When it’s hot outside, one of our favorite things to do is go to museums. The culture pass program at local libraries has made that much more affordable! Use your library card to “check out” passes. Call your local library to make sure the pass you want isn’t already checked out!
Arizona Museum for Youth (Mesa, 2 free admissions)
http://www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com/
The exhibits change frequently, so there’s always something new to see.
Arizona Museum of Natural History (Mesa, 2 free admissions)
http://www.azmnh.org/
My kids love the life-size dinosaur bones, and always get a kick out of panning for gold!
Arizona Science Center (Phoenix, 4 free admissions)
http://www.azscience.org/
We’ve been here at least ten times so far this year, and it never gets old! Trey loves it so much, he had his 5th birthday party here. He and eight of his little friends got to make their own rockets and blast them off high in the sky. Quite a thrill for five year olds. 🙂 The Planetarium is also a big hit.
The Bead Museum (Glendale, 4 free admissions)
http://www.beadmuseumaz.org/
On the west side, this museum features the history of beads, along with lots of beautiful bead work to admire.
Cave Creek Museum (Cave Creek, 4 free admissions)
http://www.cavecreekmuseum.com/
Open for the 2010-2011 season October 1st.
Children’s Museum of Phoenix (Phoenix, 2 free admissions)
www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/
Great for the younger children, this museum even has exhibits suitable for babies! The Schuff-Perini climber is a must-see.
Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, 4 free admissions)
http://www.dbg.org/
A beautiful place to visit in nice weather, the desert botanical garden shows off Arizona’s native plants. Our kids especially like the butterfly exhibit in the fall and the luminaries around the holidays.
Heard Museum (Phoenix, 4 free admissions)
http://www.heard.org/
A fascinating look at the Native American culture. Something for the whole family.
Heard Museum of North Scottsdale (Scottsdale, 4 free admissions)
http://www.heard.org/
A much smaller version of the Heard.
Mesa Contemporary Arts (Mesa, 4 free admissions)
http://www.mesaarts.com/art-exhibitions-contemporary-art-gallery.html
Opens September 10th for the 2010-2011 season.
Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix, 2 free admissions)
http://www.phoenixzoo.org/
So many animals to see and learn about. We love feeding the giraffes, the carousel, the spider monkeys exhibit, and zoolights around the holidays.
Pueblo Grande Museum (4 free admissions)
http://www.pueblogrande.org/
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts (Scottsdale, 4 free admissions)
http://www.smoca.org/about_welcome_director.php
