Top 10 Things to Do With Kids in Tucson

1. Funtasticks amusement park. The mini-golf is pretty boring, but the kids loved the motorized go-carts and bump-em boats. 221 E. Wetmore (near Stone), (520) 888-GOLF.

2. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum The kids loved the cave, archaeology exhibit (Ancient Arizona), coyotes, and coatis. If you're around for more than a month, consider a family membership. 2021 N. Kinney Road (through Gates Pass), (520) 883-1380.

3. Breakers Water Park, 8555 W. Tangerine, (520) 682-2530. 30 mi NW of downtown. Open May-September only. Bring sunscreen and lots of cash.

4. Miniature Golf at Golf N' Stuff, 6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd., 885-3569.
   Runner-up: Magic Carpet Golf, 6125 E. Speedway, 885-3691 (great kitsch but lousy maintenance).

5. Cold Stone Creamery - It's a chain but my kids liked it best.
   • 7090 N. Oracle, 297-6522
   • 1927 E. Speedway, 795-7576
   Runners-up:
   • Santa Barbara Ice Creamery, 2502 N. Campbell, 323-1231;
   • Austin's, 2920 E. Broadway, 327-3892 - authentic 1950's diner sells unusual flavors (ginger, root beer).

6. Municipal swimming pools - They're all outdoors, and some are open year-round. Cleanliness leaves something to be desired, but it's really cheap.

7. Pima Air and Space Museum - 6000 E. Valencia, 574-0462 - Kids loved the Mars Rover they could control.

8. Arizona Science Center - Alright, so it's really in Phoenix (600 E. Washington, (602) 716-2000). Kids spent the whole day there without getting bored.

9. Arizona Diamondbacks spring training at Tucson Electric Park.

10. Watching remote control jets at the Tucson International Modelplex Park.

11. Eating pizza at Magpies Gourmet Pizza or Picurro Pizzeria.