Phenology is nature’s calendar – the timing of annual life-cycle events that are influenced by climate and weather, like blooming, migration, and nesting. Join us for a stroll along the Santa Cruz River as we gather data on seasonal changes in native plants to learn more about phenology, its importance, and how you can help...
Experienced bird guides Mike and Lieve lead this bird walk. They will help participants spot and identify various birds that live in and visit the park. Novices, seasoned birders, and every experience...
Learn about the geology of Catalina State Park with experienced geologist, Karen. How were the Santa Catalina Mountains formed? What are some of the different rocks in the park? The walk...
Trip difficulty: Moderate. 2-2.5 miles over mostly level, but occasionally uneven, terrain. Chance of moist, muddy brief portions near wetland areas. A portion of the trail is a former railroad bed, with concrete abutments at either end, bordering the creek. Benches are available at several points along the route. Trail fees apply: $8.00 (good for...
Join us for a guided hike every Sunday morning! We will meet at the first lagoon parking lot at (unless otherwise noted at the entrance station). Hikes will vary each week to explore the different areas of the park. Hikes will be easy to moderate and last approximately an hour- two hours long. Please bring...
Avian Adventure Tour, 9 am Every Saturday and Sunday $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under) Please call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791. Reservations are...
Stop by one of our many Discovery Stations, and participate in hands-on activities with volunteers to learn about the animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert. Free with Admission
Chat with paleontologists at work in the Museum Demonstration Lab and peek in the windows to view the fossils they are cleaning and conserving from Petrified Forest National Park. The lab is closed on all federal holidays. From the Painted Desert Visitor Center parking lot at the north end of the park, walk through the central courtyard, through the...
November 24 - January 7 This holiday season, step into the enchanting ‘Glistening Gardens’ at Butterfly Wonderland. This seasonal escape transports guests to the rainforest as they leisurely stroll with family and friends through an all-new illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. Thousands of lights line the garden paths in this cozy, lush indoor setting....
This tour originated as a brilliant idea of an (undoubtedly hungry) undergraduate student, and has been customized for the benefit of all locovores. Join us to learn the identities of trees and plants with edible products which grow well in our campus landscape. The tour features arid-adapted introduced species as well as Sonoran desert native...
Every morning, a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk may include geology, wildlife, history, archeology, and plant life. The naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. Hikes are included with park entrance fees...
Learn about Grand Canyon's natural world on a 1 hour guided walk on a paved pathway along the canyon rim. Topics vary and may include: animals and plants adapting to changing seasons, man's impact on nature, how nature inspires writers and poets, rare and endangered species, or American Indian use of plants and animals. Program...
Join us to walk around Liberty Wildlife during our public open hours and see us fulfilling our mission! October through April we are open to the public from 10am until 1pm. Our admission is $10 per adult (18+) and $5 per student (under 18). Children 4 and under are free. We will have daily programs...
10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Explore the Garden with a docent and learn how plants have adapted to the desert environment. See the Garden’s living collection with plants from around the world and the Sonoran Desert and their fascinating survival strategies in this arid climate. Walk away with a new appreciation for the...
Come on down to Picacho Peak and start your Pokemon Go adventure with a ranger by your side! This short hike will bring you to multiple stops where you can catch, collect, and learn about the desert around you and the creatures that might be here. Join a fun community and make new friends while being...
The Sonoran Desert has been inhabited by humans for nearly 8000 years. Join us at the Tucson Mountain District Red Hills Visitor Center for a short walk to learn about several desert plants that helped sustain human life over that time. Free with Park Fee
Join a ranger for a 15 minute talk at the Coronado National Memorial Visitor Center and learn about a variety of park topics including the Coronado Expedition, wildlife, and more!...
Indulge the senses in the captivating melodies of Aaron White, honored with the esteemed “Best Flute Album” accolade by the American Music for Native American Artists for his enchanting work,...
Lake Discovery Tour, 11:30 a.m. Every Saturday and Sunday $7 per adult, $5 per child (13 years and under) Reservations are required! Seating is limited. Please call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791
Join us for a surprise program. Topics change daily. Come curious, leave inspired! Program may include a walk to Mather Point or along the Canyon Rim Trail. Program duration: 30 minutes. Presented daily. We all have our favorites - favorite restaurants, favorite music, favorite parks. Join a ranger, or a park volunteer, for a program...
Learning more about the native plants and trees here in the Sedona area is a great way to enhance any hike. Our volunteer guides explain how plant life is interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, people in our contemporary times and wildlife. This interpretive experience is for both the beginner and experienced hiker, lasting between 1½-2...
Join an Interpretive Ranger in the theater to learn about the 1000-year-old petroglyphs, a 1930’s CCC project, and the historic Gould Mine site developed in 1906. Join an Interpretive Ranger...
Expedition Reef show reveals in exquisite detail the breathtaking beauty and biodiversity of coral reefs—and the scientists taking action to restore them. Recommended for general audiences. Themes: Sea, Climate, Biology...
Enhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our "Geo Glimpse" ranger program - presented daily at 2 pm. Meet in front of Yavapai Geology Museum. Learn how...
Come join us for a stroll through our ethnobotanical garden where we will discuss some of the fascinating plants found in the Sonoran Desert! From the mighty saguaro cactus to the smallest wildflower, come let your curiosity blossom! Accessible program. Free with Park Fee
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 prior to sunset and accommodates up to...
Zoom away from planet Earth and take a live guided tour through the Solar System! We'll stop by each of the planets (including some Saturnian and Galilean moons) pointing out interesting facts along the way. Recommended for general audiences. Themes: Planets, space exploration. Style: Live presentation. Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2...
Join a Lowell Observatory educator at the Rotunda Museum for a talk on the origin and features of the Moon and the role of the observatory in lunar exploration. After...
How many parks have you been to? Did you know that many parks today would not exist without the Roosevelt Presidents, who were both highly instrumental in pioneering the park movement in the United States? How might you and your family have benefited from their interest in promoting public lands? Bring a chair and sit around a...