Where the Desert Comes Alive!
The Desert Museum is open daily, including all holidays!
Museum Hours & Rates
Featured Events
Walk With a Keeper
A unique chance to experience the Desert Museum through the eyes of an animal keeper. The walking tour is approximately 1½ hours and covers ½ mile. Guests will be able to meet animals up close (Otters and Bighorn sheep) and go behind the scenes and learn about animal care.
- Thursdays only
- Tour price is $25 in addition to regular admission price (No children under 12 allowed on tour. No coupons or discounts are valid for tour)
- Tour starts promptly from the entrance patio at 10:30am, guests should gather there at 10:15am.
- Ticket sales are First Come, First Serve (ie, No Reservations). Last ticket sold at 10:15am.
- Tour is fully accessible via wheelchair and scooter. Some behind-the-scenes areas are not available to service animals.
Raptor Free Flight
Come experience the thrill of free flying birds of prey at the Raptor Free Flight. Raptor Free Flight is a dynamic bird of prey flight demonstration that occurs in the open desert showcasing natural behaviors of native birds. Raptor Free Flight demonstrations will occur, as bird and weather conditions allow, from October 26, 2008 through April 12, 2009, daily at 10:30 and 1:45.
Live & (sort of) On The Loose
This live animal presentation is offered daily by the staff of the Herpetology department. These 30-45 minute programs take place every day in the Warden Oasis Thater at 12:15 p.m. Time and location subject to change to accommodate the weather. So, be sure to check the museum's daily event board to confirm the time and location that this exciting program will take place!
Saturday Summer Evenings
June - August 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Admissions after 5:00 p.m. ONLY $6.00
($2.25 for 6-12, FREE for 5 and under)
Daily Demonstrations
| Bird Walk Tours | 8:30 a.m. |
| Interpretive Tours | 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. |
| Live Animal Interpretation | Varies throughout the morning hours |
The Museum's highly trained docents host a variety of presentations that take place throughout the grounds daily.
Thanksgiving Holiday
No tours 11/27 to 11/30 2008 (tours resume 12/1/08)
Christmas/ New Years Holiday
No tours 12/21 to 1/4/09 (tours resume 1/5/09)
Easter
No tours 4/4/09 to 4/13/09 (tours resume 4/14/09)
For Your Comfort and Convenience
The Museum grounds include almost two miles of paths on 21 acres! Like many other zoos and museums, it is not always possible to see everything in one visit.
The Museum is primarily a walking experience. Wheelchairs and strollers are available free of charge on a first come first served basis. We also have electric scooter wheelchairs available for $10 each. All exhibits may be reached by wheelchair. Some paths are unpaved, and there are some hilly areas.
Shopping
Two gift shops offer an excellent inventory of native products, jewelry, shirts and hats, pottery, children's items, books, gems and minerals, and other southwest merchandise.
Food & Refreshments
In addition to a small picnic area, we have two restaurants, a coffee bar and ice cream shop to satisfy your hunger. Special group menus are also available. Our Food & Refreshments pages have restaurant hours, menus and more details.
Painters & Artists
The Art Institute located on grounds at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum hosts a large number of on-site art exhibits, classes and other artistic venues. Please refer to the Art Institute portion of this website for more information and rules for painting on grounds.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the Museum grounds or parking lots. Only service animals are permitted.
Hours, Rates and Directions
Additional Travel Information
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