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10 fun indoor things to do in Tucson this summer to beat the heat

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2023.

Hello, the temperature is in the triple digits!

Don’t let the hot weather deter you from having fun this summer. To beat the Arizona heat, here’s a list of 10 fun indoor activities to do this summer.

Museums, museums, museums 🖼️






Auguste Rodin’s “Adam” stands in one of several underground galleries at the Tucson Museum of Art’s lowest level.


Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star 2021


Tucson has many unique and fun museums to enjoy all year round. Especially in the summer, when the temperature hits his triple digits, he seeks out the coolest air conditioner.

Others are reading…

Bring your favorite outdoor activities indoors 🧗






Flashed — Stevie Imperatrice of Innovative Climbing Equipment + Apparel installs crash pad floors at Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness (3949 W. Costco Drive).


Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star 2020


Want to be a little more active this summer? Tucson has several indoor locations for outdoor activities.

try Solid Climbing + Fitness, rock and rope, BLOC Climbing + Fitness + Yoga, Elevate Trampoline Park, Get Air Trampoline Park and Defy Tucson. If you’re looking to visit one of these locations several times this summer, many offer summer passes that cover multiple visits.

Take the kids to the indoor playground 🤸

If you have active little ones at home who need to burn off some energy but don’t want them running around in the hot Arizona sun, check out some of your local indoor playgrounds. These indoor play areas include jungle gyms, play mats, and other child-safe equipment and toys.

to the movies🍿






Loft Cinema will host its annual Loft Kids Fest and Cat Video Fest this year.


Kelly Presnel, Arizona Daily Star


Going to the movies is a great way to beat the summer heat. Relax in the cool air-conditioning, eat a bucket of buttery popcorn, and watch your favorite movie on the big screen. Tucson certainly has a lot of big corporate theaters, but summer is a great time to support your local theaters.

check out The Loft Cinema Wide selection of movies and the annual Loft Kids Festa. The Fox Theater will be showing movies this summer too!

Go to a live theater or comedy performance 🎭






Paul Casillas will be performing at the Roughs Comedy Cafe this summer.


Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star


Maybe movies aren’t your hobby.

If you’d like to see us perform live on stage, check out one of our performances at: gaslight theater Catch a comedy show at Laughs Comedy Cafe, Unscrewed Theater or Improvisation in Tucson.

Throw an ax, break things in the rage room or find a way out of the escape room 🪓






Tobias Masela (left) and Jay Ver Hoeven throw during the World Championships of the World Ax Throwing League at the Splitting Timber Ax Practice Range at Tucson Premium Outlets.


Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star 2019


Don’t let the summer heat make you feel unstable. Instead, get rid of pent-up emotions with an ax-throwing session or smashing things in the Breaking Her Point Fury Room.check out St Hubert’s Hatchet House again chopping ax throw for ax throwing.

If you’re looking for another indoor activity to take your mind off things, try finding a way out of an escape room. Tucson has plenty of escape rooms to choose from, including Fox in a Box. ace of escape, mystery escape room and run away?

Find your new favorite book at your local library 📖






John Lubriner searches the stacks for books at the Sahuarita Branch of the Pima County Public Library at 670 West Sahuarita Road on opening day, September 7, 2021.


Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star 2021


and 27 libraries Across Pima County, There are plenty of places to curl up with your favorite book (or discover new favourites), hide from the sun, or just hang out. If you’re not sure what to read, ask a librarian!

The Pima County Public Library has lots of events From book clubs and technical assistance to crafts and story time, this summer’s calendar has it all scheduled.

Relax with indoor yoga






Frank Jude Bosio (left), Robert Mitchell (middle), and Vicky Mills meditate in a class called Mind Lab at Yoga Oasis, 2631 N. Campbell Ave.


Noel Haro-Gomez, Arizona Daily Star 2013


Another serene option this summer is to join an indoor yoga class.

Tucson has plenty of outdoor yoga options, but indoor yoga classes are the best way to beat the heat.Options include the following classes yoga oasisThere are three locations throughout Tucson. 4th avenue yoga Om Yoga also offers aerial yoga classes.

Enjoy a drink at a local brewery or coffee shop 🍺☕






Bartender Crystal Fiero talks to customers at the Barrio Brewing Company at 800 E. 16th St.


Rebecca Susnett, Arizona Daily Star 2019


Tucson has great breweries (and coffee shops if you don’t like beer). So whether you’re sipping an ice-cold beer or sipping a fancy iced coffee, your local brewery or coffee shop is the place to hang out with friends, grab a tasty snack, and start tackling your summer reading list. The perfect place for

For animal lovers 🐈

Watch now: El Jefe Cat Lounge has about 30 cats. The lounge is located at 3025 N. Campbell Ave.

#ThisIs Tucson Staff


If you’re looking for something a little softer and more cuddly this summer, give it a try.Please check El Jefe Cat Lounge Hang out, cuddle and play with 35 foster kittens.

If you want a longer relationship with your furry friend, Pima Animal Conservation Center Raise or adopt a pet!

What’s your favorite summer indoor activity? Let us know at everdugo@tucson.com.

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