Look for and learn about reptiles of Sonoran Desert riparian areas during this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike 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 about 1.3 miles roundtrip...
Join the Southern Arizona Nature Journal Club to learn about Nature Journaling, an observational activity that immerses you in our natural world. This casual meet-up is perfect for those who enjoy going outside, sketching, observing nature and meeting fellow nature enthusiasts. The group meets at our park’s entrance at 7 am and explores a different...
Feel inner peace outside on this easy walk featuring a guided 4-step outdoor meditation led by Ranger Jacque. Would you like a break from noise and stress and a new way to enjoy nature? The Quiet process can help. It blends nine techniques or influences that research indicates have a calming or uplifting effect. This...
We encourage our guests to visit the Children’s Garden every Tuesday and Thursday morning to water the garden, and enjoy the flowers, insects, veggies, herbs, and more! Free with Admission
Construct a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in the Art Studio all month using recyclables plus a dash of imagination. Free with Admission
Construct a one-of-a-kind masterpiece in the Art Studio all month using recyclables plus a dash of imagination. Free with Admission
Have you ever wondered about the Preserve's historic stand of palm trees? Then join Ranger Jacque to learn about them inside the Visitor Center! Learn about the Preserve’s historic stand of California fan palms, how these tropical trees can grow in the desert Southwest, and their importance to both wildlife and native cultures. Did you...
Learn how to identify common desert and backyard birds with Ranger Eric at this stationary program at the Nature Center. Join Ranger Eric at the Usery Nature Center to watch birds around the feeders and learn bird identification basics, field guides and apps, and citizen science. Chairs will be available to use and the area...
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 meet Ranger Olivia and learn more about how and why our desert tortoises love the desert so much! Have you ever wondered about the tortoises that live in the Sonoran Desert and how they survive the heat? Visit our indoor Nature Center anytime between 10am and 2pm to learn more about them and if...
Zoom away from planet Earth and take a guided tour through the Solar System! Let's stop by each of the planets and learn why they are unique. On our journey, we will be pointing out interesting facts along the way. Audience: General, all ages Style: Live presentation about planets and space exploration Planetarium Tickets...
Join us for MACH1’s Open Hours to explore the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)! Explore our extensive collection of STEM games, robotics toys, circuitry kits, craft supplies and more. Engage in coding, digital art, 3D modeling, and more using our available computers, or showcase your crafting kills with access to sewing...
Explore a variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) activities and projects. Activities are open play, but staff will be on hand for guidance. Please be aware that materials used are age specific and caregiver supervision is required. Open STEAM Lab (Ages 6-12): Thursdays, 4 pm
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: $14 Children (ages 3-15): $10 Children ages 2 and...
Join us this week at Thursday Maker Hour: Sew a Toad to sew your very own cuddly stuffed toad! We'll be practicing creating and following simple patterns to hand-stitch our adorable amphibian friends. No experience necessary, though adult supervision is required since we will be using sewing needles for this activity. This program is a walk-in program...
STEAM is science, technology, engineering, art, and math all wrapped into one. STEAM combines subjects that are known to increase critical thinking and problem-solving skills through fun and unique hands-on learning opportunities. As a means of enhancing the learning experience while demonstrating how all things are connected. Participants will be able to explore through curiosity...
Families are welcome every Thursday to design, create, and collaborate! Try out sewing, animating, programming, inventing, and more! Join us to CrEaTE! Every Thursday. Every Thursday, 4:30-6:00 Free thanks to...
Join us for open garden hours. Help us tend to the Valencia garden, do something crafty or just sit and read with the plants. All ages welcome. No registration required
THE EXOTIC SUBLIME | on plants will present a contemporary florilegium of plant life in the Sonoran Desert. Plants of all shapes and sizes, from basin to range, survive across five seasons— they seed, climb, roll, spread, poke, bloom, root, stem, branch, wither, bud, flower, and fruit. Mysterious, medicinal, and magical life cycles thriving or threatened...
Join Ranger Nikki on an evening stroll to search for scorpions and other nocturnal critters. Ranger Nikki will lead you on a 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, centipedes and more. The route follows NoSo...