Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
May 27th - May 31st 9am - 4pm Ages 8 - 11 Your registration for a week-long camp will include: 1 Camp T-shirt with camper name, per week (More available to purchase if needed) Photos of camp. Emailed 1-2 weeks after the camp has ended in a Google Drive Folder available for about a year Camp...
June 3 - 7 9am - 4pm Ages 12 - 14 Your registration for a week-long camp will include: 1 Camp T-shirt with camper name, per week (More available to purchase if needed) Photos of camp. Emailed 1-2 weeks after the camp has ended in a Google Drive Folder available for about a year Camp...
Teach your LEGO bricks new tricks in this exciting LEGO Engineering camp! We will learn about the Engineering Design Process to design engineering solutions to common problems and make fun projects that use engineering ideas to build our own games, gadgets, gizmos, and machines. Some projects will even be built with LEGO Power Functions motorized...
Enter the scientific community and learn to view the world around you differently. Together we will be exploring robots, bridge building, rockets, aerodynamics and soldering all while building real world engineering skills. And in the end, you will battle against your fellow scientists to see who the greatest everyday engineer is. Fee: $150. 480-350-5208 Age...
Join us to walk around Liberty Wildlife during our public open hours and see us fulfilling our mission! In the months of May, June, July and September, we are open from 9am until 11am. Our admission is simply donation based - whatever you feel you can give. There are no set programs, but volunteers are...
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...
Ranger Nikki will lead you on an out-and-back walk to search for bark, striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions. We will also be on the lookout for other nocturnal critters such as bats, owls, tarantulas and more. The route follows Pemberton Trail to the pond and returns the same way, for 2.5 miles total out-and-back. The...
Join Ranger Kevin for a 2.4-mile hike on the Cottonwood trail amidst the desert’s late spring beauty. The trail is rated easy-moderate, which means there may be stretches of loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. While out on the trail, we will learn about the ongoing project to catalog the Sonoran Desert’s amazing saguaro...
Join Ranger Kevin as we celebrate everything saguaro! Drop on in from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and learn why these iconic cacti deserve our utmost respect and admiration. Late spring is the season when the saguaro starts to blossom. Find out why that is, how saguaros help boost the biodiversity of desert animal species,...
Age at least 7 yrs but less than 12 yrs May 30, 2024 - Jun 20, 2024 Thu 10:45 AM - Noon Is your child secretly a mad scientist?! In this lab, your kiddo will embark on a series of science adventures! Focus is on inspiring, educating and entertaining your kiddo about the world...
Join Ranger Eric for a late afternoon hike along the Slate and Flume Trails to look for reptiles of the Sonoran Desert. Along the way, we will discuss identification tips, their ecological roles, and safety around venomous animals. We will hike 1-3 miles roundtrip (depending on heat and interest) on easy grade, but occasionally rocky...
Ranger Nikki will introduce you to San Tan’s animal ambassadors, including snakes, chuckwallas, tortoises, a tarantula and a Gila monster. Learn about their life cycles, adaptations and what you should do if you encounter their relatives on the trail. Bring your water with you and a hat to visit the outdoor tortoise enclosure. Restrooms and...
Learn heat safety tips from Ranger Eric as we get into the summer months. Come learn about heat safety, heat-related illness symptoms, and how and when to hike during the hot summer months in the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Eric. If you plan on continuing hiking over the summer, learning these tips is the best...
Join Willow Bend Environmental Education Center and embark on a journey to become a naturalist! Engage with nature, hone your observation skills, and document your discoveries at our free, family-friendly event. Through engaging demonstrations, interactive games, hands-on activities, you will learn all about how to become a naturalist. Science Saturday is an event held on the...
Age at least 8 yrs but less than 14 yrs Jun 1, 2024 Sat 10:00 AM - Noon Registration fee: $12 Mesa resident/$14 Non-resident. Ages 9-14. Contractor fee due first day: $40. Roboteers will build and program Classic Lego Mindstorm NXT Robots and tackle real world situations on a small scale! From saving lives to...
Learn how to identify common birds and tips for better birding! Learn how to identify the common birds found around Phoenix during this introductory program. Participants will learn basic field ID techniques, some fun facts about our local species, as well as what you can do to help birds in your backyard. You will also...
Grades 3 & 4: Build a Zoo Habitat How does the Phoenix Zoo design homes for animals? Campers will learn all about how to build an exhibit in the Zoo, Species Survival Plans, and how zoos design spaces that help care for animals’ physical and mental wellbeing. Campers will then get to design and build...
Grades 5 & 6: Conservation Designers Did you know there are animals at the Zoo that guests don’t get to see? Join us this week as we explore the Phoenix Zoo’s work in conserving species native to Arizona. Campers will learn all about conservation projects at the Zoo, and then design a conservation plan for...
Discover the wonders of water and its connection to all land and life in the Sonoran Desert! Visit the otter, feed the stingrays, and splash around as we explore the Museum. Get messy with hands-on activities, visit the Packrat Playhouse, and meet some Desert Museum scientists along the way. We’ll have a fin-tastic time! Camp...
Ages 7-12 Let your imagination run wild in our series of 5-day camp sessions that spark curiosity in science through hands-on interactive programs that incorporate learning through high-energy challenges, building, and design. CAMP INNOVATION is sure to inspire, educate and engage your curious mind through hands-on science. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for all...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Come learn and laugh about creepy crawlies and enjoy the educational and entertaining antics of Wildman Phil! Space is limited. Ven a aprender y a reírte de los animales y a disfrutar de las payasadas educativas y divertidas de Phil el Salvaje. Programa para todas las edades. Cupo limitado.
This three-day program is for those who have completed Level 1. Participants will demonstrate their skills from Level 1 and caregiving is continued by learning about caring for a horse’s hooves and how to bathe a horse. Participants begin to develop riding skills that focus on basic control of a horse. Ages 7 - 14...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Walk around beautiful Mission Garden with one of the garden's expert birders. We'll look for seasonal and resident birds and learn to identify some common calls and songs. The garden is a good place for beginning and intermediate birders to learn about many of the birds common to the greater Tucson area. Check in with...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Get ready for an up close and interactive experience with live domestic and exotic animals. Jungle Jill, animal trainer extraordinaire, will educate and entertain with her animal friends. For youth of all ages. Summer programs are popular and fill up fast. Seating is on a first-come basis. Jungle Jill's Animal Encounters is presented with funding...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Join us for a one-hour STEAM activity. Activities will include gardening, bird identification, paper airplanes, bubbles, doodle-bots, and geodes. Ages 7+
This program teaches kids ages 6–12 about camping essentials through indoor camping and a scavenger hunt. Space is limited; register at the front desk or call the library at 928-342-1640.
This event is FREE. All gifts are appreciated. They help the garden grow! Maegan Lopez from Mission Garden and the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture continue this Mission Garden tradition of talks and demonstrations about O'odham Agriculture. They talk about traditions associated with Native American crops and how crops brought by Europeans were integrated into...
Age at least 11 yrs but less than 17 yrs Jun 15, 2024 Sat 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM The Childcare & Babysitting Safety (CABS) course, helps build confidence, self-esteem and skills necessary to care for infants and children on a daily basis and in emergency situations. Topics include: starting your business, communicating with parents,...
Age at least 11 yrs but less than 17 yrs Jun 15, 2024 Sat 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM This one day class provides students with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for infants and young children. Participants learn how to respond to emergencies and illness with first aid, CPR and other appropriate...
Come on down and meet Ranger Olivia at the Discovery Center to learn more about the fascinating world around you – the Sonoran Desert. Are you visiting Arizona on vacation? Or have you recently moved to the Valley of Sun? Or perhaps you just want to learn more about the desert you live in? Then...
Join us on a celestial journey with our brand-new program at the park with Ranger Jacque, featuring a tranquil hike, telescope moon viewing, and stories of the night sky. Discover the magic of the celestial realm on this combination program, starting with a leisurely one-mile walk, immersing you in the natural beauty as the sun...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
The Sonoran Desert has been inhabited by humans for nearly 8000 years. Join us at the Tucson Mountain District Red Hills Visitor Center in the theater to learn about several desert plants that helped sustain human life over that time. Free with Park Fee
If you have wanted to learn how far a jumping cholla can jump or if you have another question with respect to the seven various cholla species in Saguaro National Park, then join a volunteer interpretive ranger in the theater and you will have the mystery solved regarding how far a cholla can jump. Wheelchair accessible. ...
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
Age at least 5 yrs but less than 13 yrs Jun 17, 2024 - Jun 21, 2024 Weekdays 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM During our Nature Camp, kids will explore the natural world through fun games, activities, experiments, hikes, crafts, and more! Before the first day of camp, please make sure your ePACT is filled...
All ages Jun 18, 2024 Tue 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM As we stroll through the cottonwoods and willows of Cienega Creek, we hope to see Summer Tanager, Yellow Warbler, Bell’s Vireo and many other birds. If lucky, we may also see delights such as Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet. Sections of the trail are steep and...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
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
Please note that for all Wednesday Sweetwater walks in June, we will be starting at 6:00 AM. Trip difficulty: Easy; Walking distance: 1.5 miles, Trip Duration: 2.5 hrs, Elevation gain: none, but with chance of slight inclines/declines; Ground condition: groomed gravel trails. Drinking water and restrooms available at park’s entrance. Benches available at periodic intervals...
Level 3 is available for participants who have completed both Level 1 and 2. In this three-day program, participants will broaden their horsemanship knowledge by learning different breeds and colors of horses. While practicing more independence with the horses and riding skills develop further, participants are introduced to faster gaits and learn to maneuver through...
A special exhibit will be located inside the Visitor Center, on the side of the hall opposite the entrance to the theater. It will include posters, a short film, and a ranger led discussion to share what Juneteenth is and to elevate the stories and connections that Black communities have with public lands. Free with Park...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
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
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
Ages 12+ Jun 21, 2024 Fri 8:00 AM - 10:30 AM Explore a 2-to-3-mile section of the Anza Trail during an easy, level interpretive hike. . Learn about the cultural and natural history of the Santa Cruz Valley. Travel on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to the area of La Canoa...
Join an Interpretive Ranger at Signal Hill to learn about the peoples who lived in this area from 450CE to 1450CE and are believed to have been the creators of the petroglyphs on Signal Hill and at other sites throughout the greater Tucson/Phoenix area. 1 hour, 1/2 mile Free with Park Fee
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Hike through rare Riparian habitat and amount towering Saguaro as you learn about the many edible native plants that thrive in the harsh desert climate and about the people that once called the Sonoran Desert home. Join Ranger Derik on a 2.5-mile loop hike of the Metate and Spur Cross trails starting at area 7....
This event is FREE. No RSVP necessary. All gifts are appreciated. At our monthly (fourth Saturday) Archaeology Day, representatives of Tucson's archaeology community come to Mission Garden to teach practical hands-on skills. Old Pueblo Archaeology Center is represented at these events, also presenting interactive programs about things like pinch pots, pendants, and cordage. John Palacio...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Join Ranger Nikki on early morning hike to celebrate the end of National Pollinator Week by watching for critter activity and enjoying cactus blooms. Ranger Nikki will lead you on a hike to observe birds, insects, mammals and reptiles starting their day and learn about a variety of cacti showcasing their summer blooms. National Pollinator...
Join Ranger Kevin for an early morning walk in search of wildlife. Enjoy a roughly 1.5-mile hike on the Wildlife Pond and Mule Deer trails with Ranger Kevin as we look for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals we may see include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, various species of birds and...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Lake Pleasant is creating a Monday clean-up crew. If you are available on any Monday, please join us as we pick up litter along the shoreline. Date- Every Monday from 4/1/24-10/28/24 Time – April 7:00am-9:00am May-Oct 6:00am-8:00am Location – Park at Castle Hot Springs dirt lot near the entry station. Meet with Park Assistant Doug...
Age at least 5 yrs but less than 13 yrs Jun 24, 2024 - Jun 28, 2024 Weekdays 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM During our Nature Camp, kids will explore the natural world through fun games, activities, experiments, hikes, crafts, and more! Before the first day of camp, please make sure your ePACT is filled...
Grades 5 & 6: Conservation Designers Did you know there are animals at the Zoo that guests don’t get to see? Join us this week as we explore the Phoenix Zoo’s work in conserving species native to Arizona. Campers will learn all about conservation projects at the Zoo, and then design a conservation plan for...
Ages 5-12 Let your imagination run wild in our series of 5-day camp sessions that spark curiosity in science through hands-on interactive programs that incorporate learning through high-energy challenges, building, and design. CAMP INNOVATION is sure to inspire, educate and engage your curious mind through hands-on science. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for all...
Age at least 10 yrs but less than 18 yrs Jun 25, 2024 Tue 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Registration fee: $12 Mesa resident/$14 non-resident. INSTRUCTOR FEE DUE FIRST DAY: 40. This course provides student with the knowledge and skills to confidently care for infants and school age children. Participants will learn how to...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Please note that for all Wednesday Sweetwater walks in June, we will be leading two walks of 15 participants each, both starting at 6:00 AM. Trip difficulty: Easy; Walking distance: 1.5 miles, Trip Duration: 2.5 hrs, Elevation gain: none, but with chance of slight inclines/declines; Ground condition: groomed gravel trails. Drinking water and restrooms available...
Start your day right with Ranger Jacque on this morning nature hike! Come with Ranger Jacque out to the park for a two-mile hike on Moonlight and Stargazer trails, rated easy to moderate, picking up tidbits of Sonoran Desert wisdom along the way. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center where we will meet. Please...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Join Ranger Derik on a hike through a chainfruit cholla forest as you learn about the many cacti species found in the Sonoran Desert. Hike on the Lost Sheep Trail for a 2.5 mile out and back on easy trail. The group will make frequent stops to talk about the many cactus species along the...
Start your day right with Ranger Jacque on this morning nature hike! Come with Ranger Jacque out to the park for a two-mile hike on Tortoise and Hilltop trails, rated easy to moderate, picking up tidbits of Sonoran Desert wisdom along the way. Restrooms are available at the Nature Center where we will meet. Please...
Join Ranger Kevin for a hike and mine tour which features a fascinating glimpse into Arizona’s past. This is a great program for residents and visitors alike! Join Ranger Kevin for a roughly 1.8-mile round-trip hike to the Clay Mine, site of a fortune made not of gold, but of snake oil. Program features a...
Step into your weekend on a morning hike with Ranger Jacque! Ranger Jacque leads you on a 3.7-mile hike, starting at the Nature Center, and making a clockwise loop on the Moonlight, San Tan, Gold Mine, and Little Leaf trails. This trail is rated moderate-difficult. Please prepare by wearing appropriate shoes/clothing, sun protection, and bringing...
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy hike to learn about a variety of desert plant and animal life. Join Ranger Nikki on a 2-mile hike to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert and how plants and animals survive, particularly during the summer. We will also visit Petroglyph Plaza on the Waterfall Trail and talk about...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....
Do you know how a compass works? Could you use one to find your way out of the woods if you got lost camping? Did you know you can make a compass out of common objects? Join us for this fun program for teens ages 13-17. Seating is limited. Supplies will be provided on a...
Join Ranger Kevin for an introduction to birding in one of Arizona’s premiere birding locations. Enjoy a roughly 2-mile walk on the Palm Lake, Mesquite Meander, Lions, and Willow Walkway trails. We’ll cover birding basics, from tools and equipment to bird identification tips and strategies. Trails are rated easy, although thick sand is possible in...
Step into your weekend with this challenging morning hike with Ranger Jacque! Ranger Jacque leads you on a 4.2 mile hike on the Scenic Trail, starting at the Trailhead Staging Area, and looping back to the starting point with the last mile stretch on the Pemberton trail. This is rated moderate with a 278 ft...
Join Ranger Derik on fitness hike up to Wind Cave to see scenic views of the Tonto National Forest and the Phoenix Valley. This hike will be 3 miles long and gain 800ft of elevation. For this hike you will need a daypack with at least 2 liters of water and a snack. The trail...
Join Ranger Kevin for an early morning walk in search of wildlife. Enjoy a roughly 2-mile hike on the Spur Cross and Metate trails with Ranger Kevin as we look for all kinds of wildlife along the way. Some animals we may see include mule deer, javelina, squirrels, rabbits, various species of birds and perhaps...
This Summer, join a ranger at 9 am for a 45 to 60 minute fossil discovery walk. This is a fun, family-friendly activity. The program is a favorite of Junior rangers who are able to explore a fossil bed and discover brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures preserved here in limestone for millions of years....