Arizona Museum of Natural History
Visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Phoenix, AZ, to learn more about the region's past and culture. Located at 53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201. With more than 60,000 objects on display and a cultural history that spans nearly two million years, the museum has something for everyone. Visitors can learn about dinosaurs, Arizona through time, and fossils. There are also plenty of hands-on educational exhibits, and children can enjoy gold panning, dinosaurs, and a mock Sonoran desert village.
​
The museum has an extensive collection of art and American Indian art. The Heard Museum, founded by collector Maie Bartlett Heard, was the first museum dedicated to American Indian art. The museum's permanent collection includes pieces from the ruins of La Ciudad Indian in New Mexico and is home to many rare works of contemporary art. In addition to the permanent collections, visitors can also experience the museum's immersive 4D theater.
​
The Phoenix Zoo is another option for families. The zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals and is oriented towards conservation. Many species are kept here because they are not native to the desert. The main areas of the zoo are divided into four trails. The Arizona Trail showcases the animals native to the Sonoran Desert, the Africa Trail features lions, giraffes, cheetahs, and African elephants. The Tropics Trail has Asian elephants and Sumatran tigers. A Children's Trail is a great way to introduce small animals from all over the world.
Visitors can experience 4D cinemas at the zoo. This is an excellent way to learn about different cultures and customs, and the experience will not be forgotten if you go through the museum. You'll also find the Endangered Animals carousel featuring rare and unique animals. The OdySea Aquarium is the largest zoo in the state. It is a popular destination for families, but don't forget to pack your camera for some great photo opportunities.
For families who want to spend a rainy day indoors, there is an excellent butterfly conservatory here. This facility is a state-of-the-art facility with an impressive glass atrium that provides a tropical rainforest habitat. Other great amenities of the conservatory include a 3D immersive theater and an educational "Flight of the Butterflies" movie. There are also a number of interactive exhibits where kids can create art and music.
The museum's architecture is equally impressive. There are many historic buildings that are worth seeing while visiting Phoenix. The Taliesin buildings were built by Wright and his apprentices between 1937 and 1959. The museum is home to a working school of architecture, so visitors will find plenty of things to do and see. If you're looking for a relaxing hike, you'll be happy to know that Phoenix offers plenty of opportunities.
Another attraction in the area is the Desert Botanical Garden. It is an oasis of nature in the desert, with 20 unique displays to explore. The museum is easily accessible by the Metro Light Rail from the Central Avenue Station. If you have a car, you can even walk to the Arizona Museum of Natural History and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the shade. The museum is located right next to the National Firefighting Hall of Heroes, which pays tribute to fallen firefighters.
​