Ranger Nikki will lead the way as we search for signs that any monsoon rains have greened up the desert trees, cacti, and perennial shrubs and possibly nudged summer annuals to sprout and bloom. We will trek on Gray Fox and Ironwood Trails and return to the trailhead by walking on a short portion of paved...
Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens of Historic Canoa Ranch. Join Raydine Taber from the Green Valley Gardeners to explore the variety of themed gardens within the ranch headquarters. All Ages
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...
Join us on the first and third Friday of every month for our hands-on Sewing Class! Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, we'll be using sewing machines to create fun and functional projects. If you have your own sewing machine, we recommend bringing it, but if not, there may...
Ranger Nikki will share information on a variety of desert mammals including coyote, fox, bobcat, mountain lion, javelina, jackrabbit and more! You can examine replica skulls to compare features of carnivores, herbivores and omnivores as well as tanned hides to understand how camouflage is an important defense mechanism in our desert environment. Take home information...
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...
Beauty can be found in nature, music, and art. Join us as we create our own wind chimes using beads and found materials. Let your creativity shine as you design a unique piece to hang outside. Sit back, watch it dance in the breeze, and listen to the music it creates. Ages 5 - 12
Join us as we learn and explore STEAM concepts! This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a Division of the Secretary of State, with...
The Observatory That Began With Mars and Reached the Moon Lowell Observatory’s story begins with one man’s fascination with Mars and a telescope shipped by train to a small Arizona...
Deep beneath the earth's crust, hundreds of kilometres below the surface, with no light, no air, and very little water, in pores and fissures of hard rock, scientists have found an enormous biodiversity of micro-organisms that thrive in extreme conditions. The Dark Biosphere challenges everything we thought we knew and challenges us to rethink not...
What are we made of? Where did it all come from? The film explores the secrets of our cosmic chemistry, explosive origins, and connects life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe. NSC Creative applies its trademark approach of making complex scientific concepts accessible to all ages by using immersive and engaging visualizations. We...
This is a family affair! Come use our LEGO to create vehicles, buildings, odd creatures and dragons, or whatever "floats your boat", oh, or go ahead and make a boat!...
Bring your imagination and join us for an afternoon of brick building. You can follow our themes and challenges or make your own. Creative thinking, teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving are just a few of the skills learned while having fun with bricks! Ages 6 - 18
Sit back and relax for this popular live show as one of our Console Captains guides you through the night sky from a Tucson perspective, pointing out stars, planets, constellations, and current celestial events. Then, take a cosmic leap beyond our solar system to explore the universe’s distant wonders. Audience: General, all ages Style: Live...
Looking for advanced academic support in math or English? The K–12 Afterschool Tutoring Program is held every Friday after school to help students build confidence and improve their skills. Whether it's homework help or test prep, we’re here to support your child’s growth! Led by experienced high school mentors, Olivia and Jaden, this program is...
Ages: 5-11 Where STEM meets Art! Children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult. All Library Programs are free and open to the public.
A Live Tour Through Every Planet in Our Solar System. Join us on a journey through the solar system as we visit each of the planets! Travel from scorching-hot Mercury to icy Neptune and Pluto during this live presentation. Along the way, you’ll learn cool facts, see stunning visuals, and discover what makes each planet unique. This...
Join us for a special program where LEGO elements will be used to solve problems through storytelling. The program utilizes LEGO bricks, hardware, and the LEGO Spike app. Supplies limited....
Join us every Friday for an exciting array of activities! Engage in board games, delve into science experiments, unleash your creativity with art projects, and immerse yourself in video games. Each week promises a new adventure to discover and delight in! Ages 6 - 18
Celebrate 100 years of Route 66! Begin with an exclusive talk exploring how the Mother Road paved a path of astronomical discovery, then step inside a rarely seen private collections...
Join Ranger Jacque for a roughly 1.8-mile round-trip hike to the Clay Mine, where Leila Irish built a unique business based on a remarkable natural discovery. In the spirit of America 250, this program features a tour of the mine itself and explores a quintessentially American story of innovation and ambition. The trails are rated moderate, so...
The Museum is open from 5pm-9pm free of charge, on the first Friday of each month. Space is very limited, and guests will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis....
One small step was just the beginning. Now, we take one step beyond, driven by curiosity, bound for Mars, and ready to write the boldest chapter in human exploration. Experience the thrill of launch, the challenges of life in space, the cutting-edge technology of NASA’s Artemis program, and the search for life that could transform how...
New this summer! Twelve light installations now on view at Garden After Dark throughout the Garden trails. This brand-new shimmering display creates a playful break from the summer heat with cooling colors and designs inspired by the monsoon season. All Ages
Young Makers is our free form workshop night for passionate kids and their parents. We work with driven young people to empower them to turn their ideas into reality. No babysitting. No lectures. This is discovery learning and creation. Questions to: [email protected] Ages 6 - 18 HeatSync Labs is a 501(c)3 nonprofit hackerspace in Mesa,...
Looking for an engaging summertime activity? Join us for an evening of exploration and discovery at Steward Observatory on the University of Arizona campus. This unique experience combines fascinating information about the cosmos and viewing through the Ray E. White 21-inch telescope. Participants will begin the evening with an engaging exploration of current astronomical research,...
Ranger Olivia leads this picturesque hike to watch the sunset while also learning about saguaros along the way. We will see the sunset, saguaros, saguaro blossoms, and maybe some evening critters as well. You may bring your black light and regular flashlight to look for evening critters(optional). This hike will be about 2 miles starting on the Spur Cross...
Celebrate our America's 250 milestone by exploring the desert after dark! Join Ranger Jacque for a family-friendly night hike in search of the striped-tail and giant hairy scorpions - resilient residents that have called the Sonoran Desert home since long before our country’s founding. This nighttime adventure begins outside the Nature Center, where restrooms and water fountains are...
Join us after dark on a night-time adventure with our Education Staff and Docents! Discover the amazing world of nocturnal life in the Sonoran Desert on this family friendly ‘crawl’. Guests will learn about Sonoran Desert ecology while taking a closer look at the local critters. Plus, you will get the knowledge you need to be prepared for your own night-time treks. Preregistration is required and limited to 24 guests. For your safety, children ages 4 and under and pets are not permitted. Register: https://7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Critter-Crawl-Night-Tour-07Aug2026 Distance: Each...
Join a naturalist for a guided hike through the desert after dark. Experience the Sonoran Desert as it comes to life after the sun sets. This 2-mile or less family-friendly hike will help us explore the nocturnal adaptations of desert wildlife that help them survive. All ages welcome. Meet at: precise location will be given...
A celestial journey for the whole family! Fly beneath the rings of Saturn, float through the heart of the Orion Nebula, and plunge into a black hole during this captivating introduction to cosmology. Passport to the Universe, developed by the American Museum of Natural History, NASA, and the California Academy of Sciences and narrated by...
Experience the universe up-close with our state-of-the-art 24-inch Dyer Telescope. This private, personalized expedition across the stars lasts 75 minutes and offers an exclusive opportunity to view the cosmos through...