Things to Do in Marana

Funtasticks Tuscon entices visitors of all ages with abundant play areas along with racing, riding, and sporty attractions. Guests can test their aim by precisely putting through one of two 18-hole miniature golf courses, sniping opponents in a high-tech laser-tag facility, or hitting softball or baseball homers in a batting cage that launches orbs between 40 and 70 mph from an accusatory foam pointer finger.

Electric bumper boats come equipped with water guns for squirt-attacks against other seafarers, and go-karts navigate a racetrack's lengthy stretches and curves. The video arcade's plentitude of games rewards players with tickets redeemable for prizes, and Kiddie Land sequesters a bouncy castle, rookie go-kart track, and mini roller coaster geared to younger attendees. Funtasticks Tucson accommodates organized group outings and birthday parties with an extensive selection of packages.

Three baseball cages and three softball cages housed in the indoor Batters Box facility hurl their best stuff into the strike zone so that baseball players can polish their cuts. Various settings enable all levels to improve, serving slower pitches to younger and less-experienced players and transforming into hecklers so experienced players can master their game faces. Batter’s Box also employs a couple of decorated instructors in Jerry Hairston Sr., a 14-year major leaguer and father to two current pros, and Autumn Champion, a former standout at the University of Arizona and current record holder for the fourth-highest softball batting average in the nation.

Since he took his first flight more than 25 years ago, Arizona Balloon Safaris' CEO and FAA–certified pilot, Randy Long, has lifted more than 20,000 passengers into the sky—including celebrities such as Shakira. Though Mr. Long has flown hot air balloons across both states and parallel dimensions, he calls the Sonoran Desert his home base. As the sun paints an orange glow across the desert's rocky bluffs at dawn, Mr. Long and his passengers ascend up to 3,000 feet into the air. From here, the pilot points out the desert's plants and wildlife, such as coyotes, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. He ends each flight the same way; back on the ground, he pours his passengers some champagne, congratulates them on earning their wings, and starts thinking about the next day's adventure.

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.