School’s out for summer and cooler weather is months away. So how do you survive the scorching heat and still get your kids out of the house for a few hours? We’ve got you covered with a list of family friendly things to do on Historic Fourth Avenue this summer.
Catalina Park’s Splash Pad
Just north of Fourth Avenue past University Avenue is Catalina Park. The pretty neighborhood park is great to visit all year round, but the splash pad makes it particularly appealing when the temperature rises. 
According to Tucson’s Parks and Recreation Website:
“Catalina Park splash pad, at 900 North Fourth Avenue, is in the Historic West University neighborhood. Amenities include a splash pad, picnic site, covered playground, two exercise stations, and a small historic ramada. The splash pad has been designed with a manual activation system to allow residents to turn on the water features as desired.
Built in 1902, Catalina Park is one of the City’s oldest parks. The park is 4.19 acres and is located off of Fourth Avenue near University Boulevard – not far from the University of Arizona, Downtown Tucson, and the 4th Avenue shopping district.”
The Park is Free to use, and open from 7 a.m. – dusk.
Lunchtime Eats
All that fun in the sun and splashing around made you hungry? Head down to the Avenue for a bite to eat at one of our family friendly restaurants.
A great option for a lunchtime bite with kids in tow is Magpies Gourmet Pizza. They have a ton of options on their menu for every taste (even little picky eaters!) and coloring activities for kids to enjoy while waiting for pizza. Enjoy the cool A/C inside, or eat on the shaded patio and enjoy the great views of Fourth Avenue.
Magpies Gourmet Pizza is located at 605 N. Fourth Avenue.
Indoor Fun and Games
Looking for more fun, but out of the sun? Our favorite family friendly activities are only a few blocks down the Avenue.
D&D Pinball is fun for all ages. The games are only a few quarters to play, and the lights, bells, and whistles are a treat for everyone. Have a retro favorite that you played as a kid? It’s time to teach your kid how to slay the dragons and help pac-man escape the ghosts.
D&D Pinball is located at 331 E. 7th Street.
Before you head home, don’t forget about your fur babies at home. Stop by Rosie’s Barkét to pick up a treat or a new toy. The play area in the back usually has sweet pups to play with and pet. So even if your kiddos are dreaming of a furry friend, puppy love is best enjoyed at Rosie’s!
Rosie’s Barkét is located at 327 E 7th Street.
Summertime Sweet Treats
Feeling cool yet? If not, maybe an ice cream will do the trick. Nothing says summertime quite like a giant drippy ice cream cone, and Fourth Avenue has loads of places to indulge. 
If you venture further down the Avenue, you’ll find Dairy Queen, Isabella’s Ice Cream and The Chocolate Iguana.
Isabella’s Ice Cream is all made in-house, right on Fourth Avenue. They have tons of unique and gourmet flavors to choose from, and toppings to customize your cone. Which is great because every kid could use more sprinkles in their life, right?
More of a candy family? Or maybe someone wants ice cream and someone wants a chocolate bar? The Chocolate Iguana is a perfect option for you and your kiddos. They have ice cream, a wall full of candy options, and even an espresso bar for mom and dad. The old-school candies are sure to bring back memories too.
Looking for classic cones or a Blizzard? Dairy Queen on Fourth Avenue has all your childhood favorites that are sure to make you smile. Their kid-size cones are small enough to cool everyone down. Headed out of the sun for the day? The convenient drive-thru at Dairy Queen is a perfect place to stop on your way home.
Isabella’s Ice Cream is located at 210 N. Fourth Avenue; The Chocolate Iguana is located at 431 N. Fourth Avenue; Dairy Queen is located at 501 N. Fourth Avenue.