Nestled in the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains in southeastern Arizona lies the scenic city of Sierra Vista. Known as the “Hummingbird Capital of the United States” for its plentiful bird population that migrates through the area each year, Sierra Vista offers plenty for families to see and do during a visit.
From outdoor adventures and historical attractions to unique museums and family-friendly restaurants, Sierra Vista has something to delight travelers of all ages. This article highlights 12 of the top things for families to do during their time exploring this charming southwestern city.
Explore the Trails of Coronado National Memorial
The Coronado National Memorial offers over 16 miles of hiking trails that wind through the mountainous landscape and showcase the area’s diverse vegetation and wildlife. Families can embark on short nature walks or more challenging hikes while taking in views of the San Pedro River Valley below.
The visitor center features exhibits on the Spanish explorer Coronado as well as impacted species in the region like birds, butterflies and jaguars. From December to March, keep an eye out for hummingbirds that flock to the memorial during migration season.
See a Show at The Village Theatre
For families looking for some indoor entertainment, the Village Theatre in Sierra Vista features musicals, plays, dance performances and more throughout the year. Kids will delight at productions like Charlotte’s Web or Disney’s Moana Jr. while parents can enjoy smash hits like Mamma Mia! and Les Miserables.
Many performances sell out weeks in advance so book tickets early. Beyond the live entertainment, the concession stand sells tasty movie snacks to munch on during the show.
Splash Around at Veterans Memorial Family Aquatic Center
When the Arizona temperatures climb in the summer months, Veterans Memorial Family Aquatic Center offers the perfect place for families to cool down. This water park contains two pools, a water slide, splash pads and shady spots for parents.
Various features like rainbow fountains and tipping buckets keep kids engaged for hours. Affordable daily passes make the aquatic center easily accessible for visiting families while season passes allow local families to enjoy the facilities all summer long.
Tee Off at Quail Creek Golf Course
For parents who want to fit in some golfing during family travels, Quail Creek Golf Course offers an excellent 18-hole course set amid beautiful mountain scenery. With four sets of tees on every hole ranging from beginner to professional, the whole family can enjoy playing a round together.
The pro shop rents out equipment for those who did not pack their clubs. After hitting balls on the driving range, reward the gang with milkshakes and burgers at Mulligan’s Grill.
Explore History at Fort Huachuca Museum
Fort Huachuca acted as a critical base for the Buffalo Soldiers, the African American cavalry and infantry regiments, during the late 1800s. The Fort Huachuca Museum, located on this active U.S. Army post, chronicles the role of Black soldiers and the fort itself in the context of both western and American history. Interactive exhibits like a simulated cavalry charge make military history exciting for younger visitors. Families can also join one of the guided tours of the fort provided by the museum.
Marvel at Aircraft at Pima Air and Space Museum
About an hour west of Sierra Vista, the Pima Air and Space Museum houses over 350 aircraft and spacecraft spanning the entire history of flight. Families can climb inside military jets and walk through spaceships while learning about aviation.
Interactive exhibits like a wind tunnel and Air Force cockpit thrill kids interested in science and mechanics. Special family days occur throughout the year that incorporate STEM demonstrations, hands-on building challenges and meet-and-greets with Tuskegee Airmen yet living in Tucson.
Grab Grub at Fry House
No family trip feels complete without digging into delicious food together, and Fry House satisfies with its casual southwestern fare. Their claim to fame comes from the wide selection of fries paired with hearty toppings and special sauces.
Chili cheese fries make for perfect comfort food on a cool desert night while kids devour orders of cheesy bacon fries or sweet potato fries. With gluten-free buns and vegan protein available too, Fry House ensures every member of the family finds something crave-worthy on the menu.
See Stars at Whetstone Lookout
Thanks to lower light pollution levels, spots near Sierra Vista provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. Pack the family into the car and take a quick drive up to Whetstone Lookout after dinner.
This vista point rests just below the summit of Whetstone Peak with nothing obscuring views of the dark night sky studded with stars. Bring blankets to spread out on the ground as everyone looks for familiar constellations and planes crawling across the atmosphere. During a meteor shower, viewing reaches next-level status.
Play Mini Golf at Dave & Buster’s
For indoor family fun, Dave & Buster’s offers a massive arcade and entertainment venue on the outskirts of Sierra Vista. Kids gain endless excitement racing around the colorful indoor miniature golf course flanked by larger-than-life decorations.
Parents can play too or slip away for cocktails from the bar nearby. With virtual reality experiences, bowling lanes, shuffleboard and over 150 arcade games, boredom has no chance at Dave & Buster’s. Rewards cards allow families to load up gameplay chips for experiencing it all.
Learn About Raptors at Cochise College Flight Deck
The unique Flight Deck classroom at Cochise College turns learning about birds of prey into an immersive activity for animal-loving families. Live hawks, falcons, owls and other raptors reside onsite as part of the college’s avian education program.
Special weekday viewings occur where visitors can observe the magnificent creatures up close alongside an educational presentation about each species. Getting to see these birds fly indoors leaves a lasting impression on kids enamored by the power of wings.
Explore the Singing Wind Bookshop
No family trip feels complete without popping into a quirky local bookshop, and the Singing Wind Bookshop charms visitors browsing its towering shelves. Extensive collections of used books on regional history and culture get bibliophile parents excited while kids can dive into the store’s selections for young readers.
Beyond books, funky treasures like artisan jewelry and handcrafted flutes made onsite tempt shoppers. The attached tea room provides a cozy spot for enjoying hot drinks after perusing intriguing finds within the bookshop itself.
Conclusion
Overflowing with natural beauty and southwestern character, Sierra Vista entices families with plenty of sights to see and activities to enjoy year-round. Hiking adventures, interactive museums and aquatic fun fill the days while evenings under the immense night sky create lifelong memories.
From hitting the links at Quail Creek Golf Course to splashing in swimming pools at Veterans Memorial Family Aquatic Center, Sierra Vista offers outdoor excitement for visitors of every age.
Tempting restaurants like Fry House satisfy all appetites after busy days exploring Coronado National Memorial or marveling at birds of prey at Cochise College’s Flight Deck. With this list of 12 things for families to do, Sierra Vista makes for an unforgettable travel destination where parents and kids thrive.