Whether you’re looking for a short hike, a day exploring museums, or an afternoon of mini golf and snacks, Sierra Vista has you covered. This guide highlights 10 top things to do with family that will create lasting memories during your visit to this charming town.
Visiting Coronado National Memorial
Coronado National Memorial sits atop Montezuma Pass in the Huachuca Mountains just outside Sierra Vista. Dedicated to the 16th century Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, this scenic park offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and Mexico. There are several short, family-friendly hiking trails that wind through the desert scrubland and among oak trees and sycamores.
Be sure to stop at the visitor center museum which tells the story of Coronado’s journey through the Southwest in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. A picnic area is also available for bringing your own food. Spending an afternoon enjoying the fresh air and scenery at Coronado National Memorial makes for a memorable cultural and outdoor experience.
Visiting the Cochise Stronghold
Nestled in the Dragoon Mountains just west of Sierra Vista, the Cochise Stronghold was the last refuge of the legendary Chiricahua Apache chief Cochise. Several short, easy trails wind among the beautiful rock formations where Cochise and his people once hid from U.S. Calvary troops. Keep an eye out for petroglyphs and ancient grinding holes left by previous inhabitants.
Children will enjoy scrambling over the big boulders and peering into narrow canyons and caves. Be sure to allow enough time to stop at the small visitor center and learn about Apache history and culture. You may even spot wildlife like deer, coyotes, or birds of prey while hiking through this unique landscape. The Stronghold makes for an educational day trip back in time that the whole family can enjoy.
Exploring Southwest Frontier Village
Step back into the Old West at Southwest Frontier Village, an outdoor living history museum just outside of Sierra Vista. Costumed interpreters demonstrate ranching, farming, blacksmithing and other trades as they would have been practiced in the 1800s. Wander the paths between authentic historic structures like a one-room schoolhouse, rancher’s cabin, and railroad depot.
Children especially love petting the farm animals like chickens, goats and donkeys. Native American dance performances and folk music add to the atmosphere. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic in the shaded grounds or stop by the small Western shop. Spending the day at this engaging open-air museum brings Arizona history alive for families in an interactive, hands-on way. It’s a fun way for kids and adults alike to discover what pioneer life was like.
Playing at Cochise County Park
With its playground, picnic areas, fishing lake, and trails, Cochise County Park makes a perfect destination for families looking to spend a leisurely afternoon outdoors. The large playground features multiple slides, swings, climbing structures and more to keep kids entertained for hours. Several shaded picnic tables with barbecue grills offer the perfect spot to enjoy your packed lunch.
Once refreshed, take a stroll around the 3-mile trail encircling the 30-acre freshwater fishing lake where you may see birds, turtles and fish. Kids enjoy skipping rocks or looking for critters in the shallow water. For an extra dose of activity, there is also a 9-hole disc golf course. With its combination of recreation amenities nestled among trees and grassy open space, Cochise County Park is hard to beat for quality family fun in a beautiful natural setting.
Exploring the Fort Huachuca Museum
On the grounds of the active Fort Huachuca Army base in Sierra Vista lies the Fort Huachuca Museum, a intriguing attraction for history buffs of all ages. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the base’s role through major conflicts from the Indian Wars to recent overseas deployments.
Kids will be fascinated trying on uniforms, peering through field scopes or posing for photos at recreated scenes. Outdoors, a walking trail winds past historic buildings dating back to the late 1800s that are now used as offices or residences. Guided walks are available to learn more about the surrounding area. Plan to spend a couple hours exploring this free museum to gain an appreciation for the post’s important military role over the past 150+ years. Coupled with a picnic in nearby historic Glen Canyon, a visit makes for an educational family outing.
Mini Golfing at Putt-Putt Golf & Games
For indoor family-friendly entertainment on a rainy day, look no further than Putt-Putt Golf & Games. In addition to an 18-hole mini golf course with tricky obstacles, there is also an arcade filled with classic redemption games. Kids and parents alike will have a blast competing to get the lowest score on the whimsically themed putting green which includes winding tunnels and water features.
Afterwards, let loose in the arcade trying for high scores on Skee-Ball, basketball toss games or crane machines filled with plush prizes. Snacks and drinks are also available to fuel the fun. With its affordable prices and variety of activities under one roof, Putt-Putt is hard to beat on a rainy day when you want to keep the whole crew entertained indoors for a couple hours. It’s the perfect spot for low-key family competition and bonding.
Taking a Hike in the Huachucas
The scenic Huachuca Mountains on the edge of Sierra Vista offer several great hiking options for families of varying abilities. A gentle introductory trail is Miller Canyon which winds 2 miles roundtrip through an easy grade canyon with colorful rock formations and seasonal waterfalls. The similarly graded Britton Trail leads 1.5 miles up to views over Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca.
For slightly more advanced hikers, both Ramsey Canyon Preserve and Bear Canyon offer more challenging 5-7 mile loop routes through oak and pine woodlands with mountain vistas. Be sure to pack water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Taking a half or full day to explore the natural beauty of the Huachucas by foot is a rejuvenating way for families to soak in the fresh air and scenic sights together. Just be aware trails may be closed or snowed in during winter months.
Picnicking at Garden Canyon
Nestled between the Huachuca and Mule Mountains lies the idyllic Garden Canyon, one of Sierra Vista’s hidden gems. Over 10 miles of scenic dirt roads wind through colorful rock formations, sheltered meadows and oak forests frequented by deer and birds. Several picnic areas with tables and grills are perfect spots to spread out a lunch and take in the serenity.
Kids enjoy exploring the smooth boulder rocks dotting the grassy canyon bottom and looking for wildlife. Just make sure to pack out all trash. With nearly no facilities, it truly feels like an escape into unspoiled nature close to home. With beautiful scenery around every bend, picnicking here makes for an easy, memorable family outing where you may spot colorful birds or hear the calls of hawks circling above. Be sure to give yourselves a full afternoon to absorb the peaceful canyon surroundings.
Visiting Nature Conservancy at the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
Just north of Sierra Vista lies the sprawling San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, an important wildlife habitat protecting over 57,000 acres of protected riparian forest, meadows, and wetlands along the San Pedro River. As part of the Nature Conservancy, several short easy trails wind through the cottonwood-lined river banks where you may spot herons, egrets and other water birds along with deer and mountain lions.
Hiking at a moderate pace, families can observe the diverse landscape and natural processes in just 2-3 hours. Picnic facilities and interpretive displays help deepen appreciation for this desert oasis. With over 200 bird species documented, binoculars allow kids to spot feathered friends high in the trees. Friendly docents are also available most mornings and afternoons to answer questions. Spending a morning hiking and learning here helps families bond over protecting sensitive southwest habitats.
Conclusion
Whether it’s spending time together outdoors in nature, learning through interactive museums, or just having plain old family fun, Sierra Vista offers a wealth of activities for all ages and interests. With several options that only take an hour or two, combo days checking out multiple attractions are easily feasible. Be sure to build in downtime too – relaxing over an ice cream cone in historic downtown, fishing at the park, or simply enjoying scenic drives can create lifelong memories as much as any activity.
By incorporating a mix of education, recreation and relaxation, families are sure to make the most of their time exploring all this charming southern Arizona town has to offer. The diverse landscape provides a perfect backdrop for creating lasting family bonds and traditions with each new discovery.