The J is part of my silver sneakers program and here's the situation there. It's a lovely facility…read more New equipment, beautiful pool, tennis courts and pickleball. When snowbirds are here you can't really get into classes ( most are great) unless you set alarms for yourself and sign up a couple of days ahead. The place skews older and I although there are high school kids there in the afternoons it's not age diverse. Plus side is it's very forgiving and a great place to start weight lifting and more. There are paid programs for that and I think that would be worth it. I belong to a few other places so it's not a problem. I really like yin yoga there and trx . If this is going to be your main place you will be frustrated.

Okay... how did I NOT know this place existed?! That's…read moreexactly what I was thinking the first time I stepped foot onto the JCC. I discovered the Tucson Jewish Community Center after they hosted the Hot Cocoa Run 5K (hands down one of the funnest, most vendor-packed races I've ever done ), and let me tell you--walking into the JCC feels like stepping into a whole other world. This place is HUGE and has everything.They gifted a week pass in our swag bags from 5k and I fully leaned in--and I'm so glad I did. First off, the community + programming here is next level. I got to participate in pottery and ceramics classes (SO fun and surprisingly legit), and I love that they partner with local creatives and groups. It gives the whole place a collab, community-driven feel that I'm always looking for. On the fitness side--they're not playing around. I took multiple classes, and their cycle class (aka performance ride ) was actually really solid. Great energy, great programming. I also hit a strength-based class that delivered, and the gym floor itself is super clean, spacious, and not overcrowded (major win). The crowd is also refreshingly diverse in age, which I loved--it truly feels inclusive. And can we talk about the Cafe at the J... because YES. Tons of vegan options , actually flavorful, and super affordable. Not your typical "gym cafe" situation at all. Beyond that, this place is basically a mini campus--tennis, pools, art spaces, events, rentals, and even traditional Jewish baked goods (fresh bread, hello ). They also host a TON of events--like so many it's hard to keep up--so definitely check their calendar because there's always something happening. Overall, I'd absolutely go back. Whether you're going for fitness, arts, community events, or just to explore something new in Tucson--this place is a whole experience.

Time for an update. The NW YMCA maintains its high marks. Well maintained facilities. Great cardio,…read morecircuit and weight equipment. A gym the size of two basketball ball courts. Smaller exercise class rooms, a pool and child care facilities. Many programs for all age groups. Friendly, educated staff. I use the Y for exercise. And while there are closer for profit gyms to my house, I support the Y's non profit mission. For example, the picture I posted with this review is of the Y's solar energy shade structure. An example of people oriented, forward thinking and economic sense. Thanks NW YMCA!

This is a clean, well stocked gym. The variety of classes is great and I feel so grateful to live…read morepretty close to this YMCA!

Playformance is the BEST community space for kids and adults alike! The owners Kevin and Anna are…read moredelightful people that make each of their events so much fun and bring so much joy to Tucson. We have participated in many of their adult play nights and now they have a morning weekly group for adults.. so cool! Each of their sessions offers cooperative and low-pressure games for a wide range of abilities. It's so fun connecting with others in the community. I've also had the pleasure of hosting team building events here and their staff is amazing at facilitating activities that meet the needs of the group. This space is so appreciated! They fill a gap for the community that no one else offers.

My wife and I went to Playformance for their monthly grownups date night. It was a fun time to…read morerelax and engage in different fun games with other couples. It was $50 a couple and all proceeds went to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which we loved supporting! We played fun mirroring and listening games with your date. It was nice to not have a screen and focus on listening and being present while having fun. We also played some group games that involved moderate activity and competition. There was also some free time to explore the facility and the various things to climb, slide, jump on/ off and of course Gaga ball. Coach Kevin and Anna have an amazing local business that we were excited to support and it was super fun to have this experience with some friends that we went to this with.

Walking by the Tucson Mall towards the wing that was once inhabited by large retailers and now has…read moremore art/toy/entertainment businesses, I stumbled upon Coy's Camps and Classes. The location is unexpected but works well for a camp space that specializes in chess and the owner is even a US Chess Federation certified tournament director. They were very welcoming to my little 6yo who went in knowing only the very, very basics of the game. I'm sure they would have been equally supportive if he knew nothing. During camp, coach Matthew paired them up and walked them through moves and gave ample opportunities for them to play the game at their level. Coach Matthew also worked individually with some kids. The kids had a break and got the chance to play with the giant chess set and an automated chess board (it's like Harry Potter magic!) They have weekday classes for different levels and tournaments. Plus, they also offer STEM camps and other classes. This is the type of place we need in Tucson.

Coy's Camps and Classes is owned by a certified teacher. All classes and camps are designed to…read moreenrich the learner in core subject areas. Those areas are also reinforced through art. In addition to core subject camps and classes, chess classes, chess camps and chess tournaments are held as well. All classes, camps and tournaments are held both in person and virtually with extremely flexible schedules. My children love Coy's Camps and Classes and they have attended both in-person and online classes. The owner, Molly Coy, is truly passionate about teaching, and her time and dedication to learning is obvious with each class she offers. I highly recommend Coy's Camps and Classes!

My child has been enrolled in the Mesa Verde PAL and the STEMazzzing summer program offered by…read moreCommunity Extension Programs for the past two years. I could not recommend this before/after school program any higher. At the Mesa Verde PAL Miss Tammy offers excellent science experiments all year round and we could not adore her more! My child is excited about the projects they do and the fun games they get to play. It is much more than just a place to go. The teachers who work here are committed and caring. It makes me happy to know my child has a safe and wonderful place to go to while his parents finish up work for the day. Pro-tip: for those considering STEMazzzing camp for your child, be sure to register for classes as soon as you can! The LEGO, Sharks, and Minecraft classes go quickly. They also offer Physical Education during camp including things like Crossfit for Kids, Baseball, Basketball, and Soccer.

Today I'm very upset. I decided to enroll my son in the Tiny Tinker program which is run by CEP. I…read morecalled last week and had an interesting conversation. The lady I talked to said they might not have space, asked whether I required financial aid and then "magically" found space. Roll with me for a moment. When we showed up, I asked the teacher how full they were and she said they had 8 slots left to fill. I cannot overstate how irritating it is to be profiled and have someone assume you require financial aid; but probably more importantly, though I'm reserving final judgment for drop-off tomorrow, this screening will result in little to no diversity in the classroom. I did not see any when we were there. If this matters to you as it does to me, know that I've not had bad experiences with the site director, the teachers, or even the CEP corporate employees. It's just a nasty feeling that something is not right. Though I cannot fault our interactions, I wonder would they be so compassionate to someone working in the (upper middle class) area who required financial aid to enroll their child... I'm just not so sure how I feel about this and I wanted to pen this review honestly immediately after the fact. I hope that was not their intent, and I will update the review later if anything changes about my perceptions but I think this is something to be considered. My older two were in elementary and used CEP for after-care and the experience was phenomenal. I haven't had a bad thing to say about the program or how it is run, but this really rubbed me the wrong way.

My kids said it was prison. Kids were yelled at and grabbed by the arm. Some kids got in trouble…read morefor not doing anything. I packed my kids a lunch and snack, (They don't like processed foods) but they weren't allowed to eat it because "it's not fair to the other kids". They were given a hamburger and they refused it. Apparently, this is common and people who have worked there or know of someone who has, can confirm this.

I normally am not one to leave reviews but I wanted to before someone enrolls their child in this…read morenot safe environment. Last month I enrolled my 2 year old son as I needed a childcare only for a few hours random times of the week as mine and my families work schedules contradicted. I had a tour, was told about safety protocols, meal schedules, and payment. I filled out paperwork re-iterating what the staff has told me and signed and payed the $200 enrollment fee. In this paperwork it included a blue form of people authorized to pick my child up, along with emergency contact information. The first day rolls around and I drop him off in the "voyagers 5" classroom. The staff did not really acknowledge me but I brushed it off and told him he was new to the class and asked where to put his stuff. They showed me and before leaving I told them that he has asthma and his inhaler with the instructions were left up front and he needs it if he starts wheezing or retracting. I picked him up a few hours later, I walked in and it was the same staff member, she again did not really acknowledge me but I got him and left. The next time I dropped him off I brought him to the same class, except there were different staff members this time. My son ran to the table and I stood around for a minute since the staff looked at me and didn't say anything. Once I realized they were not going to say anything I decided to approach them and ask if they knew my sons name. I could tell they were caught off guard and they said something along the lines of "Oh! No. What is his name?" I told them his name and explained he has asthma and his inhaler is up at the front. They said okay and I left. When I came to pick him up there was AGAIN different staff members in the class. I walked in and got him without a word or questioning from anybody. I made a mental note and passed this off of maybe there was some sort of staffing issue this day. The third day I dropped him off there was the original staff member in the room at both drop off and pick up so I did not look into this day. The forth and last day my son was enrolled here had a similar type of scenario again. When I went to drop him off there was a staff member I had never seen before in the class. Again I wasn't acknowledged so I asked if they knew my sons name. She did not. I then went over the same conversation previously and told him his name, tmedical, etc. I went up to the front desk and told them that this day my mom would be picking him up. They told me to give them her name and she would write it down and I was told they are in the process of organizing files so they did not know where my sons files were so a name would do, and that she would have to show an ID when she came in. This set off red flags because his files had my emergency contact information. When my mom came to pick him up she went in a few different classrooms because they had moved him. She finally found the room he was in and she walked in and grabbed him and left the facility. Not a single staff member asked who she was, to identify herself, her relationship to my child, or anything of the sort. I was horrified as I realized how deep this safety issue goes from different staff switching out of the classes, no one being ID'd or questioned and being able to escort themselves to any classroom the pleased (staff did not walk anybody to the classes). And that vital information like my phone number and name wasn't even accessible to anybody. I called the main office to let them know what happened and it was looped around just back to the receptionist at this location. At first she blew it off and asked why I did not bring this up right away,(which I did by questioning the staff), and then it turned to her asking my advice on what they could do to make me feel comfortable with him staying enrolled. I feel as if I should have to give my opinion on this major safety issue, and that at very minimum they should follow what they originally tell parents are done for safety (plus some). As for this location, walking down the halls everyday all you hear are kids screaming and crying not being comforted whatsoever. In his class there were a couple kids crying and we're being completely ignored by staff. This made me a bit sad because they did not try to comfort or even redirect the children at all. I don't know the qualifications or any of the staff in the classrooms but from what I saw at a glimpse they seemed as they did not get any proper training, and the kids were running around in a free for all, which can be overwhelming and overstimulating for some kids, again, these are two year olds. I wanted to include that just because it's something I observed.

Unexpectedly came across this place while shopping at Green Things. The sign out front stated they…read moreoffer riding lessons and a petting zoo. When I called to inquire, Tess, explained the many programs they offered along with a toddler friendly animal farm section. They had a section of bunny rabbits, chickens, ducks, mini horses, sheep and goats to pet and feed- toddler loved this part. Hours are from 7-11am then 4-6 pm during the winter months. Shocked to see this place was not on TripAdvisor's top things to do with toddlers while in Tucson...would highly recommend.

We held my daughter's 6th birthday party at TRAK and will consider more parties in the future…read more While I knew TRAK would provide staff to monitor the petting zoo area, what I didn't realize was there would be 5 people ready and eager to unload our cars and help set up the decorations. There was a gentleman who is in charge of the parties (I can't believe I forgot his name ‍), and his party assistants, Allie, Lillie, Tess and Abigail. Our party ran smoothly and the kids (plus their parents) all had a wonderful time. The kids utilized the petting zoo the entire party, played corn hole (provided by TRAK) and got the opportunity to ride a full-sized horse. The handlers even let the parents have a ride, which was a nice surprise that was very much appreciated. Thank you, TRAK team!

My daughter loves this camp. It has themed weeks with activities like horseback riding, petting…read morezoo, nerf war, lazor tag, and foam parties. I have signed her up at the Krazy Air Trampoline center in Mesa. Alot of her friends are also going there. It is by far the best day camp out there. I included the link to sign up. https://summercampaz.com/.../krazy-air-trampoline-park-mesa/

Absolutely love this camp amd it's owner/manager and staff. This year due to Covid summer camp Az…read moreheld their camp at BIG Air Trampoline park. I'm so impressed with how they manage all the kids and even personally know which child needs what thru out the day. They make sure all the kids are safe and have so many projects and activities in place for them. Mike the owner is so amazing and helpful. He really went the extra mile for me and my schedule pertaining to my son whom attended this camp. I will def be bringing my son (5yrs) back next year no matter where the camp is held. They are awesome!

I just started taking the 7 week course and so far it's been fantastic! The owners are very…read moreknowledgeable and really break down the cooking process. I can't wait to see what all I'll learn once the course is complete.

Mardi and Bob are fantastic educators and are extremely personable and knowledgeable. Finding their…read moreschool has been the highlight of our move to Oro Valley! A++++ classes!

Today was my first day and I actually learned a few moves and the teacher was very good, it was a…read morereally great experience. It's a great place for those who want to learn Jiu-Jitsu.

Amazing place! Terrific instructors! Absolute 5 stars…read more I've been to bjj gyms by myself and with my children in San Francisco, Boulder, and Tucson. North Side BJJ is the best I've seen. They're professional, knowledgeable, clean, and organized.