Many of Tucson’s kids will be out of school in the next few weeks, so if you don’t want to hear those dreaded words — “I’m bored” — on a daily basis, it’s time to come up with a plan.
Pima County and the city of Tucson have a few ideas for you.
From the library’s summer reading program to El Grupo’s bike camp to swimming, there’s a full list of kids programs and activities to keep them busy during the summer.
Public pools
Pima County public pools open for the summer on May 28. There are nine pools to choose from. Check pima.gov.nrpr for hours for each pool. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 17 and younger.
City of Tucson pools open June 1. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for kids ages 17 and under.
Kids ages six to 18 can get a SummerGo Pass for $45, which gives them unlimited rides on Sun Tran, the Sun Link streetcar and select Sun Shuttle routes, as well as unlimited use of city pools. The pass is valid May 22 -Aug. 5 and are available now.
Go online to tucsonaz.gov/parks/aquatics-programs for a list of city pools and where to buy a SummerGo Pass.
Swim class
Pima County’s swim classes are two-week sessions that include eight classes. The cost is $20. Registration dates vary. For a schedule of classes go online to pima.gov.nrpr and click on “Pools and Splash Pads” then “Swimming Classes.”
City pools offer “Learn to Swim” programs. Lessons are offered in four two-week sessions during June and July. Schedules vary. The cost is $15. Register at ezeereg.com.
Competitive swim
There are nine Pima County swim teams for kids ages 5-18. Competitions take place at pools around the county. The cost is $20 for the whole summer, which includes practice and meets.
Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. May 21 at all pools offering the program, except for the Marana Marlins. Those interested in the Marana team should email maranamarlins@gmail.com.
For all others, go online to pima.gov.nrpr and click on “Pools and Splash Pads” then “Swim Team Program.”
City pools also offer a competitive swim league for kids ages 17 and under. Participants must qualify by swimming a recognizable competitive stroke one length of the pool without stopping. The cost is $30 for city residents and $38 for non-city residents.
Register during pool hours June 1-10 at the participating pool of your choice.
Synchronized swimming
The city of Tucson offers a synchronized swim league for kids ages 6-17 at the following pools: Amphi, Archer, Clements, El Pueblo, Fort Lowell, Purple Heart, Quincie Douglas and Udall.
The league is for beginner through intermediate levels.
The season starts June 2 and ends with a citywide water show July 16.
You can register at one of the participating pools June 1-10. Cost is $41 for city residents; $51 non-city.
Junior Lifeguard
Kids ages 11-15 who want to be lifeguards can get training through Pima County’s American Red Cross Junior Lifeguard program.
Kids must be 15 or older to participate in the American Red Cross Lifeguard training.
The session is from June 6 to 30 and costs $30. Go online to pima.gov.nrpr and click on “Pools and Splashpads” then “Junior Lifeguard Program” to register.
Youth Summer Bicycle Camp
Kids ages 7 to 13 can gain confidence, knowledge and skills at bike camp.
Safe riding skills, mechanical knowledge and bike handling for each skill level along with health and wellness, environmental stewardship, air quality issues and recycled art will be the focus of the hands-on activities.
The program is offered June 6-10, June 13-17 and June 20-24 by El Grupo Cycling. The cost is $175 per session. Scholarships are available.
For information go online to elgrupocycling.org, hover over “Programs” and select “Youth Summer Bike Camp.”
Summer Reading Program
Cool the kids off with a good book at any of Pima County’s public libraries.
Pick a location to go to from May 21 to July 16 and get a reading log. Children who read 20 minutes a day, track their minutes and complete activities on their tracker can win a free book.
For more information and a schedule of other events at the library, go online to library.pima.gov.
