May daytime activities

Question

Hey experts,

We are coming to Tucson for my son's graduation in May and bringing the grandparents, who are all in their late 70s to early 80s. I made some dinner reservations and the 2 ceremonies are in the evening so I am looking for something to do with them during the day. I know it will be hot and to add to that challenge, one of the grandmothers is not exactly a morning person, although I will drag her out of bed if I have to. We'll also have 3 young adults children with us which makes it extra challenging to find something to do. I thought we could to the Sabino Canyon tram and maybe ride up to Saguaro National Park and do the ride on the gravel road to the petroglyphs. Both grandmothers are not too mobile so any kind of long walk or hike is out. I'd appreciate any feedback.

Answer

Visiting Tucson in May can be quite warm, so planning daytime activities that are comfortable for elderly family members while still engaging for young adults is key. Since mobility is a concern for the grandmothers, focusing on scenic drives, tram rides, and short, accessible stops is ideal.

Here are some suggested activities for your group:

Sabino Canyon Tram: This is an excellent choice. The narrated tram ride allows everyone to enjoy the stunning desert landscape without much walking. You can ride the tram to various stops, and even if some in your party prefer not to walk, they can stay on the tram while others explore short trails at their own pace.
Saguaro National Park Scenic Drive: The Bajada Loop Drive or the Cactus Forest Drive (depending on which side of the park you visit) are perfect for viewing giant saguaro cacti without strenuous activity. You can stop at pullouts for photos or short, flat walks to viewpoints. The gravel roads to petroglyphs are scenic; confirm accessibility and parking for minimal walking.
Desert Museum: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum combines a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum in one location. Many areas are accessible via paved paths, and benches are plentiful. This is enjoyable for all ages, and air-conditioned exhibits can provide relief from the heat.

Additional daytime options for low-mobility enjoyment:

Tucson Botanical Gardens: Compact and easy to navigate, with shaded areas and indoor exhibits.
Old Tucson Studios: If the group enjoys Western history and film, the outdoor studio offers shows and easy walking areas, though it can be warm—best in the morning.
Scenic Drives: Consider a drive up Mount Lemmon via the Catalina Highway. The views are spectacular, and you can stop at picnic areas or viewpoints. The temperature at higher elevations is cooler.
Short, Easy Walks: For the younger adults who want more activity, you can combine short, accessible paths like the Desert Museum loop or the Sabino Canyon lower area, while the grandparents rest or take the tram.

Tips for comfort:

Start the day mid-morning if one grandmother is not a morning person—activities can be planned around cooler parts of the day.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and light clothing for everyone.
Plan indoor breaks for air-conditioning during the hottest part of the afternoon, especially after 11 AM.
Consider splitting the group occasionally so those wanting more active exploration can do short hikes while the grandparents relax in shaded or indoor areas.

In summary, a combination of Sabino Canyon tram, scenic drives in Saguaro National Park, and stops at accessible attractions like the Desert Museum or Botanical Gardens will provide a mix of enjoyment for all age groups without overexerting your grandparents in the May heat.

May daytime activities

More Tucson Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions