arts and entertainment, and edge-of-your-seat athletic events. But ... the campus isn't just for college students. It's a font of fun and learning with engaging open-to-the-public entertainment for all ages. Start your visit at the UA Visitor Center for directions and parking information.
Astro-Tourist
Take flight in the Planetarium Theater at Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium and explore the marvels of our universe, from the ocean depths to the farthest reaches of space. Plus, you can take in the exquisite collection of minerals, gemstones, fossils and meteorite specimens from Arizona, Mexico and around the world at the Gem & Mineral Museum, downstairs at Flandrau. Gaze up at the sky or out at the panorama of skyline from atop Tumamoc Hill, a Sonoran Desert preserve west of downtown, while hearing about its astonishing archaeology and science stories on the free Tumamoc Tour app.
Go off-campus for tours of Biosphere 2 -- the world's largest Earth science laboratory, rated one of 50 man-made wonders of the world, about an hour's drive north of the university near the scenic town of Oracle -- and SkyCenter at Mt. Lemmon -- where visitors can enjoy clear visions of our universe using Arizona's largest dedicated public telescopes, 25 miles north and over 6,700 feet above Tucson in the Santa Catalina Mountains (get the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter app for details).
The Artist's Muse
Discover ancient and enduring Native American cultures of the American Southwest and northern Mexico at Smithsonian-affiliated Arizona State Museum, established in 1893, housing the world's most comprehensive collections of Southwestern Indian pottery, basketry and fiber arts. See photography as an art form and cultural record at Center for Creative Photography where rotating exhibits feature collections of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Harry Callahan, and other great 20th century photographers. View the world through a colorful collection of visual arts at the UA Museum of Art, with more than 5,000 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings illustrating the importance of art in our society. hosts readings, lectures, classes and family activities. The library, including hundreds of audiovisual recordings, and free literary events at The Arizona Poetry Center are open to the public.
Escape for an afternoon or evening with some of the world's finest dance and classical jazz, blues and world music staged at Centennial Hall by UA Presents. Grab affordable tickets to see up-and-coming artists and productions by the School of Theatre, Film and Television, which ranks among the best nationwide. For delightful comedies, dramas and musicals for all to enjoy, Arizona Repertory Theatre is ahead of the pack, while the Hanson Film Institute's stellar public events and creative projects include Tucson Cine Mexico film festival in March.
Naturally Beautiful
The entire university landscape is designated a "Campus Arboretum" as it houses diverse plants from arid climates worldwide. It also has an expansive grassy mall and a network of walking and cycling paths -- a leafy place to get in touch with nature without leaving the city. Click here for information on guided and self-guided campus tours, and online visitor information links. On the UA Mall, the Student Union Memorial Center houses a food court and the Gallagher Theatre; next door, the official UA Bookstore is well-stocked with everything from Wildcat gear to tech devices.
Parents and visitors, consider yourself part of the extended family. Get to know the ins and outs of being a Wildcat – up close and personal with these online visitor information links.
Make a Day Of It
After all the fun on the UA campus, your family will find refreshments and a little bit of everything else at Main Gate Square. Shop at boutiques (including local icon Posner's Art Store) and dine on sumptuous cuisine prepared by many local restaurateurs -- several offer patio seating, so you can grab a bite and enjoy the people-watching. Tree-lined Geronimo Plaza frequently hosts live music, especially during Friday Night Live! Summer Jazz Concert Series. You can also hop aboard the Sun Link Tucson Streetcar, which runs from the UA to eccentric shopping on Fourth Avenue to the Congress Street District in trending downtown, and across to Mercado San Agustin's hip public marketplace and back again.
