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...
The Sierra Vista Environmental Operations Park (EOP), also known as the Sierra Vista Wastewater Wetlands, has been opened to public tours on Sunday mornings, all year round. Group size is limited to 15 people on a first come-first serve basis. Arrive before the starting hour, and sign the waiver right away to secure a place....
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!...
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...
Sunday, December 10th: Meeting time 8:30 am; duration 2 ½ – 3hrs 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...
Take a guided stroll along the Chuck Huckelberry Loop to see a desert river brought back to life. Learn about the ecology and history of the Santa Cruz – its ups and downs – and how this once-dry portion flows again thanks to recycled water. Along the way, we’ll keep our eyes out for water-loving...
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 required! Seating is limited. Please call the park to make your reservation: 520-287-2791 Also available 10:15 am
Learn about the geology and streams of the Spur Cross region on an easy two-mile walk with nationally known earth science author and park docent Thomas McGuire. Visit an abandoned...
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 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....
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 takes several hours. Meet at Picnic Area. Free with Park Fee
The University of Arizona’s beloved and iconic Old Main encapsulates the larger campus history of landscape evolution and innovation. Since the campus grounds have been used as a living laboratory,...
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...
Join us on an easy walk with a City of Scottsdale Natural Resources Coordinator as various desert topics are discussed. The material will depend on what we see in this...
Seasoned backpacker and happy hiker, Maggie, takes you on a fun and casual 2-3 mile hike in the park at the base of the iconic Superstition Mountains! Be prepared to be outside for about 2 hours, walking on rocky terrain with a slight elevation gain, some dips, and narrow sections. Please, no strollers or dogs....
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...
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...
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...
One Sky is a brand new fulldome show that talks about the the night sky from the perspective of a different culture or Indigenous society from around the globe. Audience: General, all ages Style: Fulldome film followed by live talk Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2 and under: Free Discounted Rates...
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...
Narrated by George Takei, Incoming! explores asteroids, comets, and meteors. Viewers will embark on a dynamic journey and get an up close look at the advanced technologies that allow scientists to detect asteroids. Audience: General, all ages Style: Fulldome show followed by an OSIRIS-REx talk Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2 and under: Free...
Have you ever … Met a miner? Met a blacksmith? Panned for GOLD? This is your chance to experience a day in the life of a miner and learn about...
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...
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 the park and enjoy thousands of holiday lights and displays. December 8-19, 2023 | 5:30-9:00 PM This is a rare opportunity for those who appreciate nature to experience the...
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...
What do the Arctic tundra and the Sonoran Desert have in common? More than you might think! Whether growing through fire-scorched earth or icy snow sheets, surprising plants and animals...