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...
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...
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...
Kids get in FREE week: December 23 - 27, 2024
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!
Ages 6 - 7 The Keeper Program is designed to give children too young to participate in our Adult Volunteer Program a chance to learn and work at PHS. Each day is three hours long and does have a specific outline of activities & expectations. After check-in, the keepers & their counselor will gather together, review the rules...
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
Tortoise Day camps are focused on BOTH Turtles and Tortoises. While we do not interact with aquatic turtles, we make sure the campers know the difference between the two types of reptiles. Campers will learn about why we have so many of these animals, how long they live and the difference in their diets! Day camp...
Join us for a guided walk through the Cactus Garden where you’ll explore the fascinating natural history of the Sonoran Desert!
Join Ranger Nikki on an easy, slow-paced walk to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert. Explore the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Nikki and learn about some of the plants and animals that you can see along the trails at McDowell, including a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, trees, shrubs and cacti. This is a family-friendly...
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 hiking shoes recommended!
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! 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 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 Nikki on an easy, slow-paced walk to learn about our fascinating Sonoran Desert. Explore the Sonoran Desert with Ranger Nikki and learn about some of the plants and animals that you can see along the trails at McDowell, including a variety of birds, reptiles, mammals, trees, shrubs and cacti. This is a family-friendly...
Have you ever wondered about the Preserve's historic stand of palm trees? Then join Ranger Eric to learn about them inside the Visitor Center. Join Ranger Eric to learn about the Preserve’s historic stand of California fan palms, how these tropical trees are able to grow in the desert Southwest, and their importance to both...
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,...
Meet ranger Jacque and pet a king snake at this informal animal encounter event! Get up close and personal with our animal ambassadors at this come-and-go program, where you can...
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...
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...