The Fourth of July is a month away. Here are two family-friendly itineraries for getting out of the Tucson heat and enjoying the holiday in the White Mountains.
Go small and celebrate early in Alpine
One of the cutest small-town parades in the state is totally kid friendly (short, free, and lots of candy) and starts at 10 a.m. July 2. Yep, not July 4.
After the parade, stay for the big attraction: worm races. This silly and slimy event features a kids’ race at 12:30 p.m. and one for grown-ups at 2:30 p.m. at Ye Olde Tavern. It costs $5 per worm.
Bring: Bags for kids to collect candy, camping chairs to watch the parade, wet wipes for after the worms, light jackets or hoodies, picnic lunch, car bingo, camping stuff (we like this checklist).
Stay: Alpine is a 5-hour drive from Tucson, so plan to spend the weekend. The few hotels are booked by now, but there are a ton of great camping options. There are a couple of restaurants and a tiny grocery store in town.
Go big at Show Low Freedom Fest
The parade, which goes down the Deuce of Clubs, Show Low’s main drag, starts around 9 a.m. and usually has more than 100 floats and lasts 60-90 minutes. (Some hardcore parade lovers set up their seats the night before.)
The synchronized swimming float was a hit at the 2014 Show Low Fourth of July parade.
Afterward, walk to Frontier Field and take it easy while the kids go wild at the Wet Zone. It's like running through the sprinklers times 10. After that’s a great time for lunch or a nap!
2010 Show Low FreedomFest
Freedom Fest at the Show Low High School football field starts at 3 p.m. There will be a ferris wheel, bounce houses, giant slide, super swing and other rides and activities. Unlimited rides wristbands cost $4. Live music including a rockin’ Skynyrd cover band plays all afternoon. Fair food is available.
For little kids, end the day when the choir sings the national anthem around 7 p.m. For older kids, plop your picnic blanket on the field for the fireworks show at around 9 p.m.
Last year’s turnout at Freedom Fest was around 2,500 people, says event planner Carrie Peppard.
Bring: Day packs, comfortable walking shoes, stroller, camping chairs or a picnic blanket, packable towels, water bottles, snacks, hats, waterproof sunscreen.
Stay: If you want a hotel room, reserve now. They do fill up, Peppard advises. Show Low is about a 4-hour drive from Tucson. Take a break in Globe at the half way point.
