Please note that for all Wednesday Sweetwater walks in November, we will be leading two walks of 15 participants each, both starting at 7:00 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...
Explore the ponds, mesquite bosque, and surrounding desert of Agua Caliente Park in search of its rich bird life. We expect to see woodpeckers, flycatchers, warblers, vireos, as well as...
Both novice and seasoned birders enjoy the variety of birds that visit and live in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Our experienced bird guide, Mary Ellen, will help you spot and identify various birds as you walk through the park. Please bring binoculars (and a bird guide if you have one!) This walk lasts several 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...
Join the Phoenix Zoo at Homeschool Days for a morning dedicated to homeschool families and groups. The morning will be filled with STEM based learning stations, animal interactions and exploring science-based careers. Stations will feature camera trapping, behavioral enrichment, information on palm oil consumption, bird watching and so much more! Participants will have full access...
Got a tummy ache? Did you wake up with a head-ache or sore muscles? Come out to the park and find out how the Native Peoples of the Sonoran Desert treated a variety of ailments using the plants found in their habitat. The Sonoran Desert is home to a rich variety of plant life used...
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. The lab is closed on all federal holidays. From the Painted Desert Visitor Center parking lot at the north end of the park, walk through the central courtyard, through the...
Dinosaur themed all throughout November!
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...
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...
Come join Ranger Shaun, a notorious Night Owl, for a morning hike at a reasonable hour. Outside of the Summer’s oppressive heat, we can hike when we like! Night Owls, 2nd Shifters, and Later Risers of all types, come on out, walk the beautiful moderate difficultly Vista trail and return along the barrier free Merkle...
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...
Spend a morning at the Riparian Preserve with your little one getting in tune with nature. In this class we will learn about the joys of springtime through a storybook reading, then craft our own binoculars to take with us on our “hike” through the Preserve. All activities will take place outdoors, please dress...
Where Learning Gets Wild! You can explore the animal world at the Zoo with your “little critter” through activities based on Arizona’s Early Learning Standards to develop motor, social, and cognitive skills. Each program includes animal ambassador encounters, crafts, and more! Advance registration is required. This Month’s Topic: A Feast for the Beasts The Holiday season...
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
Crazy, quirky, or creepy, the facts about cactus are as fascinating as the folklore – and just as far-fetched. Join a park naturalist for an easy stroll and lighthearted look at our spiny desert dwellers. Wheelchair accessible Free with Park Fee
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...
Encounter life-size dinosaurs on the library lawn! Dig for fossils, dance with the dinos, and much more!
Come join Ranger Shaun for this drop in, drop out informational station. See some venomous creatures up close. Ask questions, examine artifacts like skins, skulls, and teeth, and finally lay some myths to rest. We can’t make venomous animals “safe” but we can make them “safer to be around.” Come find out how! Water and...
Join local origami artist, Charlie Humme, as he teaches us how to make our very own origami turkeys to celebrate the season! Admission into this program is free with paid Museum admission.
You’ve been to Bug Theater (I hope). Now come talk about it! Or, if you haven’t, prepare yourself for the next round! Come to Bug Talk and go a little deeper! We’ll talk more about the different groups of insects, what makes the similar and different, and discuss arachnids and other arthropods a bit too....
Explore colors in our desert environment, learn how to make natural paints and create your own masterpiece. All ages. Presented by Pima County Parks & Recreation
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of seasons at the STEAM Kid's Club. Kids aged 6-12 will paint a vibrant masterpiece depicting a majestic tree transforming its leaves and colors with the changing seasons. Let your creativity branch out and capture the magic of nature's ever-changing palette in this colorful program that celebrates the beauty...
In anticipation of an all-ages, local beekeeper program on November 20th, we're making a garden hotel for helpful garden bugs! Kids between 5-12 are invited to create an inviting haven of organic materials for the little critters that help our gardens thrive. An expert from the Water Conservation department will also be on hand to...
Take a short walk through our Cactus Garden and discover some of the amazing plants and animals; and how they adapt to the harsh Sonoran Desert. Wheelchair accessible Program is scheduled to last roughly 45 minutes. Walk is roughly 300 yards. 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...
With the abundance of birds in our desert habitat there are so many to pick from. Students can draw a quail, cactus wren or hummingbird. We can complete one or two drawings in this class. Presented by Jeanine Colini! Max 15 participants, age 8 and up.
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
(ages 6 & up / 45 min) Meet some amazing birds of prey that are native to Arizona. Presenters from Liberty Wildlife will teach us about the history, habitat, preservation and safety of each animal. **Space is limited, so please see a staff person prior to the start of the program to pick up a...
Join us for STEAM fun as we explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands-on activities. In honor of Dinovember we will investigate all things dinosaur! Every month STEAM Club...
Explore the wonders of the Sonoran Desert while you hone your skills on the varied terrain of one of Pima County’s beautiful desert trails. Trail running offers a wonderful opportunity to explore and connect with the natural world, while providing a fun and engaging way to get a great work out. Participants should be comfortable...
E.B. White famously said, “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” In our current time of devastating climate change and social and ecological upheavals, finding the balance between savoring and...
This class is a great introduction to watercolor techniques for botanical art. We will explore Fall Foliage through a unique medium that has been used by artists and illustrators throughout the years. When the seasons change into fall, depending on where you live, leaves from trees and shrubs will transform into a variety of beautiful colors such...
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. Please meet at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center located at 3693 S. Old Spanish Trail. Free with Park...