Though autumn signals back to school season and the end of summer fun, most kids delight in the seasonal events in the last three months of the year. With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas stacked up between October and December, there are plenty of (grand)kid-friendly events for the entire family in Tucson.
Haunted Ruins: A Witch’s Quest, Tucson Valley of the Moon:
A Tucson tradition of the past 40 years, the Haunted Ruins is a theatrical walking adventure for the entire family. Tour the gorgeous Southwestern landscape while experiencing a magical journey. The Haunted Ruins is also a fundraiser, helping to support the park and creative, inspiring activities. Costumes are welcome; through October 30. For more information on schedule and tickets, visit: http://www.tucsonvalleyofthemoon.com/haunted-ruins-2015.html
Fall Pumpkin Celebration 2015, Apple Annie’s Fruit Orchard:
What’s more autumnal and Halloween-y than a day at the pumpkin patch? Until October 31, bring the family to Annie’s Fruit Orchard for a corn maze and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, waiting to become jack-o-lanterns. If you’ve got a craving for pumpkin, pumpkin pancakes, ice cream, pies, and donuts will be served, as well as Annie’s apple-smoked sausage.
For more information, visit http://www.appleannies.com/
OK Corral Famous Gunfight Re-Enactment, Tombstone, AZ:
October 26 marks the anniversary of the world’s most famous gunfight at the OK Corral between Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Virgil and Morgan Earp and the Clantons and McLaurys. This historical re-enactment and historically preserved Western town will appeal to your little history-lovers. Children under 6 have free admission.
For more information, visit http://www.ok-corral.com/
Henry Porter and the Sorcerer’s Secret, Gaslight Theatre:
Until November 8, this musical comedy spoof of Harry Potter provides fantastic family fun. Henry Porter shows up at Frogwaits Magical Academy, learns the mysteries of his past, and faces challenges in evil enemies that he must defeat.
For more information and tickets, visit https://www.thegaslighttheatre.com/
Dia de los Muertos, Tucson Art Museum:
On November 1, celebrate the annual Dia de los Muertos at the Tucson Art Museum with a festival, parade, and art exhibit, as well as performances by the Mariachi Aztlan from Pueblo High School. Art-making and face-painting activities turn into a parade with puppets and costumes. Banda Calaca offers festival-goers the chance to be rendered in a photograph as a skeleton; be sure to check out work by installation artist Hank Tusinski.
For the full schedule and more information, visit https://tucsonmuseumofart.org/
45th Annual Tumacacori Festival, Tumacacori National Historical Park:
On December 6, celebrate the diversity of the Santa Cruz Valley. This festival features a cross-section of Mexican, Native American and Southwestern cuisine, culture, performance, and handicrafts. Free admission.
For more, visit
Holidays at the Heard, Heard Museum:
Between December 26 and 31, the Heard Museum hosts the annual Tucson holiday celebration, showcasing American Indian music, hoop dancing, and performances. Events include Apache fiddle, Navajo textile weaving, moccasin making, and beadwork, and Hopi dance culture. The HOME: People of the Southwest exhibit is on display in the atrium for view. Free, with museum admission.
For full schedule, visit http://heard.org/event/holidays/