Enjoy Family Time in Nature!
Fun for all as parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles share time outdoors with their kids ages 5-12. The Outdoor Family Days offer guided trips, and family group activities in Pima County parks. On these guided excursions your family will join with other families to explore some amazing places and share new experiences in the desert.
Families are asked to pre-register for the Outdoor Family Days. Adults and children ages 5-12 should come prepared to participate in outdoor activities. Everyone should wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and bring water and snacks.
The following programs are for families with children ages 5-12. Reservations are required.
For more information and reservations contact:
520-615-7855 or eeducation@pima.gov
Orienteering
Saturday, June 22 • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Discover the science behind Earth’s magnetic field and learn to use a magnetic compass. Family groups use their skills to navigate through an orienteering course. Compasses provided or bring your own. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Experiencing Nature through the Senses
Saturday, July 27 • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Using all of your senses, learn about Sonoran Desert wild animals and plants. We examine pelts, skulls, and plants to learn about the amazing adaptations Sonoran Desert dwellers have made to be able to thrive in the desert. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Desert Foods
Saturday, August 24 • 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Prehistoric hunters and gatherers lived in the Sonoran Desert for centuries without one grocery store, except the desert. Learn about the many plants in the desert that have edible parts. Bring your taste buds for some new and exciting flavors. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Amazing Arachnids
Saturday, September 7 • 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Arachnids, which include spiders, scorpions, and their relatives, are everywhere around us. Learn about the many types of arachnids, as well as, many of the myths that surround these remarkable animals. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Bats and Bugs
Saturday, September 21• 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Bring the family out for a fantastic show and tell under the open skies at Florida Canyon. UA biologists Carl Olson and Ronnie Sidner will give us a glimpse into the amazing world of arthropods and bats and the important roles they play in the environment. UA Florida Canyon Research Center. Directions to meeting location will be provided with reservation.
Other NRPR Family Programs
Cienega Creek Bird Walk
Tuesday, July 9 • 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Join birding expert Jeff Babson on a casual stroll through the cottonwoods and willows to spot songbirds as well as raptors and other surprises. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Desert Adaptation Walk
Every Wednesday in July • 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Discover the variety of adaptive strategies desert plants and animals use to thrive in this seemingly harsh environment. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Lizard Walk
Every Friday in July • 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Join us as we search for whiptail, spiny, ornate tree, and other lizards that roam Agua Caliente Park. Binoculars are available for use or bring your own. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Cienega Creek Bird Walk
Tuesday, August 13 • 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Join birding expert Jeff Babson on a casual stroll through the cottonwoods and willows to spot songbirds as well as raptors and other surprises. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Lizard Walk
Every Friday in August • 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Join us as we search for whiptail, spiny, ornate tree, and other lizards that roam Agua Caliente Park. Binoculars are available for use or bring your own. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Nature Nights
Bats, Bats, Bats!
Friday, July 12 • 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Explore the fascinating lives of bats through family-friendly activities and watch bats in flight. Kino Environmental Restoration Project (KERP), 2500 E. Ajo Way.
Bats, Bats, Bats!
Friday, August 9 • 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Explore the fascinating lives of bats through family-friendly activities and watch bats in flight. Brandi Fenton Memorial Park Visitor Center, 3482 E. River Rd.
Evening Owl Walk
Friday, July 19 • 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled evening exploring the fascinating world of owls. Learn about these amazing nocturnal hunters and head out on the trail in search of owls. Please bring a flashlight and wear dark clothing. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Evening Owl Walk
Saturday, August 10 • 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled evening exploring the fascinating world of owls. Learn about these amazing nocturnal hunters and head out on the trail in search of owls. Please bring a flashlight and wear dark clothing. Sweetwater Preserve, 4000 N. Tortolita Rd.
Bugs and Blacklights
Friday, July 26 • 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday, September 13 • 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with a vast array of fascinating wildlife, many of which are insects. Some insects are attracted to light; we exploit this tendency to invite insects to our viewing site. Pima County naturalists will be on hand to help you identify and learn about these amazing six-legged creatures. Gabe Zimmerman Davidson Canyon Trailhead at Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, 16000 E. Marsh Station Rd.
Bugs and Blacklights
Friday, September 27 • 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
As the sun sets, the desert comes alive with a vast array of fascinating wildlife, many of which are insects. Some insects are attracted to light; we exploit this tendency to invite insects to our viewing site. Pima County naturalists will be on hand to help you identify and learn about these amazing six-legged creatures. Tucson Mountain Park Ironwood Picnic Area, 1548 S. Kinney Rd.
The Enchanting World of Owls
Saturday, July 6 • 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Owls are familiar birds. We all know an owl when we see one. We just don’t see them very often. Join us for an in-depth look at these remarkable animals. We will start with a presentation on owl biology at the Tucson AZGFD office and then go searching for owls at Felíz Paseos Park. Arizona Game and Fish Department, 555 N. Greasewood Rd.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Saturday, July 20 • 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Join Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists to learn about reptiles and amphibians of the Sonoran Desert with. We will start with a presentation at the Tucson AZGFD office and then look for reptiles and amphibians at Felíz Paseos Park. Arizona Game and Fish Department, 555 N. Greasewood Rd.
Bats Up Close
Saturday, July 27 • 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Arizona Game and Fish biologist Tim Snow presents information the bats found at Agua Caliente Park. Observe the biologists in action during a bat netting demonstration. Participants will not be allowed to touch bats but photography is encouraged. Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd.
Bugs and Scorpions
Saturday, August 3 • 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Come learn about common “bugs” of the Sonoran Desert with University of Arizona entomologists. We start with an indoor presentation, then go outside to observe insects that come into a backlit sheet, and use black lights to look for scorpions. Arizona Game and Fish Department, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
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