Explore the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Nikki and learn about some of the plants and animals that you can see along the trails at Usery, including a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, trees, shrubs and cacti. This is a family-friendly slow-paced stroll along the barrier-free Merkle Trail that is a 1-mile loop. The terrain is...
Would you like to go birding with others and help count birds for citizen science for a day in the north Valley? Then sign up for the Dec. 29 Carefree Christmas Bird Count! This count includes Cave Creek Regional Park and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Each winter the National Audubon Society sponsors the Christmas Bird Count...
Would you like to go birding with others and help count birds for citizen science for a day in the north Valley? Then sign up for the Dec. 29 Carefree Christmas Bird Count! This count includes Cave Creek Regional Park and Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Each winter the National Audubon Society sponsors the Christmas Bird Count...
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!...
Snow Week, made possible by Subaru, returns to Arizona Science Center! With a snowstorm of activities—including the Snow Hill—there’s something for everyone in the family. From December 26 through January 1, enjoy subzero science engagements, from the SnowPal Construction Zone to dazzling demonstrations and beyond! Free with Admission
Friday, December 29th: 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...
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. Free with Park Fee
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 a park naturalist on a favorite trail to explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Meet at the Visitor Center to learn what that day’s adventure entails. Expect a 3-hour moderate hike. Bring water and sun protection. Hiking boots are recommended. Free with Park Fee
Join a ranger at the Kris Eggle Visitor Center at our back patio to learn about the wildlife found at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Topics may include javalina, gila...
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...
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...
Explore the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Nikki and learn about some of the plants and animals that you can see along the trails at Usery, including a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, trees, shrubs and cacti. This is a family-friendly slow-paced stroll along the barrier-free Merkle Trail that is a 1-mile loop. The terrain is...
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...
Looking for something to do with the kids over winter break? You found it! Join Ranger Kevin for this 1-mile hike on the Rainbow Valley, Baseline and Toothaker trails. Prior to the hike, we’ll talk about the Junior Ranger program, set every young person up with their own activity book, and then we’ll actually do...
Join park staff on a guided hike to learn about area birds, plants, history, and get tips on bird identification by sight and sound! The hike will begin at the Fort Bowie trailhead and be a 1.5 mile walk up to the Visitor Center. Visitors will be responsible for making the return hike back to the...
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...
Become a Rock Art Detective and investigate the who, when, and how mysteries of the 1000 year old Hohokam Petroglyphs. -Starts at Signal Hill at 10:15 a.m. Plan for 20 minutes of driving time to location from the visitor center -An optional 1/4 mile hike will follow the program, discussing some of the common plants and animals...
Put on your swimsuit, OdySea Aquarium wetsuit and SeaTREK helmet and get ready to dive in! Our certified guides will take you deep into one of our largest underwater environments in this truly immersive experience where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of colorful and curious marine life from the Indo-Pacific region of the world. WHAT YOU...
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! Ask a ranger at the visitor center desk for the topic of the day. Free with Park Fee
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 Style: Fulldome documentary followed by live presentation Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2 and under: Free Discounted Rates Seniors (55+) and...
The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible. Free with Park Fee
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...
Take a lighthearted and imaginative look at the myths and stories associated with the constellation Orion or the constellations of Perseus and Andromeda. Audience: General, all ages Style: Laser animated Film about mythology and stars followed by live star talk Planetarium Tickets Adults: $12 Children (ages 3-15): $8 Children ages 2 and under: Free Discounted Rates Seniors (55+) and...
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,...
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...
Join a ranger on the back patio of the Kris Eggle Visitor Center to discover more about Organ Pipe Cactus' fascinating cultural or geological history, ecology, wildlife or other fun topics! Free with Park Fee
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...
Do you get bored during winter break? Make your own slime to take home. Experiment with glitter, color, and all the ingredients we will have available. All supplies provided.
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 this immense canyon formed and the science behind the landscape. The program is 30 minutes long and is accessible. Grand Canyon is one-mile deep, up to...
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....
After school activities all about Chess and STEAM. You can either join a drop-in game of Chess and practice your strategies with your fellow youths or you can enjoy rotating STEAM activities provided by library staff. Either way there is so much to do! Just drop-in for a while and see what is in store....
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...
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...
Join Liberty Wildlife and their Animal Ambassadors to learn more about the native wildlife of Arizona. Education Takes Flight, every Friday from October thru April. Location: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, United States
Join a ranger at the Twin Peaks Campground Amphitheater to discover more about the amazing Sonoran Desert! Topics may including cultural history, wildlife, cacti, restoration projects, and more! Free with...
A guided, starlight auto tour of the Cactus Forest drive, celebrating nature's bounty at the turn of the year. Explore the solstice holiday on a unique nighttime drive through the park's loop, featuring several stops along the 8-mile drive. Includes a 1/4 mile walk along an accessible trail. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Auto...
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...
Take a stroll in the twilight as night-prowling creatures emerge to enjoy the cooler hours after dark. Bats expected! Meet at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center entrance. Bring water, flashlight and a light jacket. 1mi-1.5mi, 2 hour hike. Free with Park Fee