Look for desert and migratory birds around the lake with Ranger Eric! Learn about birds of Sonoran Desert and migrant water birds on this walk with Ranger Eric. We will first meet at the Wild Burro Day Use Area, then caravan in our respective vehicles a short distance up Desert Tortoise Rd. or Two Cow...
Ranger Nikki will lead you on a hike to look to observe birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles starting their day and learn about saguaros, cholla, prickly pear and more. The route follows Overton and GO John Trails to make a 3.5-mile loop. The terrain is mostly uneven with small to medium rocks underfoot. The beginning...
Join an interpretive volunteer at the King Canyon Trailhead for a 3-hour/3-mile loop hike. On this hike you will learn about the Hohokam peoples who did the petroglyphs you will see, learn about the mining activity in the parks boundary like that you will see at the Gould Mine and a few Civilian Conservation Corp...
Join a Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources naturalist to explore the Brown Mountain area at the western edge of Tucson Mountain Park. Hike among Saguaros to get a closer look at the interesting and diverse flora and fauna that helps make the Sonoran Desert so unique. This will be a 3-4 mile hike, with some elevation...
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...
Explore a 2-to-3-mile section of the Anza Trail during an easy, level interpretive hike. Learn about the cultural and natural history of the Santa Cruz Valley. Travel on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to the area of La Canoa where the expedition to found San Francisco camped after leaving Tubac Presidio in...
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!
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...
Come visit the history and culture of the Hohokam desert people who lived here 1,000 years ago. We will also investigate the many mysterious petroglyphs from the past found in Saguaro National Park and what they might mean.
Discover the beauty of Patagonia Lake on a pontoon boat tour. The park volunteers and staff will share about the local habitat, wildlife, and history of the lake. Reservations are...
The Pima County Environmental Education Program's Melissa Mundt will host an activity full of art and nature! Learn about Sonoran desert plants & animals using different materials, including clay, to capture your experience. All materials provided. No artistic experience needed!
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. Talks will take place on the patio in front of the...
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...
Join Ranger Eric for a moderate hike up to Yavapai Point and back, with spectacular scenery along the way! Join Ranger Eric on a 3.4-mile roundtrip hike up the Yavapai Point Trail and back, where we will be able to take in stunning views of the Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant, as well as talk...
The saguaro celebrates events and faces challenges throughout its life. A biologist explains how it provides shelter and substance for wildlife; when it flowers; its growth patterns; and how it fights for survival against drought, lightning, frost, and other dangers. Wheelchair accessible. Free with Park Fee
Learn about the fascinating life cycle of the saguaro cactus, from tiny and vulnerable seed to many-armed giant and the spiny, flowering, fruiting habitat-providing stages in-between. The class includes a slideshow and a variety of real cactus specimens to look at up close. This is a sit-down class that takes place inside the Nature Center,...
Join Ranger Olivia to meet some of the animal ambassadors that reside at White Tank’s Nature Center! This is a casual drop-in program, that gives you an opportunity to come and meet some of the animals at White Tank such as, snakes, and scorpions. At this program you will get to ask questions, learn new...
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...
Join an interpretive volunteer outside near the restrooms for a short walk around the Red Hills Visitor Center to learn about several plants that grow here in the Sonoran Desert and some...
Gardening in containers provides many benefits to desert gardeners. Containers reduce back and knee strain, keep critters at bay, and provide beautiful accents in our gardens. This is a basic class aimed at helping participants learn the pros and cons of various container materials, soil recipes that work best, and everything else needed for successful...
This is not about the University of Arizona’s teams nor is it about your mom’s house cat! Join an Interpretive Ranger in the theater to learn about the four types...
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 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 Liberty Wildlife and their Animal Ambassadors to learn more about the native wildlife of Arizona. Education Takes Flight, every Friday from October thru April. Location: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch 7500 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, United States
This planetarium show takes you on an extraordinary journey into unseen worlds and hidden dimensions beyond our normal vision to uncover the mysteries of things too fast, too slow, too small or simply invisible. Audience: General, all ages Style: Fulldome film and live star talk Planetarium Tickets Adults: $14 Children (ages 3-15): $10 Children ages 2 and...
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, guiding you through the illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats and Zoo trails. Don’t miss our brand-new light show, featuring vibrant visuals and mesmerizing music that...
Night hiking is an exciting way to experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies. On a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail, learn about the desert’s nocturnal...
Bring a bestie or make it a date night and embark on a creative journey at Butterfly Brushstrokes. This expertly guided, delightful painting class promises an inspiring experience as each attendee crafts their very own “butterfly Picasso” masterpiece. All materials are provided in the price, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable session limited to 20 people....
Join us this holiday season for our annual “Wildlights and Animal Sights” event here at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary! The holiday light display will be open to the public every Friday & Saturday evening from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, beginning on November 29th and 30th and running through January 3rd & 4th, 2025. The park will...
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...