Looking for the perfect place to take family photos in Tucson, Arizona? Luckily, there are so many places in Tucson to choose from, no matter what time of year!
Below is a list of suggested spots around town for the most ideal family photoshoot. These places bring out the best backdrops to show off your most prized possessions and this beautiful city.
No matter where you choose to take your pictures, I recommend visiting the location beforehand. Many parks are on my list, but reseeding of grass usually occurs in October and November and then again in March, so plan ahead.
Photos taken outdoors are usually done around sunset, so keep travel times in mind when selecting your photoshoot location. These spots are all around town!
Some of the mentioned places are private properties such as hotels or country clubs, so please be sure to ask permission, if necessary.
Depending on the ages of your kids, pictures can take some time. I always bring something that will keep the kids engaged and hopefully keep them happy for the pictures. Check out this list of toys and activities for pre-k and kinder aged kids. If you have a child who seems interested in photography, this is a great opportunity to set them up with their own camera! My 4-year-old loves this Fujifilm Instant Camera and has started his own photo album.
We’ve had a few “refusal” photoshoots, which is fine and produces some funny memories as well!
Honeybee Canyon
Location: Rancho Vistoso/Northwest Tucson
Cost: Free
What family photos in Tucson are complete without views of the Catalina Mountains? This trail is perfect for families looking to mix the desert scenery with the beautiful mountains in the background. You may have to walk a bit with your family, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes and/or have kids that are willing to walk or easy to carry.
Catalina State Park
Location: Oro Valley
Cost: $7 Per Vehicle/1-4 Adults
Once again, a mix of the desert landscape with one of the best views of the Catalina Mountains. You may have to trek it a bit with your family but won’t have to venture too far to find the best photo opportunities.
Saguaro National Park
Location: West Tucson
Cost: $20 Per Vehicle
One of the things that makes Arizona so idyllic is the Saguaro Cactus. Use them to your advantage by showing them off. Although a little pricey, your pass is good for 7 days. Make it a family event and stay and camp a couple of nights! Also, an annual pass is $40 so it may be worth purchasing if you plan to come back.
Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens
Location: Casas Adobes
Cost: Adults $24.95/Children Ages 3-17 $12.95
I love how natural Tucson is and find the Botanical Gardens a wonderful place to showcase the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert. They also have a great play area for kids, which could make for some cute action shots and a restaurant for an easy dinner.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Location: West Tucson
Cost: Adults $21.95/Children Ages 3-12 $9.95
Not only a great location to visit with the family, but also has some great places to take family photos in Tucson. There are desert landscapes, vast mountain views, big boulders and a hummingbird and aviary area that would provide a beautiful green contrast to the sandy desert.
A family annual pass is $125 and allows for two guests. We purchased a day pass and my son has been begging me to go back ever since! Purchasing an annual pass will also pay for your photographer’s entrance fee.
Wildlife Ridge Park
Location: Rancho Vistoso
Cost: Free
This is a little known park that I love! They have a large grass area, big trees, and a great view of the Catalina Mountains. The contrast between the green grass and the brown mountains is one of my favorite for family photos in Tucson because it shows we have a little of everything here in the desert.
Riverfront Park
Location: Northwest Tucson
Cost: Free
If you live in the northwest area, you’ve probably been to Riverfront Park. This is another park with mature trees, large areas of green grass and beautiful views of the Catalinas. Also, if you go along the path that circles the park, you can step off and take some photos in the desert too.
Steam Pump Ranch
Location: Oro Valley
Cost: Free
We love coming to Steam Pump Ranch for their Farmer’s Market every Saturday, but I’ve also seen the best family pictures taken here too! It’s usually closed, unless for events, so this would take some arranging on your part, but it’s totally worth it. This is a great place to show off the history of Oro Valley complete with old buildings, as well as showcasing green grass, mature trees, and views of those Catalina Mountains.
Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain
Location: Dove Mountain
Cost: Free
The Ritz Carlton is the perfect place for family pictures because of the beautiful backdrop, but you can also do some exploring to find a patch of fake grass, tall trees, and mountain views. Fake grass always looks good in photos and is green all year round.
Hohokam Park
Location: Rancho Vistoso
Cost: Free
This park is a quiet spot that has a patch of green grass that backs up to desert landscape and mountain views. I also love how the trees shade the area so well, making it great lighting if you are a do-it-yourself photographer!
Oro Valley Community Center and Golf Course
Location: Oro Valley
Cost: Free
Have you seen the grass here? It’s beautiful! Well maintained and backs up to the Catalinas. There are also some spots just outside of the community center/restaurant that would be great for photos if you don’t want to commit to standing on the golf course!
Naranja Park
Location: Oro Valley
Cost: Free
This park doesn’t seem like much if you just park at the soccer fields, but I promise there are some great spots on the trail that surrounds the fields. You can park in the neighborhood near Musette Drive and easily walk to a spot like the one in the photo above.
Hilton El Conquistador
Location: Oro Valley
Cost: Free
When I first moved to Tucson, I came here for week-long training and fell in love with the view. You are right next to the mountains and can take advantage of the palm trees and green grass. This landscape can provide a more tropical look to your Tucson pictures!
Pima Air & Space Museum
Location: East Tucson
Cost: Adults $16.50/Junior Ages 5-12 $10.00/Children 4 & Under Free
My son loves it here and if your family is a plane family, this would be the perfect place for your family photos in Tucson. Although you won’t get those mountain views, they have multiple, air-conditioned hangers to choose from, a play area for kids, and tons of planes located outside in a more rustic, desert landscape.
Reid Park
Location: Central
Cost: Free
This park is huge! There are tons of trees and large fountains you can really use in your photos. Also, the kids have tons of space to run around before, during, or after pictures.
Life Under the Oaks Lavender Farm
Location: Oracle
Cost: N/A
There is the most beautiful Lavender Farm in Oracle. Message with the owners on Facebook or call to plan beforehand. I promise it is well worth the trouble because it’s absolutely beautiful and WAY outside of the box when it comes to creativity for family pictures.
Casas Adobes Plaza
Location: Casas Adobes
Cost: Free
People love the restaurants here. Not just because they’re delicious, but the area they’re located in creates such a great atmosphere. Showcase the Spanish style architecture that Tucson has to offer, using the red brick paths, fountain, mountain views, palm trees, and adobe walls to highlight your photos then head to dinner afterward.
Copper Creek Park
Location: Oro Valley
Cost: Free
Copper Creek is huge and within the community, there are a couple of parks. This park is set next to Copper Creek Elementary, but also has great access to natural desert landscape, mountain views, and a concrete area that overlooks it all! If you live in Oro Valley, this is a super easy spot for pictures and then the kids can play right before dinnertime.
Howard’s Orchard
Location: Oracle
Cost: Free/Purchases of Delicious Fruits!
Open during the summer and fall, Howard’s Orchard is a wonderful place to pick apples, peaches, pears, and other fruits, but it could also make the ideal location for family photos. This may take some time to arrange, but Rebecca, the owner, is responsive on Facebook and will hopefully be willing to work with you. Stop in, pick some fruit as a family, and snap some pictures. There’s also a cool red barn and old tractor that could make for some fun photo props.
The Barrio
Location: Downtown
Cost: Free
What better way to display Tucson then by visiting the colorful Barrio! I absolutely love it down there and feel it captures the true essence of Tucson culture. This would be one of those “let’s roam around and take pictures where we see cool doors, walls, buildings, etc.” but there are a TON to choose from.
Tumamoc Hill
Location: Central
Cost: Free
If you want to work for that stunning backdrop, you can hike Tumamoc for one of the best views in town. If you can’t make it to the top, pictures can be taken throughout the path leading to the top. I’ve seen deer here too and love the few buildings set along the trail.
Agua Caliente Park
Location: Tanque Verde
Cost: Free
Looking for some water for your family photos in Tucson? Definitely check out Agua Caliente Park. You’ll get manmade lakes along with large palm trees which creates a great setting for a family photoshoot.
Sabino Canyon
Location: North Tucson
Cost: $8 per car
Located in the Catalina Mountains, mountain views and desert plants doesn’t get much better than this! There is a paved path and non-paved trails that lead off the main pathway to explore. Also, at certain times of the year, there is running water! I would try to call ahead about the water. After a storm, the water overflows onto the path, giving you only about a mile of paved road before it becomes too difficult to cross. Sabino Canyon would really show off Tucson to your family and friends.
The Views
Location: Rancho Vistoso
Cost: Free
Not only a great restaurant but the backside faces the mountains and sits on a golf course. Can you get much better than green grass and gorgeous mountain views? Also, the food and service are great at the restaurant, so plan for dinner and pictures!
Family Photos in Tucson Arizona
Perfect family photos need the perfect backdrop. The Tucson area provides so many distinct and gorgeous scenes to create the best keepsakes. With a mix of natural desert landscape, green grass, mountains & lakes, and both free or admission based, you can show off your family and your city all in one image.
What did I miss? Post some of your favorite photo spots below!
Great ideas for people in the NW! Not much mentioned central or East side. any great ideas in these areas!
Hi Sandy! Thank you for reading. I am working my way throughout Tucson. I live on the NW side and am not as familiar with Central or East area. Any suggestions would be great!
I was hoping to find great photo shoot spots in NW Tucson and this was perfect. Thank you!
I’m so glad you were able to find some places! Sorry for the very late response. Better late than never!