Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike on the Waterfall Trail to learn about the animals, plants, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert, and to see the granite formation that is occasionally a waterfall following rain. The lower 0.5-mile of the trail is barrier-free up to a petroglyph viewing area, then is on uneven and...
On this hike you will get to see a variety of cactus species and learn about their many adaptations to survive in the harsh Sonoran Desert climate. We will hike the 3.3-mile Tortuga Trail starting from the covered picnic table just past the contact station. The trail is rocky, steep and uneven in many places...
ODYSEA AQUARIUM IS THE PLACE TO VISIT FOR FESTIVE FUN ALL MONTH LONG! Voyager Transforms into a Festive Holiday “Ride-Thru” Experience Festive lighting, music, and décor change with each rotation as you ride through custom-themed exhibits featuring graceful stingrays and sea turtles, playful sea lions, and majestic sharks. Included with admission. SeaTREK Santa Returns!...
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 Museum Admission
Join us as we explore the stunning Jewel of the Creek Preserve. This desert oasis, filled with towering cottonwood and willow trees along Cave Creek, holds one of the last remaining perennial streams in Maricopa County. The unusual year-round presence of water supports a myriad of unique plant and animal species. Our hike will take...
Azatlan is the contemporary archaeological name given to a large Hohokam community that existed north of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Reservation and east of Rio Verde. Join PastFinders experts for a hike through one of the largest archeological sites in central Arizona, which lies right next door to the Preserve along the Verde River. The...
Stop by one of our many Discovery Stations, and participate in hands-on activities with volunteers to learn about the animals and plants of the Sonoran Desert. Free with Admission
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...
Cactus Clubhouse is a fun and immersive nature play space for kids 12 and younger. Kids can engage in activities that spark independent play and encourage growth and exploration. Join us for instructor-led activities at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Cactus Clubhouse hours may be subject to change. Please check in with admissions upon...
November 24 - January 7 This holiday season, step into the enchanting ‘Glistening Gardens’ at Butterfly Wonderland. This seasonal escape transports guests to the rainforest as they leisurely stroll with family and friends through an all-new illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. Thousands of lights line the garden paths in this cozy, lush indoor setting....
Saguaro National Park is famous for its gigantic saguaros. Still, you have to know where to look to find a real giant among giants. Join a ranger for a walk along a tree-lined desert wash, and view an awesome example of the Giant Cactus. Hike will be 3/4 mile round trip walk along a flat, sandy...
For those who can’t get enough of our African penguins, we invite you to join us for an exclusive up close and personal Penguin Encounter. Go behind the scenes with our Animal Care & Education team to learn specifics about penguin behavior, diet, and reproduction, as well as how we can do our part to...
Dinosaur theme 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...
10 a.m., 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Explore the Garden with a docent and learn how plants have adapted to the desert environment. See the Garden’s living collection with plants from around the world and the Sonoran Desert and their fascinating survival strategies in this arid climate. Walk away with a new appreciation for the...
(ages 0-5 / 30 min / space is limited) Join us for an exciting meet-and-greet with surprise 4-legged guests who help our community in unique ways! *These programs are subject to change if our guests need to respond to an emergency. **Space is limited, so please see a staff person prior to the start of...
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
Come learn about cacti of the Sonoran Desert and Phoenix area! Ranger Eric will host this discovery station table at the White Tank Nature Center. Nearby there are live examples of a variety of cacti to see on the trail next to the center. MEETING LOCATION: Just inside the building entrance to the White Tank...
Come for a short walk and discover the great variety of cacti that inhabit this unique and fascinating desert. 45 minute walk, totaling a distance of roughly 100 yards. 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...
Go behind the scenes with our Animal Care & Education team an OdySea Aquarium Team Member to learn specifics about sloth behavior, diet, and reproduction, as well as how we can do our part to help this incredible species and our rainforests. Tour Fee: $69.95 | General Admission Is Required. | Minimum Age 8 ...
Come to the Nature Center and meet Ranger Kevin from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The theme is rattlesnakes, so bring your curiosity and your questions. We’ll bust some misbegotten myths about these creatures, delve into some fascinating facts, as well as learn how to safely share the desert with our reptilian neighbors. There’s a Connecting with...
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...
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 12-18 / 60 minutes / space is limited) Come make a desktop terrarium to decorate your space. Pick mini succulents or seeds and add a painted rock you create.
Join Ranger Kevin as we learn how to make - or strengthen - our connection with nature through the practice of Silent Walking and Sit Spots. This is a beginner’s level class, so anyone who is interested in cultivating the skills needed to appreciate the natural world in greater depth is welcome. We will learn...
Dive into the wonderful world of waterfowl! Water watchers will learn tools and tips and practice identifying waterfowl in the wild. Ages 18+
We will hike roughly 1.5 miles while looking for critters on the Tortoise Trail with Ranger Kevin. Trail is rated easy, with little loose rock, uneven terrain and elevation change. Animals we may encounter on this evening hike include coyotes, mule deer, javelina, raccoons, skunks, bats, owls, scorpions, spiders and snakes. Be sure to wear...