Family-Friendly Hikes Around Tucson, Arizona for Traveling Families with Kids

One of our favorite ways to connect with a new place is by getting outside together, and Tucson has offered some of the most family-friendly hikes we’ve experienced so far.

If you’re traveling with kids and still easing your way into hiking as a family, these are trails we’ve tried and loved. They’re simple, scenic, and short enough that even our youngest could handle them. We’re not a hardcore hiking crew — yet — but we’re all for making memories on the trail.

Here are some of the hikes we recommend around Tucson if you're looking for a family-friendly outdoor experience:

Mica View Trail – Saguaro East (Abbreviated Route)
If you’re in Saguaro National Park East, this is a super accessible option. Take the unpaved Mica View access road (watch for narrow spots!) and park at the picnic area. You’ll find a paved trail perfect for strollers and little legs. The full loop is nearly 4 miles, but we stuck with a short out-and-back route under 1 mile — just enough to stretch our legs and spot lots of towering cacti.

What we liked:

• Flat and stroller-friendly

• Restrooms at the trailhead

• Peaceful and not crowded

Worth noting: The road getting in is a bit tight in places.

Freeman Homestead Trail – Saguaro East
This unpaved trail loops through desert brush and leads to the remnants of an old homestead. Educational signs are scattered throughout, which makes it a fun option for homeschoolers or curious kids. The trail is just over a mile and gently sloped — a nice walk with learning moments built in.

What we liked:

• Great nature signs about desert plants

• Short and manageable

• Cool history element at the homestead site

Just a heads up: The signage could be better — we had to guess a bit at one section where the trail runs through a dry riverbed.

Valley View Overlook Trail – Saguaro West
This one is located in Saguaro National Park West, which we found to have bigger Saguaros and more ocotillos (our son's favorite!). The trail is under 1 mile with a gradual climb to a stunning overlook. There are some steps involved, but our kids did just fine.

What we liked:

• Big payoff view without a long hike

• Quiet if you arrive early

• Benches at the top to relax

Downside: Very limited parking, so go early to beat the crowds.

Catalina Nature Trail – Catalina State Park
This was a favorite. We wished we’d discovered it earlier in our stay. It’s an easy trail just over a mile long, and packed with animal signs and track prints. Our kids loved searching for footprints and spotting clues from the desert wildlife.

What we liked:

• Animal track signs throughout the trail

• Mountain views

• Lots of shaded benches for breaks

We honestly don’t have anything negative to say about this one — it was a highlight for our family.

Tumamoc Hill
This is probably the most challenging of the bunch and one of Tucson’s most popular hikes. It's fully paved and about 3 miles round-trip, but there’s a significant incline (740 feet of elevation gain). Our kids pushed through and felt proud at the top. The views are absolutely worth it.

What we liked:

• Expansive views from the top

• Smooth pavement the whole way

• Educational signage about local history

Worth considering: It’s busy. Parking is mostly street-side, and the walk to the trailhead can be a little sketchy due to traffic and litter. Still, we’d do it again — just maybe with a bit more stretching beforehand.

Bonus tip: We celebrated afterward with donuts at Donut Bar and a fun stop at 1912 Brewing. After that hill climb, we felt like we earned it.

Tucson offers such a great balance of scenery and accessibility for families. Whether you’re just passing through or staying a while, these hikes are a simple and free way to get outside, burn some energy, and connect as a family.

Each trail gave us a new appreciation for the desert — and a few more memories in the books.

Happy hiking! Let me know if you have questions or want more ideas for simple family outings while traveling.