Reid Park is definitely the best place in town for a family picnic. There are lots of places to cook your hot dogs, spread the blankets and open those jars of potato salad to the sound of the zoo animals nearby. Playgrounds with more and improved play equipment, party areas and public artworks are all around you. With good timing, you may even catch one of the popular DeMeester Outdoor Concerts.
In 1775, the Spanish army staked its claim to this land (now the state of Arizona) by building the fortress, or presidio, which would soon become the center of Tucson. Both the Spanish and the fortress are long gone now, and all that's left of the presidio is a plaque reminding visitors of the events hundreds of years ago. It's a park now, used for fiestas and other celebrations, surrounded by tall 1970s style office buildings. There's not much history left here aside from the Pima County Courthouse, but it's still a nice place to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade.
Kennedy Park, situated on the corner point of Mission Road and Ajo Road, is one of the top favorites with the kids at Tucson. The park has ample to offer right from the Kennedy Pool, lake and an amphitheater. It is best to visit the Kennedy Pool during summers to revel in the cool blues with diving boards. The park also features a shade structure near the pool—most fitting for people who like to watch others play. Fishing is yet another activity that amuse people of all age, but you have to have a license for that if you are 14 or above.
Himmel Park
Himmel Park was voted Best Playground in Tucson by the readers of the Tucson Weekly, and with some justification. The park actually has three playgrounds. The westside section, near the pool, contains the toddlers' structure with beginner's slides and swings; then, there's more swings and the popular Giganto Slide of Death for the bigger kids, while the northeast side features a big climbing structure with several platforms and even more swings. All areas have lots of sand and picnic areas around them. Keep this place in mind if you're traveling with two-10 year olds.
