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Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Bird Walk

Usery Mountain Regional Park 3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa

On this walk near the Nature Center, Ranger Nikki will lead the way as we look for birds and try to spot their homes camouflaged among the cholla cacti and trees. The route follows a portion of Desert Hawk Trail over to the campground, where we will walk on paved roadways. The terrain is rated easy and...

Free with Park Fee

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Bird ID Basics

Usery Mountain Regional Park 3939 N. Usery Pass Rd., Mesa

Ranger Nikki will present a slideshow of common birds seen at Usery Park and in local suburban backyards. See some sample field guides and learn about birding apps that use visual and even sound cues to suggest identifications. (There is a separate hike prior to this indoor class to search for birds and their homes...

Free with Park Fee

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park: CAPYBARA ENCOUNTER

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park

Experience the opportunity of a lifetime with our Capybara Encounter! Come meet Chewy or BB and their care team at Shipwreck Cove. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed our capybaras and learn from their care team about what it takes to care for such unique animals. Feel the texture of their fur...

$79

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park: PENGUIN ENCOUNTER

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park

Experience the best dressed encounter opportunity at Wildlife World Zoo! Meet one of our endangered African Penguins and their trainers in the Wild and Wonderful aquarium building in front of the penguin exhibit. This encounter will give you the opportunity to find out what it takes to care for these incredible animals. Learn fun facts...

$89

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary: Facility Tour

Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary Actual location given after reservations, Phoenix

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...

Free – $25

Pima County Public Library: Fun Desert Storytime!

Pima County Public Library - Santa Rosa Library 1075 S. 10th Ave., Tucson

Join the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning Staff in a fun desert storytime! The pages of Jenniffer Ward's The Seed and the Giant Saguaro will come to life as we "meet" several desert animals who all play a role in helping a small seed grow into a giant saguaro! There will be desert puppets, props, and...

Free

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park: SEA LION ENCOUNTER

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park

Have you ever wanted to meet one of our Sea Lions up close and personal? Join us for a WILD encounter at Wildlife World Zoo! Learn what it takes to care for our amazing marine mammals, and see what goes in to training them. You will be able to get an individual or group photo,...

$89

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park: SLOTH ENCOUNTER

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park

Have you ever wanted to meet a sloth? Come meet Luna and her care team. This encounter will give you the opportunity to feed Luna and learn from her care...

$69

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Discovery Station – Skins and Skulls

San Tan Mountain Regional Park 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek

Step into the fascinating world of the Sonoran Desert with our educational table, “Skins and Skulls.” Discover the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem as we showcase what desert creatures left behind for us to find, providing a hands-on learning experience. Perfect for curious minds of all ages, this exhibit is a non-structured come and go display...

Free with Park Fee

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Cosas Más Extrañas – Desierto Sonora / Stranger Things – Sonoran Desert

Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear

  La naturaleza está llena de sorpresas. Como una telenovela, si te fijas bien, la naturaleza revela actores raros y conjuntos inexplicables. Amor, traición, relaciones, engaños - las criaturas del desierto demuestran todo. Hasta el desierto incluye sus propios cuentos de David y Goliat - ¿Será posible que un pájaro pueda vencer a una serpiente? Venga al parque, ¡entonces descubre el...

Free with Park Fee

City of Buckeye: Venomous Creatures of AZ Hike

Skyline Regional Park 2600 N. Watson Rd., Buckeye

S-S-S-snakes, Gila Monsters, scorpions and more! Learn about these and other mysterious but amazing venomous creatures of the Sonoran Desert during a 1-mile hike. Then switch on ultraviolet black light and join us for a hunt of glowing scorpions. Bring water, UV blacklight and wear sun protection and closed-toed shoes. Ages 9+

Free

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Caminata Nocturna / Night Hike

Estrella Mountain Regional Park 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear

Este hermoso programa sigue el famoso atardecer de Arizona mientras caminamos hasta la noche por una experiencia única del desierto. La ruta es de 2.5 millas o 4 kilometros por los senderos de Quail, Rainbow, y Saddle. El sendero tiene terreno rocoso, inclinado, y es de dificultad moderado. Trae buenos zapatos, agua, y un foco. No se permiten perros....

Free with Park Fee

Butterfly Wonderland: Butterfly Brushstrokes Painting Class

Butterfly Wonderland 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale

Let creativity take flight at Butterfly Brushstrokes, an intimate and inspiring painting event at Butterfly Wonderland. Perfect for a fun night out or a unique date night, this guided class leads participants through creating a stunning butterfly-themed masterpiece—no experience necessary! With all the materials provided, guests can simply relax, paint, and enjoy the artistic journey....

$15 – $30

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Scorpion Hike

Hassayampa River Preserve 49614 U.S. Hwy. 60 89, Wickenburg

The hike is rated as moderate only for the final 100ft elevation gain to the top of Lykes Lookout however the rest of the hike is on even flat ground....

Free with Park Fee

Boyce Thompson Arboretum: Critter Crawl Night Tour

Boyce Thompson Arboretum 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior

Join us after dark on a night-time adventure with our Education Staff and Docents! Discover the amazing world of nocturnal life in the Sonoran Desert on this family friendly ‘crawl’. Guests will learn about Sonoran Desert ecology while taking a closer look at the local critters. Plus, you will get the knowledge you need to be prepared for your own night-time treks.   Preregistration is required and limited to 24 guests. For your safety, children ages 4 and under and pets are not permitted.  Register: https://7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Critter-Crawl-Night-Tour-21Aug2026 Distance: Each...

$12 – $18