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
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...
Trip difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Gradual elevation gain is less than 100 feet. 2 miles on moderately loose wash sand. Restrooms and water available at trailhead. Limited shade and no benches. Trip duration under 2.5 hours. We will start from Oro Valley’s Honey Bee Canyon Park and will walk the wash to the north to...
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!...
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....
Join one of our park volunteers to explore the history of Catalina State Park and its surroundings from the 1850s to today. Take a “behind the scenes” look at today’s operations and get a “sneak peek” of exciting new upgrades coming to the park. Meet at the Bobcat Amphitheater. There is no cost to attend this...
From fur to feathers, and scales to exoskeletons, this program helps learners with special needs recognize differences and similarities through visual, tactile, olfactory, and auditory experiences. Programs are tailored to fit the needs of the audience and is available to all school classes with a focus on students with special needs and to groups focused...
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...
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...
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...
After school activities with a STEAM theme. Experience the possibility for something new; arts and science, math and tech. Just drop-in for a while and see what is in store. Ages 8 to 18. Snacks will be available while supplies last.
Yeet things at other things and win prizes! Make a catapult and use it to chuck stuff at other stuff as far as you can. There will be prizes for distance using various materials. Ages 13-17 only please! Seating is limited. Supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.
Invasive plants are more than just a nuisance in your yard; they are a habitat threat to the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and a fire threat to our communities. Learn to recognize different invasive plants in Southern Arizona, and take steps to reduce the damage caused by these plants. Presenter: Ben Tully -- University of Arizona Cooperative...
Light up your artistic flair at our Blacklight Art Night, an electrifying event just for teens! Get groovy with neon paints, good vibes, and friends while you create unique masterpieces under blacklights! All supplies provided. Ages 12 - 18. Registration required.
Know how to sew but don't have a sewing machine? Use one of our sewing machines during our Sewing Lab on the second Monday of every month. Meet fellow sewists and work independently on your own project. Library staff are available to assist with troubleshooting the machines, sewing instruction will not be provided. You should...
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...
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...