Have you ever wanted to learn more about Picacho Peak's trails? Well, wonder no more! Join our wonderful Ranger Kira on a hike at the park. Learn more about the mountain and the surrounding areas, make some new hiking buddies, and enjoy the views. Sign up at our visitor center or give us a call! Spaces are...
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!...
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
The Conservancy has a mission to help sustain the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. This walk provides a geological and ecological overview of what lives in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and how the flora and fauna survive and thrive. Location: Brown’s Ranch Trailhead – 30301 Alma School Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85262 Skill level: Easy Time: ~2 hours...
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...
Join Ranger Nikki for a walk along the Maricopa Trail outside of a traditional mountain setting and learn about local history and outdoor opportunities. This is a one-way guided walk (almost 6 miles) with Ranger Nikki designed to help 100 Miles Challenge participants attain their “third park” requirement by traveling on a segment of the...
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 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 monsters, cougars, and more! Free with Park Fee
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...
Let your interest reach new heights and join us for a hike through the heart of the cactus forest, getting to know the giant cactus. Hike will up to 2 miles round trip on a flat trail. Bring sun protection and water. Hiking boots are recommended. Free with Park Fee
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...
Our Nature Program is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to learn all about Arizona's diverse wildlife. This is a live reptile exhibit and so much more! On-site experts will be available to answer your questions about these creatures and interpret how they have adapted to survive and thrive in the sunny Sonoran...
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...
Join Ranger Eric on a 1.8-mile one-way hike up the Yavapai Point Trail where we will be able to take in stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant, as well as talk about the local flora and fauna. The hike is rated as moderate, with some rocky and uneven surfaces. You may want...
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...
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
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+)...
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
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...
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...
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
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
Do you get bored during winter break? We’ll have a variety of things you can take apart - like an old computer, stereo, printer and more!. Take them apart, explore, and have fun!
Learn about the plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert while enjoying a rousing version of bingo! Get five in a row - down, across, or diagonally - and win a non-monetary prize! Wheelchair accessible Free with Park Fee
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...
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...
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....
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 Park Fee
Join Ranger Eric for an after-hours trail walk to look for and learn about the nocturnal critters of the Preserve! Wildlife seen on past walks have included bats, ringtails, foxes, skunks, javelinas, deer, owls, scorpions, insects, and other cool creepy crawlies! Please bring your own flashlights and blacklights if you have them, but some will...
Join Rangers Steve and Kevin for an evening of stargazing and astronomy education! We’ll be viewing a selection of objects through the 12” observatory telescope as well as a smaller telescope. Possibilities include plants, galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters! We’ll also look at constellations with a laser pointer. Bring your questions and your curiosity! Family...
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...
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
This Saturday, come up to Mars Hill and meet Astronomer and Lowell Observatory Executive Director, Dr. Jeffrey Hall! 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...