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Old Tucson

201 S Kinney Rd · Tucson, AZ

Why you should go…

Old Tucson opened as a film set in 1939 and became a public theme park in 1960, located next to the Tucson Mountains near Saguaro National Park. It has served as a filming location for numerous Western movies and television shows and today operates with stunt shows, live entertainment and seasonal events such as Nightfall and Yuletide. The park is run by American Heritage Railways under the name Old Tucson Entertainment; as of mid-2026 it remains open to visitors even though its long-term lease with Pima County is under review ahead of an April 2027 expiration.

  • #western
  • #theme park
  • #movies
  • #family
  • #history

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Old Tucson, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

    $25–$50

    A combined zoo, aquarium, botanical garden and natural history museum devoted to the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert.

    2.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Kitt Peak National Observatory

    $25–$50

    Tour working telescopes and join nighttime stargazing programs at the world's largest collection of optical telescopes.

    9.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor Center

    Free

    Tucson's official downtown visitor center, offering maps, event info and travel advice for exploring Southern Arizona.

    9.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Southern Arizona

    Free

    A nonprofit alliance of Tucson-area attractions that jointly promotes tourism through a discount attractions passport.

    9.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Reid Park Zoo

    Under $25

    A 24-acre city zoo in central Tucson with more than 500 animals from elephants to jaguars.

    12 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Ghost Ranch Exotics

    $50+

    A private exotic animal ranch near Tucson offering guided capybara and animal encounters.

    17 mi awayMore like this