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Tucson Public Parks

Tucson public parks have tons of options for outdoor enjoyment, unwinding, and family fun.

There's something for everyone, locals & visitors alike. From hiking trails to splash pads to historical sites, and so much more! We'll guide you.

And the best part of Tucson parks? Most of these amazing spots are free, perfect for being budget conscious.

Neon sign vitage style for entering Tucson Arizona

How Many parks are there in tucson?

The City of Tucson Arizona has at least 140 parks throughout town.

We say "at least"  regarding a city agreement with Tucson Unified School District. Schools opened their grounds as parks when school isn't in session. For instance: Summertime - Holidays - and After School.

With neighborhood school locations, all communities will have access to a park.

County Managed Parks in Tucson are sensational, too. Pima County has about 35 public parks in the greater Tucson area.

Tucson Public Parks have contact numbers for further details.

  • Call Tucson Parks and Recreation at 520-791-4873.
  • Call Pima County Parks and Recreation at 520-724-5000
Overhead view of Presidio Park in downtown Tucson ArizonaAerial View of Presidio Park, the Original City Location

Tucson Park with something for everyone!

Maybe the most popular of Tucson public parks is Gene C. Reid Park.

We recommend Reid Park as an awesome destination for anyone in Tucson. The largest Tucson public park, with 131 acres.

  • Many Options to Consider. Including budget-friendly activities.
  • Plenty of picnicking areas, shady playgrounds, and your furry family member's dog park.
  • Pathways, duck pond, and the rose garden.
  • You'll discover even more! Like nearby access to the Zoo, or city golfing.

Relax on a waterside bench. Decompress near any water features. Like streams, a waterfall, and two ponds.

Steam with small waterfall in a large Tucson public parkStream on Barnum Hill with a Small Waterfall - Watch Soon for a Larger One!

Count on all the comfort conveniences.

  • Several entrances with ample parking. 
  • Restrooms and water fountains.
  • Picnic under a ramada. Many grill-side tables, too.

As we like bird-watching ourselves, we've seen plenty of species here. Birds love the watery lake's desert oasis in this Tucson public park.

Redhead Duck Swims in small lake of Reid Park TucsonRedhead Duck Visiting in Winter in Reid Park's

Parks with local Tucson history & more

As a City With History, many parks give tribute. For authentic experiences which favor more of the soul of Tucson.

Fort Lowell Park Tucson AZ

Combine history & culture with fun at Fort Lowell Park Tucson AZ.

Featuring a museum and remnants of a historic military fort. Any southwestern history buff will find It's worth the time for exploring this memorable piece of Tucson's past.

It's also great for families, blending recreation and education.

  • A splash pad for kids. Open April 1-October 31, 8am to sunset.
  • Shaded playgrounds.
  • Adults can hustle through Fitness Stations, or plan a grilling picnic.

This multifaceted combination makes your Fort Lowell Park visit a complete day.

Agua Caliente Park Tucson

We love Agua Caliente Park! With wonderful scenic views, a historical aspect, the rural setting, and the oases ponds. There's signed walks, easy for everyone. Plus picnic tables.

It's not the most well-known, but that's a good thing!

Pond view amidst palms with a Catalina mountains background.One of the True Oasis Ponds Surrounded by Palms in Agua Caliente Park

El Tiradito Wishing Shrine

In these historic Tucson origins, discover this Barrio Viejo memorial. Adjacent to La Pilita Cultural Center. This shrine was built in the 1870s.

Near Cushing & Simpson, downtown. Adjacent to the little chapel of San Cosme.

  • Relax at the gazebo, view the colorful mural, walk its pathways.
  • Not only desert landscaping, but orange trees, too!
  • A historic railroad photo exhibit is along the pedestrian/bicycle path that follows the preserved El Paso-Southwestern Railroad tracks.
El Tiradito Wishing Shrine in Tucson BarrioMain Focus Area for the Shrine

Best tucson public parks

It goes without saying that Reid Park, on 22nd Street is likely the best of all parks in town. That's our take! Because of the variety of scenes, areas and activities.

Yet many more Tucson public parks are among the tops. Here's our own list. Maybe you'll enjoy them, too.

Parks for Scenic Photography

Get yourself a photogenic Tucson perspective!

Rillito River Park has many spectacular viewpoints.

We also recommend Agua Caliente Park, with viewpoints including the pond, palms and the Catalina Mountains!

At Sentinel Peak Park, also called "A" Mountain, get panoramic views of the city. An ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.

View of the City of Tucson in ArizonaCity View from A Mountain

Parks for Interacting with others

Tucson public parks are more than green spaces; they're community backbones.

  • Love meeting new people? 
  • Or engaging in community activities?

Explore events hosted at Tucson public parks.

Himmel Park

Another Tucson public parks gem.

With a library, a pool, and ample green spaces, this easy-to-use park is perfect for relaxation or exercise. Multiple events regularly take place here.

An opportunity for meeting new people while enjoying Tucson's vibrant community spirit.

Map locating Himmel Park in the City of TucsonCentral Location in the City of Tucson

Armory Park

Downtown, Armory Park is the central place for free concerts and festivals. We take it in after Tucson's St. Patrick's Day Parade, for the festival.

They sponsor a rich variety of cultural experiences, free of cost. All great for meeting the diverse people in Tucson.

Dog-Friendly Parks

Looking for a Tucson Dog Park? Let your furry friend run & play.

Purple Heart Park

Its large off-leash area is popular. One Tucson public park that's  a hit for letting your kids and pets run free!

Also has a splash pad. And 8,000-sq.ft. of skate park fun by dipping in & out of the small bowl, or zipping the jumping ramps.

Far-east side at 10050 E.Rita Road.

Udall Park

The dog park that's fun for Fido! Also check out their recreation center & tennis courts. 

Meteorite in U of A museumEven Visits From the Sky Can be Found There!

Parks for active people

These Tucson public parks support those loving exercise, while having fun.

Jacobs Park

Sports enthusiasts have this fantastic choice. Perfect for simply enjoying an action day outdoors.

  • Take part in a basketball game in their courts
  • Lots of active kiddie fun with their playground.
  • Heat up & cool down in the swimming pool
  • Watch a team sport out on the field.

The facilities make it easy to have spirited fun. We've been several times, for granddaughter soccer games. Wanna catch a game? 3300 N.Fairview Ave, south of W.Prince Rd.

Girls soccer teams playing in a Tucson Public ParkOur Granddaughters Giving Their All at a Soccer Game in Jacobs Park

Skate Parks - Great for Those Tween-age Kids!

If your children love skateboarding, we'll show you around.

Tucson Public Parks have plenty of Skate Parks around town. In-line skates, roller skates and scooters are fine. Remember, none of these are supervised. But you'll fit right in with courtesy, caution & protective gear!

boy with athletic shoes steps on skateboard end

Randolph Park

20,000-sq.ft. of ground-level action.

  • Using vertical props, rails & ramps. 
  • Central location at 200 S.Alvernon

Santa Rita Park

Has 16,000-sq.ft. for coasting and jumping. With 3 multi-shaped bowls.

Lights for evening fun. The mid-east side, at 401 E.22nd Street.

Grijalva Skate Park

Ground level skating & boarding adjacent to a school.

  • Has ramps, vertical props & rails.
  • South side, at 5775 S.Oak Tree Drive, corner of W.Drexel.

More For Action Enthusiasts

Looking to engage in running, biking, basketball, swimming & more. Here you go!

Rillito River Park

Not a Tucson City Park, it's a Pima County Park. Worth mentioning here.

  • It follows the Rillito River, with great scenic views.
  • Multiple access & parking along River Road. Take I-10 at Ruthrauff Rd., left at La-Cholla to River.
  • Miles of paved paths for enjoyment: walking - bicycling - running.
Riverside at Rillito River Park Tucson

Parks for Boating & Fishing in Tucson's Desert!

Tucson has three parks with lakes Where You Can Fish & Boat.

  • Take your catches from shore, or using a non-motorized boat.
  • Or just have fun kayaking around!

Near our home is Christopher Columbus Park, at 4300 N.Silverbell Rd., south from El Camino del Cerro. One lake there is specialized for RC Boating , or launching your UMX Aircraft.

Lake in a Tucson City Park on the west sidePleasant Fishing Lake a Couple Miles From our House, Christopher Columbus Park

Great Parks for picnicking

You'll want picnic tables, right? But maybe grills or scenery, too. How about things to do before & after eating?

GREASEWOOD PARK - This gem really reflects some of Tucson's natural environment. From I-10, take Speedway west, to left turn entry just past N.Greasewood Rd.

  • With 152 acres, you'll love the nature trail for easily traipsing upland & riparian areas.
  • With tables & grills under ramadas for shady picnicking.
Overhead detail of Greasewood Park in Tucson AZOverhead Look at Greasewood Park on Tucson's West Side

MENLO PARK - A smaller, charming neighborhood park. Great spot for a casual lunch.

Featuring picnic tables, grills & ramadas.

After your picnic why not shoot some baskets? Or use the Fitness Stations. 

CATALINA PARK - Not to be confused with Catalina State Park, this 3.7-acre neighborhood park works wonderfully in cooler weather.

  • Picnic tables for your lunch, where after eating, kids have fun in the playground. 
  • And Splash Pad Fun, available from April through October. While adults check out Fitness Stations.
Pathway through a park in the desert with a fitness stationCheck Out Tucson Public Parks' Fitness Stations

Takeaways for Tucson Public Parks

Tucson public parks are part of our city's excellent offerings for enjoyable outdoor spaces.

Everyone will find one to their liking. Whether a place to ramble, play sports, enjoy a family picnic, or let your dog run free. And nature enjoyment, somewhere for exercising, or simply looking to relax and unwind,  Tucson public parks are fabulous for locals & visitors, alike.

They're free - so affordable, accessible, and offer activities for all ages. Come explore Tucson public parks!