This post was sponsored by VisitTucson. All opinions are my own.
Staying inside for this long has been really hard for all of us- but we all know how incredibly important it is and we’re following guidelines. But we’re used to traveling a lot- we have already had to cancel three trips since this all started.
Since we can’t leave the house, we’re finding other ways to “travel”- like watching videos and looking back at trips we’ve already taken to get some ideas of where to go once we’re able to again!
One trip we are definitely going to have to take again is to Tucson, Arizona. A few years back, we had a really quick trip because Justin had a work meeting there. Since we are just a 5 hour drive away in Vegas, the rest of us all tagged along for the road trip. While he worked, we checked out a beautiful local park. Then when he was done, we went to the Reid Park Zoo- one of our favorite zoos that we’ve ever been to!
Reid Park Zoo had a lot of great animals, all in big habitats with freedom to roam and plenty of enrichment activities. While the zoo offered a wide variety of animals, it wasn’t overwhelmingly large- it was the perfect size to visit in one day without feeling like you missed half the zoo.
We went back in February 2016, when Zac had just turned 2. One of his earliest memories is of the elephants at Reid Park Zoo! There was a young elephant playing with a ball, and Zac was absolutely amazed! Of course, we all were- it was the cutest thing! {You can see it in the middle of the photo above if you look closely enough!}
We also had the chance to get really close to the giraffes because of the way that the enclosure was set up. The giraffes came right up to the edges to grab a bite to eat, and the zookeepers told us all about each one. We found out that one of them was almost exactly my age- but a whole lot taller.
There were even some interactive elements, like statues that the kids could take photos with and some drums Shane played for a long time. The kids had a great day there, and I think they’d love it even more now that they’re older, their legs have a bit more stamina, and their love for animals has only grown.
Reid Park Zoo is currently closed, but they’re checking in often on Facebook to share behind the scenes as they care for the animals! You can catch their videos here. Also be sure to check out their website for activities to do at home! You can also find more online Tucson experiences at VirtualTucson.org.
Reid Park Zoo is just one of many family destinations in Tucson, Arizona. I am really looking forward to going back and checking out more places there. There are so many beautiful state parks, the Children’s Museum looks like so much fun, and the Pima Air and Space Museum is definitely calling to Justin. You can really create your own experience in Tucson and find activities that your family is interested in!
Of course, you can’t forget the food! You can feed your family while you feed your soul with some of the best food around. Tucson is known for their unique food scene, and even has a UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Mexican food is one of my absolute favorite things to eat, and Tucson has something called “The Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food in the U.S.” where I will definitely be getting most of my meals the next time we go!
While we can’t make any concrete plans right now, we’re already starting to talk about our must-do items for our trip to Tucson. It’s really been helping us get through the time stuck at home- knowing that when it’s safe and the time is right, we will be able to get out again and travel. And when that time comes, I can’t wait to go see some animals and eat some amazing Mexican food- and the view during the drive from Vegas isn’t bad, either!
Where will you go when you start traveling again?
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