Splash into summer with OV Parks and Recreation
Published on April 26, 2023
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (April 26, 2023) – Oro Valley Parks and Recreation has an exciting lineup of summer activities for the whole family, and the fun starts now! Whether you’re looking for summer camps, free events or special discounts at popular facilities, we’ve got all the details below.
ORO VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER
It is no secret that summer in Southern Arizona is best spent by the pool, and the Oro Valley Aquatic Center has everything to keep you cool!
$5 Sunday Family Fun Days
Every Sunday, May 21 through July 30, it costs just $5 for the entire family (up to six people) to cool down out at the OV Aquatic Center. We’ve got a splash pad, water slides, diving boards, an Olympic pool and recreation pool, shaded bleachers and more.
Dive-In Series for Teens
Back by popular demand, the free dive-in series for teens (ages 13-19) returns this year, and includes pizza, soda and Eegees. The events run from 7 to 10 p.m. on the following dates:
- June 24 (movie night): Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
- July 22 (dance night): Featuring a live DJ
- August 26 (dance night): Featuring a live DJ
Memberships & Discounts
If you plan to visit the Aquatic Center frequently this summer, your family could save money with the month-to-month Family Membership option. For $60 per month, your whole family (up to six) has unlimited access to the Aquatic Center (compared to the daily drop-in fee of $14 per visit). Additionally, in the month of May, activation fees will be waived for new memberships at both the Aquatic Center and the Community and Recreation Center, so now is the perfect time to get a jump start on your summer! Visit PlayOV.com for membership details.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Movies on the Lawn – Free
Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center (10555 N. La Cañada Drive)
This free event begins after sundown, approximately 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars.
Movie schedule:
- May 27: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
- June 17: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
- July 15: The Bad Guys
- August 19: The Mitchells vs. the Machines
- September 16: The Little Rascals
Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch – Free (Last one of the season!)
10901 N. Oracle Road
Saturday, June 10
8 a.m. to noon
Come out to Steam Pump Ranch for this free event that features the Heirloom Farmers Market, craft and artisan markets, kid crafts and historic tours of the Pusch House. Don’t worry — Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch will return in the fall, and in the meantime, the Heirloom Farmers Market will continue to run all summer long, so you can still pick up your local favorites!
Round Up at the Ranch 5K
Steam Pump Ranch
Sunday, June 18 at 6 a.m.
Fee: $30 in advance, $40 on race day. Children 12 and under race free with paying adult.
For details and registration, visit orovalleyaz.gov and search ROUND UP.
SAVE THE DATE! July 4th Celebration – Free
James D. Kriegh Park (23 W. Calle Concordia)
Tuesday, July 4, 5 – 9 p.m.
There will be fireworks this year! This free event will also feature activities for the whole family, food trucks, live music and discounted admission at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. More details coming soon.
SUMMER CAMPS
Have you signed up for summer camps yet? Spots are still available in a variety of week-long sessions, but they’re going fast! Visit playov.com and search SUMMER CAMP for a list of options.
NEW! MONTHLY GUIDE TO PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS & EVENTS
OV Parks and Recreation now publishes a full-page, monthly guide in the Explorer Newspaper with info on upcoming programs and events. The guide runs on the last Wednesday of every month (the May guide was published in the April 26 Explorer). It is available in the print edition as well as the digital edition. You can also view the guide on the Parks and Recreation web page. Click here or visit www.orovalleyaz.gov and click on the blue “Parks and Recreation” button.