Go Behind the Scenes of the 5th-Largest Optical Telescope in the U.S. This exclusive guided experience is an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT), the 5th-largest optical telescope in the continental United States. Astronomers and planetary scientists from Lowell Observatory and other institutions use the LDT for a variety of cutting-edge...
Join experienced birder and Park Volunteer Tom Locascio—a proud member of the Audubon Society and Sun City Birding Club—for a guided bird walk through Estrella Mountain Regional Park. After the walk, gather in the Nature Center classroom for an engaging presentation on the park’s feathered residents, from desert dwellers to seasonal visitors. Please wear protective clothing...
Ranger Shaun isn’t the best of the birders among the Rangers, but he enjoys it and that’s worth something! He hopes you’ll come join him for a crash course in birding basics! Learn how to use basic birding tools like binoculars and field guides, get an introduction to more modern accessories like birding app Merlin,...
Enjoy a guided plant hike along one of our trails to see all the beauty the desert plants have to offer. We will be along a portion of the San Tan trail which is mostly flat with some uneven/rocky surfaces so please wear closed-toed shoes. We will do an out and back of about 2...
Learn about how planting seeds and caring for plants can teach us about caring for ourselves and give us hope for the future. Are we just bipedal houseplants with complicated emotions? Just like humans, seeds are packed with potential but really need the right environmental conditions to grow and thrive! Together we will learn from...
Looking to get out on the water, but don’t want to do it alone? Just want to spend some quality paddle time on the lake? We’ve got just the thing! Sign up for this morning kayaking excursion on Lake Pleasant. We’ll begin at the Castle Creek (4-lane) boat ramp. From there, we’ll head north, paddling...
Breakfast with the Animals"" includes a light breakfast in front of the spotlight animal, a special animal feeding and keeper talk, and an animal activity for the kids. It's the best way to learn more and feel closer to your favorite sanctuary resident(s)! Breakfast runs from 9:00am to 10:30am on Saturday mornings. After breakfast, you're...
Experience the opportunity of a lifetime with our Capybara Encounter! Come meet Chewy or BB and their care team at Shipwreck Cove. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed our capybaras and learn from their care team about what it takes to care for such unique animals. Feel the texture of their fur...
Experience the best dressed encounter opportunity at Wildlife World Zoo! Meet one of our endangered African Penguins and their trainers in the Wild and Wonderful aquarium building in front of the penguin exhibit. This encounter will give you the opportunity to find out what it takes to care for these incredible animals. Learn fun facts...
This workshop guides you through a selection of hydrosols, flower essences, and essential oils chosen for seasonal comfort and support. You’ll learn a variety of applications like cleansing a room or personal space and simple daily pause practices for keeping centered and grounded. Follow along step-by-step to make your own custom Autumn Equinox Mist to...
Have you ever wondered about the tortoises that live in the Sonoran Desert and how they survive the heat? Visit our indoor Nature Center anytime between 10:00am-12:00pm to learn more about how they protect themselves, what they eat, and what it is like living in a burrow. If we are lucky, our two resident tortoises...
Bring a project and spend dedicated time creating alongside fellow makers. Shop Day is CREATE's monthly makerspace studio session where you can design, prototype, build, repair, and refine personal projects. Shop Days are designed for independent project work in a collaborative makerspace. CREATE staff are available to answer questions and support safe equipment use while...
Have you ever wanted to meet one of our Sea Lions up close and personal? Join us for a WILD encounter at Wildlife World Zoo! Learn what it takes to care for our amazing marine mammals, and see what goes in to training them. You will be able to get an individual or group photo,...
Have you ever wanted to meet a sloth? Come meet Luna and her care team. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed Luna and learn from her care team what it takes to raise and care for such a unique animal. Feel the texture of her hair and take a selfie with our...
'We Are Not Little Men' explores why women's bodies require different care because they have different needs. Discover how understanding your changing body can help you ask better questions, become a confident partner in your healthcare, and receive the care you deserve. Special guest, pelvic floor therapist Shauna Epperson, will share why pelvic floor therapy...
What makes a tree the BEST choice for your landscape? Consider what you want in a tree. Lifespan, shade, form, evergreen, flower...all characteristics to consider when choosing that perfect desert landscape tree. We will tell you about many under-appreciated gems, and how to choose, plant and care for that special tree. This is an in-person...
Experience the art of leatherworking as you design, craft, and take home your own custom leather keychain. Ages 10+ | 120 Minutes Children under 14 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Enjoy a captivating experience at the heart of our mountaintop observatory with our guided daytime tours! Discover the rich history of our unique site, from its origins as a Cold War early warning radar station to its current role as a leading astronomical research facility. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a 90-minute walking...
Explore the basics of each step of 3D printing in this two hour workshop. Learn the fundamentals of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to create your own custom 3D model, then bring it to life as you navigate the full printing process—from handling and loading filament to operating a 3D printer. By the end of class, you’ll...
Learn the basics of 3d modeling and customize your own 3d printed fidget robot. Benjamin is a 3d printed fidget robot with elastic holding the arms and legs to allow...
The Youth Solution Summit engages and empowers students to advocate and enact actionable change in their communities, increase awareness of STEM and sustainability careers, and provide hands-on opportunities to develop communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills. Through interactive experiences and solution-focused discussions, students gain the confidence and tools to create meaningful change in their schools and...
In The Psychedelic Mixtape: The Visionary Experience, renowned DJ, artist, and founder of Fascinated by Everything Chris Holmes weaves an immersive fusion of light, nature, and iconic tracks from musicians like David Bowie, Radiohead, and Juliana Barwick into an experience beyond space and time. Step into a realm of transcendent unity. Ignite your sense of awe...
Explore the night skies from the summit of Mt. Lemmon using Arizona's LARGEST publicly available telescopes! Under the guidance of a professional, visitors will enjoy a brief astronomy lecture, a light dinner, and an exclusive opportunity to observe astronomical objects and phenomena. This five-hour program starts 2 hours before sunset and accommodates up to 28...
This event is FREE. No RSVP necessary. Sunsets at Mission Garden can be magical. In the hot summer season, you’re invited to enjoy the evening sunset glow and cooler temperatures at the garden. Bring your family and friends! Summer Sunsets at Mission Garden are held on the Second Saturday evening of each month during the...
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an easy walk to search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. We will also be on the lookout for other nocturnal critters such as bats, owls, tarantulas, kangaroo rats, stink bugs and more, so bring your UV blacklight and a regular flashlight. The route uses NoSo and Blevins...
Experience the universe up-close with our state-of-the-art 24-inch Dyer Telescope. This private, personalized expedition across the stars lasts 75 minutes and offers an exclusive opportunity to view the cosmos through Lowell Observatory’s newest telescope. Because of the sophistication and speed of the 24-inch Dyer Telescope, our specially trained educators can offer you an impressive number...