Where the Desert Comes Alive!
The Desert Museum is open daily, including all holidays!
Museum Hours & Rates
Featured Events
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 daily except Thursdays and Fridays in the Warden Oasis Theater at 12:15 p.m. except during other special events. So, be sure to check the museum's daily event board to confirm that this exciting program will take place!
Running Wild
Running Wild is an innovative demonstration that combines natural behaviors of live animals with projected images, music and narration. You might see a skunk, a ringtail, a porcupine, a pelican and a few macaws. This year, the educational focus is on what animals eat. It is presented daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Warden Oasis Theater at 11 a.m.
Animal Keeper Walking Tours
Several unique opportunities to experience the Desert Museum through the eyes of an animal keeper. Guests meet animals up close and learn about animal care. Some tours take guests behind the scenes.
Summer Saturday Evenings
June - August 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Admissions after 4:00 p.m. ONLY $7.00
($3:00 for 6-12, FREE for 5 and under)
Daily Demonstrations
| Bird Walk Tours | 7:30 a.m. |
| Interpretive Tours | 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. |
| Live Animal Interpretation | Varies throughout the morning hours |
(Bird Walks and Tours are contingent on docent availability and may not be conducted every day.)
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 $15 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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