Things to Do in Casas Adobes

Grand Cinemas, originally opened in 1998, has two second-run theaters, Crossroads and Oracle View, in its movie-watching network. Films may be a few months old by the time they reach Grand Cinemas’s 35-foot screens, but Dolby surround sound and a unique snack bar keep the experience from going stale. Their managing staff is always eager to accept suggestions for feature films both large and small, and their modest ticket prices and membership packages grant visitors a bigger budget for snacks, offering discounts of up to $2.50 on a single item and diamond-studded soda glasses. See independent films from Hollywood and Sundance at the Crossroads location at a discounted rate.

Well after the sun has set over the Tortolita Mountains, the world-class trainers at Crazy Heart Ranch grab the reigns under the lights of a spacious outdoor arena. When they're not riding, the horse-loving crew lends their equine knowledge to students during monthly clinics, group lessons, private lessons, and kids' camps at the Northwest Tucson ranch, where they focus on creating meaningful relationships between riders and horses. All resident instructors and horses are experienced in reining, Western and English riding styles, ranch horse versatility, and team roping. Guests can saddle up and ride on the ranch's private trails, or complement lessons with a picnic under the region's native Mesquite trees, the same trees that money doesn't grow on.

When the piñata refuses to break and the cake's been dropped, in walks a Tucson Party Time costumed character for the win. Kids pose for photos as huggable icons interact and celebrate with tykes of all ages. A famous yellow bird, a well-known inquisitive monkey, a bob wearing a specifically geometric style of pant, and other recognizable characters liven up all manner of festivities such as bar mitzvahs and holiday office parties as teams of lawyers peep out from behind potted plants.

Looking through the lofty windows of the Creative Juice studio, passersby can make out rows of painters hunched over canvases with their paintbrushes in hand. Seasoned art instructors walk up and down the cool tiled floor, guiding students through the painting process amid the strains of soothing music. As they labor over their depictions of angels, wine bottles, or lighthouses, adult students sip on glasses of beer and wine purchased from the studio. During child and teen classes, kids tackle canvases while refueling with soda and snacks. The studio also hosts private parties, ideal for birthday celebrators, fundraising groups, or rugby teams hoping to explore their sensitive sides.