Leave your wheels behind and climb aboard the Sun Link Streetcar for a stress-free, memory-filled day that your entire bunch will adore. This car-free itinerary follows the beloved Tucson Streetcar route, weaving through inspiring areas packed with things to do with kids, from interactive museums to open-air markets. With stroller access, tasty picks for little diners, and plenty of places to pause and play, this easygoing adventure keeps the day smooth, simple, and genuinely fun for all involved.
Start on University Boulevard: Breakfast, Books, and Boutiques
Kick off your day on University Boulevard, where the streetcar glides through a colorful stretch lined with cafés, shops, and kid-friendly destinations. Order a light bite at Espresso Art Café, which has fantastic outdoor seating and space for strollers.
After popping into a few boutiques on University, jump onto campus and stop by The University of Arizona Campus Store. It’s just a short walk away and stocks great reads, plush mascots, and Wildcat gear that little ones will go crazy over. It’s also a good chance to show your tiny learners the excitement surrounding higher education.
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium: Big Discoveries for Curious Minds
Stay on campus and walk a few minutes to the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, a go-to spot with interactive science exhibits, fossil digs, and otherworldly planetarium shows that spark curiosity in every age group.
Restrooms and ample seating are available, and the attraction is climate-controlled. The sidewalks and pathways are stroller-friendly, making it easy to linger and enjoy the campus a bit before continuing your car-free journey.
If you plan and make a reservation, curious thinkers aged 10 and above can tour the world-renowned Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab, where scientists craft some of the planet’s most powerful telescope mirrors. Tours are generally offered Monday through Friday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Downtown Tucson: Play, Create, and Refuel
Ride the Sun Link Streetcar into Downtown Tucson, a widely celebrated hub of family activity and artsy action. Your must-visit here is the Children’s Museum Tucson. Your mini explorers will delight over the hands-on exhibits where they can climb, build, imagine, and explore. Toddlers and grade-schoolers alike can spend hours in this immersive space designed for joyful learning.
Afterward, head to Empire Pizza for the ultimate kid-approved classic (pizza!). It’s close to the streetcar line, so you and your gang can continue cruising in style.
Mercado District: Sweets, Space, and Southwest Vibes
Hop back on and head west to the Mercado District, the final location on your streetcar adventure and a wonderful place to let the day wind down. Kids can roam the plaza’s open courtyard, spot public art and murals, and indulge in a sweet treat from La Estrella Bakery or a churro from Seis Kitchen. Parents will appreciate the breezy patio and unique shops tucked into this modern-meets-historic marketplace.
It’s stroller-accessible, mellow, and often home to pop-up performances or weekend markets that bring the space to life. If little legs get tired, you’re steps away from the Cushing & Convento stop, where you can catch the free Sun Link Streetcar to head back the way you came.
Tips for a Smooth Ride
Stroller access is available on all streetcars. They ask that you “Please remove your children from strollers prior to boarding, fold the stroller and keep it out of the aisle.”
Streetcars run every 10-15 minutes Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, expect every 20-30 minutes.
Most major stops have shade and benches.
Whether your crew is science-obsessed, artsy, or just out for a good snack and fresh air, this streetcar itinerary turns an ordinary day into something unforgettable.
Plan your perfect family day on the Tucson Streetcar — fun, food, and discovery await!