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...
This holiday, 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 amazing illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. Lights line the garden paths in this cozy, lush indoor setting. Fluttering butterflies take center stage, surrounded by sparkling...
Meet in the Palo Verde Day Use area and learn how to distinguish between birds and seek out our avian friends from hawks to hummingbirds throughout the trail! Be prepared for a 1-mile, slow-paced bird walk on moderate, rocky terrain with a mild 150-ft. elevation gain. The program takes about 1.5 hours. Please wear close-toed...
We encourage our guests to visit the Children’s Garden every Tuesday and Thursday morning to water the garden, enjoy the flowers, insects, veggies, herbs, and more!
Learn about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and its unique plants and animals during this guided hike with Ranger Eric. Join Ranger Eric for a guided hike to learn about the flora, fauna, and ecology of the Sonoran Desert on this 2.6-mile loop hike of Blevins, Meridian, and Amigos Wash Trails. The trails are rated easy...
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 guided walk through the Cactus Garden where you’ll explore the fascinating natural history of the Sonoran Desert!
Embark on a Magical Holiday Adventure at Butterfly Wonderland! Join us in the Butterfly Theater for an enchanting Story Time, where dynamic storytellers bring the rainforest to life with captivating tales about butterflies and other rainforest critters. After the story, meet Draco, Butterfly Wonderland’s beloved Chinese Water Dragon, and kick off a fun scavenger hunt!...
Join a ranger for a hike in the heart of the cactus forest that travels 2 - 4 miles to learn about the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Water and...
Free with general admission. 10am and 11am tours Discover how plants have adapted to the desert environment with a volunteer docent-led tour. 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 beauty...
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!...
Enhance your afternoon with quick insights into the geologic story of Grand Canyon at our "Geo Glimpse" ranger program - presented daily at 11 am. 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,...
Join Ranger Olivia to meet some of the animal ambassadors that reside at Estrella’s Nature Center! This is a casual drop-in program, that gives you an opportunity to come and meet some of the animals at Estrella such as snakes, a scorpion, and even a tarantula! At this program you will get to ask questions,...
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,...
This guided hike climbs 1700 feet to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, arriving just in time to enjoy the 360-degree view of the sunset. The descent of the trail is solely under the light of the moon. The hike is at an easy pace but is considered somewhat difficult due to rough terrain...
Discover a deeper connection to the Grand Canyon. Join a ranger to dive into the canyon's diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, or ever-changing landscape. Topics change daily. Come curious, leave inspired! Program may include a short walk to Mather Point or along the Canyon Rim Trail.
Join a ranger for a 20-30 minute stroll through the cactus garden to learn about the Saguaro cactus and other plants of the Sonoran Desert. Accessible program.
Join a park ranger at the Red Hills Visitor Center for a theater presentation about Saguaro National Park’s unique cultural, historical and natural resources. Presentations vary daily depending on the Ranger hosting, but a few popular ones go over: wildlife in the park, plants in the park (including saguaros), local indigenous culture, park history and even...
Join Liberty Wildlife at the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot and meet their eagle/raptor ambassadors!
Join the El Mirage Garden Club for our fourth meeting of the season! We'll be building scarecrows using old newspapers and hand-me-down clothes!
Half the park is after dark! Join a ranger in the evening hours as night-prowling creatures begin to emerge. This is a 1-1.5 mile hike, and location varies. Regardless of program location, always meet at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center.
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland at The Valley’s favorite holiday tradition, ZooLights! Get in the holiday spirit as millions of twinkling lights transform the Zoo into a dazzling spectacle,...
Thousands of LED lights illuminate the trees and custom-built, oversized structures delight the senses. The light tunnel, dancing cypress trees, traditional punched-tin trees, a brand-new crescent moon, and a dazzling display of luminarias will wow you! Experience a holiday light show unlike any other in southern Arizona! Designed by nationally known public garden landscape architect Tres...