SciTech Institute

The University of Arizona: ENR2 Guided Tour
2026-03-28 09:30 - 2026-04-18 11:00 (America/Phoenix) | The University of Arizona Environmental and Natural Resources 2 Building (ENR2), 1064 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
How can we have a lush but water-wise garden in the middle of a densely populated city? Join us at the Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building (ENR2), a LEED Platinum certified structure to learn how to create your own urban oasis.
Please note: this tour is given on Saturday mornings and we meet in front of the ENR2 Building at 1065 E Lowell Street, right next to the 6th Street UA Parking Garage. After you register you will receive a confirmation email with all of the details.

The University of Arizona: Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour
2026-04-11 15:00 - 2026-04-24 16:30, 2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-13 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-14 13:00, 2026-04-14 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-04-15 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-16 09:00 - 10:30 | The University of Arizona Steward Observatory, 933 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85719, United States
Explore the cutting-edge of astronomical innovation on this 90-minute guided tour of the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab at the University of Arizona. Learn how pioneering engineering, optical science, and precision manufacturing come together to create the world’s largest and most advanced telescope mirrors—each 8.4 meters (27 feet) in diameter.
Located beneath the U of A’s football stadium, the Mirror Lab is the birthplace of mirrors for the Giant Magellan Telescope, a revolutionary new instrument with a 25-meter primary mirror composed of seven of our 8.4-meter segments. This next generation of telescopes will transform astronomy—probing the early universe, revealing the formation of the first stars, and potentially detecting signs of life on distant exoplanets.
The tour begins at the historic Steward Observatory, U of A’s first research department, established in 1917. After an introductory presentation in our iconic white-brick dome, we’ll walk to the Mirror Lab for an up-close look at the unique processes involved—from melting glass to precision polishing and optical testing.
Join us and discover how the University of Arizona is shaping the future of space exploration and astronomical discovery.

Arizona State Parks & Trails: Romero Site Interpretive Hike
2026-04-13 07:30 - 09:00 | Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85737, United States
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert. Note: This trail has stairs and crosses a seasonal stream; be prepared to walk in ankle-deep water. No restrooms on-site. Limited to 20 people: first come, first served. Meet at the Romero Ruins Ramada.
This event is part of Outdoors250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Arizona’s natural heritage. By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.
There is no cost to this program, but park entrance fees apply or bring your Arizona State Parks annual pass.

Reid Park Zoo: Sean Kenney’s Nature Pop!
2026-04-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-14 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-15 09:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-16 09:00 - 16:00 | Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson, AZ, 85716, United States
Part art. Part engineering. Totally amazing!
Add a pop of wonder and a pinch of nostalgia to your spring with Sean Kenney’s Nature Pop! Marvel at over 40 wildly creative sculptures made entirely of LEGO® bricks at this exhibition, included with Zoo admission and free for Zoo members from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Nature POP! Made with LEGO® bricks showcases 40 brilliantly colored and amazingly created sculptures crafted exclusively with LEGO® pieces — over 800,000 bricks to be exact! As guests wind their way through the Zoo’s scenic pathways they will encounter playful, gravity defying masterpieces, including a towering 7-foot polar bear mother and her cubs, a prancing fox, a majestic lion standing on alert, and intricately detailed dragonfly with light filtering through its outstretched wings.
Sean Kenney, who has been creating with LEGO bricks for over 20 years was also a former judge on the show “LEGO® Masters.” Sean’s playful works invite guests to explore how everything in nature is also interconnected in fresh, fun, and unexpected ways.

Arizona State Parks and Trails: Daily Guided Nature Hikes at Red Rock
2026-04-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd., Sedona, AZ, 86336, United States
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 but are first-come, first-serve.
This event is part of Outdoors250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Arizona’s natural heritage. By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.

The University of Arizona: Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research Docent-led Tour
2026-04-13 14:00 - 15:30, 2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Bryant Bannister Tree-Ring Building, 1215 E. Lowell St., Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
Join us for our free docent-led tour in the lobby of the Bryant Bannister Tree-Ring Building (1215 E. Lowell St.).
Visitors will be introduced to the basic tenets of dendrochronology and have a chance to examine specimens.
During your 1.5 hour tour, you will be introduced to the basic tenets of dendrochronology, have a chance to examine specimens, and explore our Exhibit Hall. While there will be opportunities for sitting, please be advised that there is an extensive amount of walking through the Laboratory.
The Laboratory is committed to making its collection, buildings, programs, and services accessible to all audiences. The principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility apply to all aspects of LTRR’s operations, across all categories of individuals.
We strive to do everything we can to meet our guests’ specific needs and are always seeking to improve the guest experience. To request an accommodation based on a medical condition or disability, please email outreach@ltrr.arizona.edu(link sends e-mail) prior to your visit.
Space is limited and reservations are required. Please email outreach@ltrr.arizona.edu

Arizona State Parks & Trails: A Passion for Backpacking: An Evening of Storytelling with Dick Mallery at Lost Dutchman State Park
2026-04-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Lost Dutchman State Park, 6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ, 85119, United States
Come be entertained by Dick Mallery telling stories about his adventures along the hiking trails of America. He’s hiked 3,200 miles from Mexico to Canada on the Continental Divide, plus several shorter trails, including the 600 mile Great Divide Trail and 800 mile Arizona Trail. At age 70, he completed the 2,650 mile Pacific Crest Trail, which was the highlight of all his hiking trips.
Dick and his wife Gaila published The Dick E. Bird News, a monthly newspaper about nature—human and otherwise. They have also published several books: Birdfeeding 101, Nuts About Squirrels, Crossing the Divide, Ramblings and Packtoter’s Thru-hiking Planner.
This program is free with park admission or camping and is open to all ages. It will be a seated talk at our Palo Verde Ramada.

Desert Botanical Garden: Community Day - Photography for Conservation
2026-04-14 08:00 - 21:00 | Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, AZ, 85008, United States
Your Garden, Your Way! We believe nature should be accessible to everyone. On Community Day pay what you can. Pay $5, $10, $15 or any amount that works for you.
In return, your contribution nurtures the Garden’s research, conservation and protection of desert plants for generations to come.
Join us each month:
April 14: Photography for Conservation
Activities 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Explore photography as a tool for conservation and citizen science. Learn how to use photography to tell stories, document nature and support scientific research while capturing compelling images. In partnership with AZ(LAND), learn about Polaroid and digital nature photography.

Part of Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge 2026

Worlds of Work Pinal County: Career Expo
2026-04-14 09:00 - 13:00 | Central Arizona College – Signal Peak Campus, 8470 N. Overfield Rd., Coolidge, AZ, 85128, United States
Pinal WOW Event Flyer

Arizona State Parks & Trails: The Inside History of Jerome
2026-04-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Jerome State Historic Park, 100 Douglas Rd., Jerome, AZ, 86331, United States
An engaging and exclusive presentation of the town of Jerome, as told by long-time local, Henry Vincent, in an outdoor setting.
Featuring an overview of the geology, United Verde Copper Co. and United Verde Extension mines, and the Douglas family.

⭐ William C. Jack Elementary School: Family STEM Night
2026-04-14 16:30 - 18:00 | William C. Jack Elementary School, 6600 W. Missouri Ave., Glendale, AZ, 85301, United States
William C. Jack’s is out of this world!
STEM Night will engage students and families in science with presentations from community partners as well as student-led demonstrations and family STEM challenges.

Arizona SciTech Festival Season is here! We hope to see you in many of the Festival’s events all over Arizona. Check out the calendar!

Arizona State Parks & Trails: Guided Bird Walks at Red Rock
2026-04-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd., Sedona, AZ, 86336, United States
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 the field behind the Visitor Center. The Audubon Society has designated Red Rock State Park as part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area (IBA) because of the many species that live or visit here. Please meet up with the leader on the viewing deck above the visitor center.
This event is part of Outdoors250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Arizona’s natural heritage. By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.

Arizona State Parks & Trails: Apple Packing Shed Open House
2026-04-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Slide Rock State Park, 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ, 86336, United States
Experience a piece of Arizona history. Get an opportunity to explore the Pendley Homestead Apple Packing Shed. A ranger will be available to answer any questions about the homestead’s history. Come and see the Bean Cutler 1933 Sorter and Bean Cutler Polisher added in 1946.
Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Resuming April 8, 2026: Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m.
Days and hours may change seasonally.
Learn more about the orchard at Slide Rock State Park here.

TGen: Public Tours
2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:00 | TGen Headquarters, 445 N. Fifth St., Phoenix, AZ, 85004, United States
Would you like to view the next generation sequencing technology and biomedical research laboratories where TGen scientists unlock the mysteries of cancer, diabetes, rare and neurological disease?

Sign up to schedule a tour with a member of our Education and Outreach team to experience the wonders and promise of biomedical research.

TGen welcomes public, senior, school and community groups for tours for 10-30 guests, age 10 and over.
What To Expect: Tours begin with a TGen overview and presentation on translational medicine, followed by a guided facility and lab tour. Our tours run approximately one hour in length.

City of Scottsdale: Dog Obedience - Teach Fido Manners
2026-04-15 17:45 - 19:00 | Eldorado Park & Community Center, 2311 N. Miller Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85257, United States
Do you want your fury family member to have manners at home, with guests and out in public? Learn simple methods to teach your dog manners within your life.
Training can begin at 20 weeks to senior age. You’ll have tail waggin’ good time! Reactive or aggressive dogs are better suited for private sessions and not permitted in the class setting. No retractable leashes.

Ages 16+

Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge 2026: Acts of Science - Connected − Play Stall Catchers Online
2026-04-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Online, United States
Help accelerate research on Alzheimer’s disease by playing a video game.
All you need is curiosity.
Featured Project: Stall Catchers
During this virtual event, you’ll look at images of blood flow in the brain and mark whether vessels are flowing or stuck. Every image you review helps researchers analyze data faster and move research forward!
Hear from the project scientist, ask questions, and discover how your participation supports important research AND counts towards a goal of 2.50 Million Acts of Science this April (Citizen Science Month!).
Register for this free event if you plan to:

Join from home
Host a local gathering to livestream the event (find the event toolkit here)
Support participation as an Ambassador or facilitator
Receive a recording via email after the event

This event is part of the Acts of Science: Connected signature series for Citizen Science Month 2026. No experience or special equipment required. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with Wi-Fi and curiosity! Recommended for ages 13+.
Libraries, Museums, and Schools: Host an in-person watch-and-do party! Find everything you need at https://pages.scistarter.org/connected-facilitators
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/9817673800688/WN_Ve_qYBfbTlGkid1WyZi2pg

Part of Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge 2026
