Meet at the park Nature Center. Explore the birds/bird life at Estrella Park with special guest Joe Ford. With the park's wide range of habitats, you will encounter some of the best birding in the valley! Beginner birders and long-time enthusiasts will enjoy this opportunity to spot and identify many bird species. Bring close-toed shoes,...
Trip difficulty: Easy. Walking Distance: 1.0-1.5 miles. Trip Duration: 2.5 hours. Ground Condition: Mostly flat surface on grass, paved and dirt pathway with some areas of uneven footing. Ample parking, restroom facilities and benches available at periodic intervals throughout the park. Welcome to Second Saturdays at Reid Park! Join Tucson Audubon at Reid Park to...
Ranger Nikki will lead you on a moderate terrain hike to look for saguaros, cholla and barrel cacti along with a variety of animals such as birds, lizards, deer and more. The route follows Slate, Quartz, a portion of Flat Rock, and Go John Trails for approximately 4.5 miles total. The terrain is mostly rocky...
Join our community effort to restore Tanque Verde Creek! We invite people of all ages, diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, beliefs, and many other diverse communities to participate in restoring our heritage of seasonal and year-round water flows. Come work with WMG staff and other River Run Network volunteers in a beautiful riparian area to remove...
ODYSEA AQUARIUM IS THE PLACE TO VISIT FOR FESTIVE FUN ALL MONTH LONG! Voyager Transforms into a Festive Holiday “Ride-Thru” Experience Festive lighting, music, and décor change with each rotation as you ride through custom-themed exhibits featuring graceful stingrays and sea turtles, playful sea lions, and majestic sharks. Included with admission. SeaTREK Santa Returns!...
Meet in the lobby at Liberty Wildlife for a departure of 8:30 Will return about 9:30am Nature Walk is free. If you chose to stay for open hours, we ask that you go to the lobby and pay your admission (Open Hours 10am until 1pm)
As an Important Birding Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum serves as a revered stage where avian life takes the spotlight. Whether you’re a curious novice or a seasoned birdwatcher, our guided walk offers a window into a world of winged wonders. Walks are subject to availability. Registration is first come, first serve. To register for a...
Stop by anytime between 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. to learn about the mutualistic relationship between this species of silky flycatcher and hemiparasite. During the winter months, the Sonoran Desert is home to the phainopepla, a species of silky flycatcher birds that feasts on the red berries of the desert mistletoe. Mistletoe is a hemiparasite which...
Spiders, scorpions, bees, and wasps are just the beginning – there are more species of arthropods in the world than any other group of animals. Join us to discover the fascinating and diverse world of arthropods and their role in the ecology of the Sonoran Desert. Location: Gateway Trailhead – 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy....
Bird enthusiasts join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders. Most year-round birds are found in the riparian area next to Oak Creek or along...
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 required! Seating is limited. Please call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791 Also available 10:15 am
The Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED learning course is designed for individuals who need a certification that satisfies the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace, and other requirements. It...
Join us on this ride to see some of the magnificent saguaros only found in the Sonoran Desert. We will have a guest presenter discuss the lifecycle of the giant multiarmed saguaros and view many including skeletons and a crested saguaro located near the trailhead. This is a moderate cardio ride with numerous stops. Location:...
Join Ranger Shaun as he walks along the 2-mile Wild Burro Trail. The trail is beautiful this time of year as it passes through various micro-climates created by the various canyons and ridges of the landscape. A collection of different desert plants grow along the sides of the trail, taking advantage of the shifting availabilities...
Join us for the third outing in our Let’s Go Hiking series, designed to help newer hikers gain confidence, explore new trails in Pima County, and learn about the Sonoran Desert. During this moderate-to-challenging, 5-mile hike, your guides will share trail tips and nature notes as we explore parts of the Starr Pass and Yetman...
THIS IS A DROP IN EVENT AND REQUIRES NO REGISTRATION This page exists to provide further details about the free activity Red Mountain Park at Mallard Ramada- 9a to 1p Park Ranger habitat building events are an opportunity to create aquatic habitat structures and rejuvenate natural spaces in the park for wildlife to...
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
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...
Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa. Designed for ages 12 and up.
This hike will provide an overview of the geology of the area and a discussion about how geology – topography, rock type, soil, etc. – affects local ecology. Location: Gateway Trailhead – 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Skill level: Easy Distance: ~1.7 miles Time: ~2 hours Pets are not permitted at our...
Bird Program talk and Power Point Presentation with Joe Ford in the Estrella Park Nature Center Classroom following the Bird Hikes. Topics cover bird images, habits, maps, details and bird life. Free with Park Fee
Learn Lifesaving Skills! This CPR/AED & BASIC FIRST AID training program will teach you critical skills needed to recognize and care for a variety of adult, child, and infant medical emergencies until EMS arrives. Topics include: adult hands-only CPR, adult/child/infant CPR, AED usage, choking relief & basic treatment for sudden illness or injuries. Course content...
Join the Friends of the San Pedro River for a history hike to the Old West site of Millville. This 2 hour, 2.5 miles (total) hike on gravel trails includes irregular surfaces, uphill sections and crossing a wash. The Corbin and Gird mills processed silver ore mined in Tombstone. These stamp mills on the east side...
Have you noticed the birds in your backyard and wondered what was visiting your neighborhood? The Phoenix Zoo is home to a wide variety of bird life and a comfortable location to observe them. Enjoy a nice, leisurely walk around Zoo grounds for native and migratory birds with Zoo staff. Perfect for bird watchers and...
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...
Cacti are one of the most endangered groups of organisms on the planet, besieged by poaching, habitat destruction, and climate change. Properly conserving our prickly friends in this changing world requires a paradigm shift in the way we view conservation, as well as increased collaboration between stakeholders from all levels of society. Hear from Michiel...
Museum opens at 9.00 am for event check-in, The ARIZONA GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE™ begins at 10:00 am. The Cave Creek Museum’s AZ GOLD MINING EXPERIENCE™ is unique with its display of the...
Join the San Tan Valley Master Gardeners for this fun activity where you will shape soil and seeds into a protective “mudball” that will slowly break down and disperse seeds for spring. Your take-home seed ball will be made with seeds that are appropriate for our low desert gardens and yards. You will also receive...
Roboteers will build and program Classic Lego Mindstorm NXT Robots and tackle real world situations on a small scale! From saving lives to cleaning your room, robots do it all!...
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...
For those who can’t get enough of our African penguins, we invite you to join us for an exclusive up close and personal Penguin Encounter. Go behind the scenes with our Animal Care & Education team to learn specifics about penguin behavior, diet, and reproduction, as well as how we can do our part to...
Join a walking tour of the Canoa Ranch headquarters. Visit the historic buildings and corrals and enjoy the special exhibits of the people of Canoa Designed for ages 12 and up.
Go behind the scenes with our Animal Care & Education team an OdySea Aquarium Team Member to learn specifics about sloth behavior, diet, and reproduction, as well as how we can do our part to help this incredible species and our rainforests. Tour Fee: $69.95 | General Admission Is Required. | Minimum Age 8 Two...
Scientists and artists will share new perspectives on Tucson's National Park, with illustrated talks and hands-on art activities. Join us on second Saturdays for a monthly series exploring science, imagination & design: December 9: (Free)ways of Wildlife Also available: 12pm - 1pm
In Big Astronomy: People, Places, Discoveries, journey to three world-class observatories in Chile’s rugged Andes Mountains and arid Atacama Desert. Recommended for general audiences. Themes: astronomy, telescopes, James Webb Style: Fulldome film followed by short talk about James Webb Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2 and under: Free Discounted Rates Seniors (55+)...
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...
Interact with some of our special animals, which for many people is a once in a lifetime experience. Guests will get to learn about endangered species, how we contribute to conservation of those animals, some of the considerations we must take into consideration when having these reptiles in Arizona, which reptiles are good pets for children or adults, adaptations...
Join Ranger Steve for a continuation of the beginner photography series! This workshop will focus on taking sharp images of bird species found in the Sonoran Desert, tips and tricks for bird identifications, and other techniques to maximize your bird photography. Please dress appropriately for temperatures that can fluctuate (wear layers) and bring plenty of...
Join us as we guide you through the awe-inspiring abundance of the Sonoran Desert. Far from barren, this vibrant landscape is home to an unparalleled variety of over 540 medicinal and edible plants. As we explore flowering shrubs and timeless trees, you’ll learn how plants like prickly-pear and jojoba have been life-giving staples for Sonoran...
Join Ranger Kevin as we learn how to make - or strengthen - our connection with nature through the practice of Silent Walking and Sit Spots. This is a beginner’s level class, so anyone who is interested in cultivating the skills needed to appreciate the natural world in greater depth is welcome. We will learn...
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...
Roboteers will build and program Classic LEGO® Mindstorm NXT Robots. Roboteers will program their robots to tackle fun, motor-churning challenges. We’ll put our heads together with a world-class roboteer and have fun while we explore and learn the ABC's of NXT coding! Challenges change every class. Age at least 9 yrs but less than 15...
REGISTER Make the house of your dreams in graham crackers including lights and candies to decorate it for the holidays. We will use graham crackers, royal frosting, LED’s, gum drops and other candies for decorations. Everything needed will be provided and it is fun to work together. The non-electronic version of this was an Ose...
Exercise your mind. Explore the useful skills that are used to code software and games. This is a self-taught club; our instructor will advise and help you as you progress in your understanding of computer programming concepts. Self-paced Ages 8 and up Seats are Limited. First come, first served. 8 laptops available. Earbuds or headphones...
Code Club is a weekly time when kids can come and learn how to make websites, video games, and apps. It’s informal, fun, and very interactive. Come have fun, make friends, and build cool stuff with us! No coding experience required!
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...
Take a relaxing look at the night sky as we give you a guided tour of the stars, planets, constellations and current events happening in Tucson's night sky. This live astronomy talk is constantly changing! Recommended for general audiences. Themes: Stars, planets, constellations, mythology Style: Live presentation Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages...
Join Ranger Steve on an easy 1.5 mile hike on the Merkle Trail as we discuss the landscape around us—what makes the Sonoran Desert unique? How tall do Saguaro cacti get? How many species of rattlesnake live in Arizona? Get answers to all these questions and more as we take in the scenery and sunset....
Come on down to the campground amphitheater and listen in on some of our ranger-led talks! Each week is a new topic and a new opportunity to learn about the desert around us. See some slithering snakes, learn about the soaring birds, see some beautiful stars, and learn to hike safely out on our trails....
An illuminated desert wonderland! Holiday Nights is a timeless tradition, for children, students, couples, whole families, and everyone in between! Overflowing with holiday cheer are the wonders that await you at...
The Riparian Preserve comes alive with a holiday glow during Gilbert's annual Riparian After Dark event, presented by the partnership of Sundt and PCL Construction. Stroll around the 1.5 miles of trails and walkways that weave through...
Viewing Location: Kannally Ranch House Ugly sweater night. Wear your ugliest sweater and view the stars! Information: Great dark skies just north of Tucson at Oracle State Park. Star Party open to the Public. Admission cost for entrance into Oracle State Park may apply. Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have several telescopes for astronomical viewing. We...
Star Party-Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area Tucson, AZ (West) Viewing Location: Second Restroom area approximately 3/4 of the way in on Hal Gras Road. Information: Great dark skies in...
There’s ‘snow place like Reid Park Zoo for the holidays! December 2– 23, Encore Nights: December 26 – 30 and January 2 – 7 Ready, Set, Glow! ZooLights: Holiday Magic, presented by Tucson Electric Power, returns with thousands of enchanting lights, mesmerizing light shows, and displays and holly jolly fun for all ages. Stop in...
This Saturday, come up to Mars Hill and meet Lowell Planetary Astronomer, Dr. Larry Wasserman! Take a peek at real-time images of planets, stars, galaxies and other celestial objects to be displayed on a large television screen outdoors with our new MallinCam. This is your opportunity to see interesting objects in the night sky, learn about...