Your Summer Plans Start Here!

Ultimate Guide: Must-Try Summer Adventures in and Around Marana

We’ve gathered ideas for you from A to Z, plus a few extras!

It’s getting hot out there, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have nothing to do in Marana and the surrounding area!

From indoor adventures to strategic places to get outside--we've found fun for every desert dweller or visitor!

Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum

We are extremely lucky to have this gem in downtown Tucson! The Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum is in one wing of the Historic Pima County Courthouse (115 N Church Ave).

This 12,000 square foot museum contains more than 2,200 gem and mineral specimens from all over Arizona and Mexico. It’s a great way to cool off and learn about this amazing science.

Make it a full day by visiting the Southern Arizona Heritage & Visitor Center, also located at the Courthouse.

Don’t forget to head upstairs to view the Dillinger Courtroom where THE John Dillinger and his gang appeared after being arrested right here in Tucson!

Hot Tip: You can park under the courthouse to keep your car cool while you’re visiting!

Even More “A” Ideas: The Arizona History Museum or the Arizona State Museum, two more indoor spots to check out.

CreditAlfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum/University of Arizona

Birding at El Rio Preserve

El Rio Preserve along the Santa Cruz River provides excellent habitat for birds and other wildlife. While the rise in temperatures signals the end of spring migration, our resident birds stick around and continue breeding through the warmer months.

You can join an expert for a formal birding class or just grab your phone and binoculars to venture out on your own (go early in the day to stay cool!). There are many great apps to use to begin your birding journey like Merlin which uses your phone to listen to bird calls and help you identify them!

Hot Tip: Marana Parks and Recreation also has night programs at El Rio this summer. Check out Creatures of the Night at El Rio!

Bonus “B” idea: Biosphere 2, a short drive from Marana. Spend more time inside the Biosphere to keep cool!

PicturedDucks and other waterfowl can be found year round at El Rio Preserve

Credit@curtsandcrafts

Cool off with a Cool Drink!

We have so many great options for cool drinks in Marana! From locally-owned coffee shops like Crema Coffee and Roadrunner Coffee Co. to fun Boba tea (also called bubble teas) at Boba Cucue or Lucky’s Boba Tea we have options across Marana!

You’ll also find fun themed cocktails and mocktails at local spots like Casa Marana Craft Beer and Wine Bar, Caps & Corks, Ignite at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain and Dove Mountain Brewing Company!

Hot Tip: Many of our local spots offer drinks made with prickly pear syrup!

PicturedRitz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Desert Museum–Cool Summer Nights

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum opens up at night in the summer to give families extra fun. Bring your flashlight and explore! Saturday nights from June 8 - August 24th, open until 9:00 pm. Weekly themes include Radical Reptiles, Singing with Saguaros and Dino Night!

Hot Tip: Teachers get special treatment on August 24th with Teacher Appreciation Night! Bring your school ID for free admission, swag bags and more!

CreditSteven Meckler/Desert Museum

Eat Local with Dine and Discover Marana

Every summer, Discover Marana and the Marana Chamber of Commerce team up to support local eateries with our Dine and Discover Marana program. Dine at four local spots to earn Marana merch!

Hot Tip: Read up on where our participants dined during last year’s promotion to get some ideas!

CreditMarana Chamber of Commerce

Fireworks at the Star Spangled Spectacular in Marana

Marana’s Star-Spangled Spectacular is the largest Independence Day festival and fireworks show in Southern Arizona! Held each year on the 4th of July, the town comes together to celebrate freedom in a big way.

This event is free and open to everyone; entertainment, games, vendors, the park splash pad and more will keep the entire family entertained until the fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Marana’s largest Signature Event is nestled behind the Arizona Pavilions shopping center and within the Continental Ranch neighborhood, making it the perfect event for residents to walk to or enjoy the fireworks from many vantage points. Residents and visitors spend the day shopping and eating at the nearby stores and restaurants before coming over to enjoy an evening in the park.

Bonus “F” event: Foothills Community Markets

CreditJD Fitzgerald Photography

Golf and Topgolf!

With our four championship-level golf courses providing a golf oasis in the middle of the desert, Marana has been called a golfer’s paradise. Players enjoy sweeping greens and fairways lined with iconic saguaro cacti – all of it combined with panoramic views of the desert, mountains, and the endless blue skies for which Southern Arizona is famous.

Golfing in the summer is possible and may be more affordable as well! Book your tee time early in the day, drink plenty of water and pick shady spots to cool off as needed.

Hot tip: We also have Topgolf where you can play in the AC and work on your game while sipping on drinks and grabbing delicious food.

Bonus "G": Guitar Center

PicturedA golfer enjoys a sunset game in Marana, Arizona

CreditRitz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Harkins Theaters at Arizona Pavilions

There’s nothing like walking out of the ice-cold movie theater on a hot summer day! Harkins Theaters in the Arizona Pavilions Shopping Center offers a lower-cost kids movie series all summer along with their Tuesday Night Classics when beloved films show on the big screen for just $5. And of course, the latest blockbusters play daily!

Bonus "H": Hitting Factory

I Scream, You Scream: Who Doesn’t Love Ice Cream in the Summer?

When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing better than an ice cream treat to cool off with! We have a variety of spots to grab a scoop including, The Screamery, Snow Mountain Creamery, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Pinkberry and more!

We also have many mobile vendors like Kona Ice of Marana, Bugaloo’s Ice Cream, Lahaina’s Shave Ice and more. They’ll often be seen at Marana events. Check out their social media to find them near you.

Hot Tip: The Screamery and Jeremiah’s usually have dairy-free options!

CreditJeremiah's Italian Ice

Jump in the AC at Elevate Trampoline Park

Take your kids to burn off some energy and get their adrenaline fix at Elevate Trampoline Park! It's a 35,000-square-foot air-conditioned indoor center, full of exciting and safe forms of entertainment and exercise - and it's not just for kids! Elevate Trampoline Park is also great for corporate events, fundraisers, and private events, in addition to birthday parties, field trips, and kids' sports team parties.

Enjoy many amazing, fun activities, all for a flat hourly rate: Wall-to-wall trampolines, ninja courses, jousting, dodgeball, wall bounce, rock climbing, a foam pit, and interactive jumping games! They also have a snack bar, with pizza, pretzels, Icees, candy, and more.

Hot Tip: They offer specials throughout the week like Family Night so check out their website to plan ahead and save on admission.

CreditElevate Trampoline Park

Kon-Ni-Chi-Claw Arcade!

Kon-Ni-Chi-Claw Arcades is now open at Tucson Premium Outlets! Visit the claw machine arcade with a Japanese inspired theme, fun prizes and a completely automated experience. There are no employees!

BEST ENTRANCE: Parking Lot C, enter through Canyon Court.

Hot Tip: Be sure to check out the Discover Marana window display on your way!

Lightning Shows During Monsoon Season

Mother nature provides amazing lightning shows in Southern Arizona. We may not have the “most” lightning, but we do have the best views of lightning, making the Marana area a unique place to see strikes.

We also have our Monsoon weather pattern, which brings rain to our area each summer.

In addition to the great show, you’ll also love the smell that rain brings to the desert. It’s an experience.

Hot Tip: We’ve found six great places to catch the show along with safety tips here.

Bonus “L”: Locals and Military Day at Ghost Ranch Exotics! This local ranch is home to the largest Capybara Experience in the United States. They offer local/military prices once a month and other specials in the summer.

CreditFred Wasmer

Marana Laughs Comedy Shows

Looking for the perfect blend of side-splitting humor and family-friendly fun? Look no further! Marana Laughs Comedy Shows is your ticket to a fun family outing or date night.

Marana Laughs prides itself on delivering a comedy show that's free from profanity, rudeness, or vulgarity. Rest assured, there won't be any awkward moments with your family and friends. It's comedy that everyone can enjoy, from the youngest to the wisest.

Shows are the second Friday of the month at Coyote Trail Elementary School and tickets start at just $10.

Hot Tip: You’re welcome to bring your own chairs for a comfy experience.

Marana Pinball Collective (Inside Catalina Brewing Company)

Marana Pinball Collective is a group of pinball enthusiasts who operate a collection of pinball machines from the 70s to today at Catalina Brewing Company in Marana, Arizona. They also host weekly pinball leagues and occasional tournaments for players of all skill levels. The pinball machines are open to the public during the brewery’s hours.

Hot tip: Be sure to check the schedule at Catalina Brewing as nights with live music will make it hard to hear those pinball sounds that making playing so fun.

Bonus "M" activity: Movies in Marana hosted by Marana Parks and Recreation returns for 2024! See a selection of family-friendly movies under the night sky at a variety of Marana's beautiful parks and splash pads. Each movie night will also have food vendors on-site, and some are even part of other fun Marana events. Movies themselves start at SUNDOWN. The June & July events will run from 6:30 to 9:30, due to the later sunsets.

National Hot Dog Day (and other national days!)

The month of July is full of those “National Days” that are made-up holidays. Most of them involve food, which can be a fun way to pass the time in the summer and support local businesses.

National Hot Dog Day is on July 19th! Two Hands Corn Dogs just opened in Marana too, so it’s a great excuse to try this Korean-style specialty!

Hot tip: We have all of those “national days” covered for you here so you can make your plans!

Bonus “N”: sign up for our newsletter!

CreditTwo Hands Corn Dogs

Old Pueblo Cellars

There are great places to get wine in Marana, but there's only one winery in the area, and it is one that has been developing a strong reputation for quality wines. Old Pueblo Cellars is a winery with its own tasting room on-site. It is open most afternoons and has three wine tastings a day, but reservations are required.

At these tastings, you will have an opportunity to sample six native wines made at Old Pueblo Cellars – two white wines and four red. Old Pueblo Cellars is a family-owned winery on eight acres of Sonoran Desert land, and the family found some heat-loving grape varieties - Viognier, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Sangiovese, and Tempranillo – to create desert-native wines that have been enjoyed since the vineyard opened in 2013.

CreditOld Pueblo Cellars

Pool Time at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Now’s your chance to spend time poolside at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain! This Marana gem is the only resort in Arizona to achieve double, Five Stars from Forbes in 2024!

Resort Pass offers day passes to local resorts for a fraction of the cost of staying on property. You’ll get access to two pools, the 235-foot water slide, and more. You can also splurge and upgrade to a cabana to offer shade for you and friends or family.

Hot tip: The Ritz-Carlton is offering Celestial Summer rates from $199 a night this summer if you’d like to stay!

Queen of the Night

It’s one of the most unique summertime traditions in Southern Arizona – keeping watch for the mysterious and majestic Queen of the Night, which blooms in a brilliant white flower for only one night each year.

Tohono Chul has the world’s largest collection of night-blooming cereus cacti, which for all but one night a year, look like an unassuming pile of gray sticks.

Botanists at Tohono Chul keep close watch on the flowers, and once they do bloom (typically Mid-June to Mid-July, but this can vary), they open the gardens for Bloom Night.

The Queen of the Night only blooms with a few hours’ notice, so be sure to follow Tohono Chul’s social media pages to stay up-to-date with Bloom Watch.

PicturedTwo Queen of the Night blooms against a beautiful sky.

Rock Climbing at Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness

It combines two of people’s favorite things here in Southern Arizona – rock climbing and air conditioning! Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness is great for everyone, from those who are new to climbing to the most seasoned boulderers.

The climbing walls are regularly re-configured, so there’ll be a new challenge each time you come back.

Hot Tip: At the end of the summer, Rock Solid hosts the Old Pueblo Bouldering Classic, where some of the region’s best climbers compete for cash prizes, with a festival with food, outdoor-related games, and vendors for the whole family.

Bonus “R”: Be sure to check out our Restaurant News & Updates to stay up to date on the latest openings in our area!

Sunrise OR Sunset at the Sculpture Park at Triangle L Ranch in Oracle!

The ART RANCH Sculpture Park is now open daily, Dawn-to-Dusk in Oracle, a short drive from Marana!

Visitors are invited to make a donation at a self serve 'Station' - then stroll the 10 acres of trails. Enjoy 100+ contemporary sculptures by over 50 regional artists, sited in a beautiful high-desert environment.

This would make a great sunrise or sunset spot when the temps are a bit cooler.

Hot Tip: The Art Ranch also offers art shows, and they have a gift shop!

Bonus “S”: Sonoran Hot Dogs! You could spend all summer sampling this local staple. Read all about it here.

PicturedA saguaro cactus sculpture in the desert at Triangle L Art Ranch.

CreditTriangle L Art Ranch

Taste of Marana

Do you love Marana’s diverse and delicious food scene? If so, you might want to nominate your favorite local restaurant, café, coffee shop or other food-related establishment for the Taste of Marana Recognition Program.

This program shines a spotlight on the great food businesses in Marana that make our community a better place and more attractive to tourists. Learn more (and nominate) here. Plus, the winner gets an amazing trophy to display in their restaurant!

Hot Tip: Check out our past winners, Nana’s Kitchen and Vero Amore – Dove Mountain.

Bonus “T” idea: Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center! With designer brands, a tattoo shop, fitness studio, Mexican candy shop and more there’s sure to be something for the whole family to enjoy. While the shopping center is an open-air concept, each store has great AC to cool you off on a hot day.

CreditNana's Kitchen

University of Arizona Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium (and more!)

Head inside at the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium on the University of Arizona campus for a fun day of learning for all ages. Two floors of science exhibits invite you to explore the vast and fascinating universe—both here on Earth and beyond our solar system! Whether you have a kiddo into bugs or dinosaurs, there’s something for the whole family here.

Plus, they show laser light shows in the Planetarium on the weekends, including the new Laser Taylor Swift show!

Hot Tip: The University of Arizona’s world-renowned Tree-Ring Lab has resumed tours (reservations required)!

PicturedThe controls of the laser light show at Flandrau Science Center Planetarium

CreditFlandrau Science Center & Planetarium

Visitor Information Center in Marana!

Did you know the Marana Chamber of Commerce operates the Marana Visitor Information Center? It’s conveniently located off I-10 between the Marana Road and Tangerine Road exits.

Pick up maps and get directions, information, and recommendations from our friendly Marana Chamber of Commerce staff, who have welcomed and served visitors from around the world, since 1987.

The staff always has fresh coffee too!

Whether you are a visitor, a resident or relocating there's something for you at the Visitor Center:

Travel guides (including the Marana Visitor Guide), maps, and brochures (local, regional, and statewide) to plan your Itinerary based on your interest.

Community Education Day Series Events

Info on local eateries, accommodations (from camping to 5-star resorts) and shopping.

Meeting spaces, wedding venues, and places to relax and unwind.

Current activities and special events.

Revolving art exhibits from local artists on display and for purchase.

Local business contacts if you are just moving into the area or starting a business.

A Southern Arizona “Book of Fun” to purchase for discounts to local attractions.

Veteran’s Assistance Information

When you stop by the Marana Visitor Center you can count on a friendly and helpful experience discovering one of the fastest growing communities in Southern Arizona!

Hot tip: The Center is closed on most major holidays--call ahead for updated hours.

Wing It at the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

The Southeast Arizona Birding Festival, hosted by Tucson Audubon Society, takes places each August, and is headquartered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tucson - Reid Park. From there, you can experience bird photography and art workshops, free talks, a vendor expo, and guided field trips all around Southern Arizona, led by expert birding guides.

For 2024, the festival takes place August 7-11. El Rio Preserve is on the list of field trips!

Southeastern Arizona is positioned along several bird migration routes, and contains a variety of habitats, including riparian areas, wooded sky islands, rocky peaks, mountain foothills, and wide expanses of pristine desert. These combine to make it an ideal environment to see a wide diversity of bird species.

Bonus “W”: The Waves of Goodbye, a celebration of the Marana Pool and other Marana Parks and Recreation Aquatics events!

CreditDeirdre Rosenberg

Xerneas and other Pokémon at Tucson Games and Gadgets

If you or your kiddo love Pokémon, Tucson Games and Gadgets is the place to be this summer!

The space hosts official Pokémon League events as well as daily events of all kinds!

Hot tip: You'll also find all your Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons needs plus a huge assortment of board games in stock.

PicturedYou can find board games galore inside Tucson Games and Gadgets

Y2K-9 Doggy Paddle Pool Party

Save the date for this fun way to close out summer! Dogs at the public pool are usually not permitted, but because Marana Parks and Recreation will be draining the pool in the winter for some scheduled Maintenance, dogs are able to catch the waves! The event takes place Saturday, September 7th, 11AM-3PM.

The Y2-K-9 event has some rules to follow so be sure to check out the full event listing for more info.

CreditMarana Parks & Recreation

Zoo After Dark: Summer Safari Nights return to the Reid Park Zoo!

Enjoy the Reid Park Zoo in the cooler evening hours! Each week of Summer Safari Nights will feature keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, giraffe feedings, carousel rides, and crafts.

Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase.

Refresh with dinner and a cold drink at the Flamingo Grill, listen to live music by some of Tucson’s best bands. Take a ride on the Cox Jungle Carousel, and play games with Tucson Parks and Recreation’s ‘Ready, Set, Rec!

There will be a different theme each week, so every visit brings something new and plenty of photo opportunities to remember a great evening.

Visit the Zoo's website for up-to-date information.

Tickets:

Free for Zoo members

$10.50 for adults (ages 15-61)

$8.50 seniors (ages 62+)

$6.50 for children ages 2-14

CreditReid Park Zoo

Coming Soon

What did we miss?

Share your A-Z ideas with us: maranainfo@Maranaaz.gov

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Author

Stefanie Boe

Tourism and Marketing Manager, Discover Marana/Town of Marana

Stefanie Boe is not just the Tourism and Marketing Manager for Discover Marana, she is also a passionate storyteller and a proud resident of the town. She has deep roots in the Marana area, going back to the 1970s when her family moved here from Chicago. She loves to share the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Marana with visitors and locals alike.

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