Museo del Desierto de Arizona-Sonora

Experiencia fantástica: Had a great visit with family that came to visit. The park docents were amazing. We hopped on a tour with Fae and met Gay along the way for a short chat about the plants. Both Docents were informative, kind and friendly. I will be back next family visit for sure! Keep up the great work!

Experiencia negativa: The enclosures for the animals are tiny. With all the land they have these animals deserve more space. This doesn’t feel like conservation or rescue. There is no info on how the animal got there and why they can’t be released. And a petting area for stingrays? Their little tub was so small :( The property is really pretty. Especially the desert loop trail. It was just too sad seeing the animals in those small enclosures.

Experiencia positiva: This place is a really unique mix of zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum all in one. You get to see desert animals like bobcats, coyotes, and javelinas up close, plus a beautiful display of native plants along the trails. The hummingbird aviary was one of my favorite parts, it felt like stepping into a tiny jungle.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place! Have a nice souvenir shop. There are a lot of attractions and information. We learned a lot about saguaro cacti from a worker. They have wolves, bears, hummingbirds, caves and other attractions

Experiencia fantástica: Part botanical garden part small zoo. Has tons of area and trails to explore. Lots to see. Has a small aquarium and gift shop also. Several places to go into with either shade or air conditioning to get out of the heat. Go early in the day before it gets hot.

Experiencia fantástica: We had a wonderful evening at ASDM. They are open till 10 p.m. on Saturday during the summer. There are special theme activities for each Saturday evening. We would come back again every Saturday.

Experiencia fantástica: The museum was amazing. I know it is the off season but we still had a great time. I will have to come back during the colder months

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing experience with alot to do. There is a cave, a jungle gym, hiking trails, gift shop and restaurants.

Experiencia fantástica: Nice place for the family. Bring plenty of water. Super nice staff. Will take you about 2 and a 1/2 to 3 hours to complete.

Experiencia fantástica: Unexpected trip, amazing experience! Fun for all ages. Not crowded at all, tons of beautiful exhibits, and staff was very friendly.

Experiencia fantástica: Fun and interactive museum/zoo. So much to see and great place to bring kids. Just come when it opens because it is all outdoors.

Experiencia fantástica: If you’re looking for the perfect blend of nature, wildlife, and scenic beauty, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a must-see. It’s not just a museum—it’s part botanical garden, part zoo, and part hiking trail, all rolled into one breathtaking experience. You’ll find an incredible variety of cacti and desert plants alongside native animals like mountain lions, gray fox and an absolutely gorgeous black bear. The hummingbird aviary and butterfly garden are peaceful and mesmerizing, and the “Under the Sea” exhibit offers a surprising and fascinating look at marine life. There’s even a cave filled with bats and an interactive area for kids to explore and play. With well-maintained hiking paths and stunning views of the mountains and city, it’s easy to spend several hours here. This place is beautifully designed to showcase the wonders of the desert in an educational and immersive way. Highly recommended for families, nature lovers, and anyone visiting Tucson!

Experiencia fantástica: Good museum , grandpa and grandma like volunteers. They will telling knowledge about animals in museum. You will see fish, birds, frogs, lizards, snakes, also many desert plants.

Experiencia fantástica: We only went through about half because it was so hot out. But what we saw was beautiful!

Experiencia negativa: A very disappointing visit. Many of the paths and exhibits were closed. Only got to see a bear and a mountain lion. An extra fee is charged in order to see the sting rays. The paths are nice for walking but definitely not worth the $30 admission fee. Went in the morning I can't imagine what the afternoon would be like as the bear was already trying to get inside out of the heat. Lived in area many years ago and had a family membership. Was so very disappointed in the lack of progress and exhibits.

Experiencia fantástica: Fun and lots to see! Loved the birds. Hot in summer bring lots of water

Experiencia fantástica: Great place to visit with the family, it does has a lot of activities to do.

Experiencia fantástica: So many things to do! We had a blast seeing all the animals, exploring a replica cave, digging for fossils, touching stingrays, and seeing the birds and small aquarium. So worth the trip. We spent way longer than the 1-2 hrs Google said people typically spend there.

Experiencia fantástica: Nice assortment of art, animals, and plants to peruse and observe. Also, lots of interactive exhibits for children. The cave/mine were intricate & well-crafted. The large acreage and abundant parking should bode well for much larger attendance and revenue to keep the vision & dream alive.

Experiencia fantástica: One of the best museums I’ve ever visited! Incredible exhibits of art, biology, history and culture. 10/10 will return and recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: Way more interesting than expected with some creative exhibits and a wide variety of native animals.

Experiencia fantástica: One of the best places to visit in Tucson. The drive in is incredible and the museum takes you through all that the Sonoran desert has to offer.

Experiencia fantástica: Beautifully maintained with hours worth of plants, animals, and other info to view. You can make your journey shorter or longer. Walking path winds through the museum property, and it is mostly outdoors so be prepared. They do have several water stations throughout. Coffee shop at the end had delicious affogato (soft serve plus two shots espresso) great on a hot day for a pick-me-up.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place for beautiful views and to teach little ones about our Sonoran Desert home, it's also a lot of fun for the kids. I asked all eight kids we brought what their favorite parts were, their answers were the cave, finding gems and minerals in the gravel outside of the cave, and the packrat play house! Loads of fun!

Experiencia fantástica: Such a gem! Spent a full day here, open to close with my family. Amazing shows, so many animals, amazing staff, and it's also a botanical garden! I smelled all the flowers; some smelled like cinnamon, my favorite spice! If you're in Tucson, I highly suggest spending the day here!

Experiencia fantástica: Great zoo with a good variety of exhibits. The lizards and snakes were very interesting!

Experiencia positiva: Really cool outdoor museum with plants and animals. Here are some details about wheelchair accessibility: the bulk of the museum was accessible by wheelchair, in that technically the ground was flat and the dirt was hard packed. There were some fairly steep hills I needed help with as well as a couple areas with loose sand. Unfortunately most of the animal exhibits were only partially wheelchair accessible. Ex: the wild cat section could be viewed from the upper deck, but it was the middle of the day and the animals were all in the shade. There were stairs to get down to the lower viewing area but we weren’t able to find a ramp down. I don’t know if the cats were visible down there either, but I would have liked to look. I also noticed I had to rise up out of my wheelchair to see over the walls for many of the exhibits. There was also not a lot of great signage indicating the accessible paths to get to places and we had to do some doubling back a few times. I did not go out on the loop to see the javelinas and coyotes because it was too hot, so I can’t speak to the accessibility there. For being an outdoor museum the accessibility was good, I would just say clearer signage would help improve it. Other than this, I was happy with my visit. We did not see any hummingbirds or many other animals, but again it was the middle of the day and hot. I recommend going early in the morning if that is your priority.

Experiencia fantástica: What a great experience! We walked with a fantastic docent (Gene) who was so knowledgeable and shared so much! Highly recommend this museum!

Experiencia fantástica: Had such a great time here! The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is seriously one of the coolest spots in Tucson. It’s like a mix of a zoo, a garden, and a museum all in one—and it’s set right in the middle of the desert, which makes it even better. Everything was super pretty, and we saw a bunch of animals up close. The whole place just has a really peaceful vibe.

Experiencia fantástica: Lots of things to see, very helpful and knowledgeable docents. Loved seeing all of the cactus and all of the wildlife in the desert

Experiencia fantástica: Beautiful desert museum with aviaries, exhibits, and wonderful volunteers who are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about their subjects

Experiencia fantástica: The Desert is highly recommended and worth the time. I recommend the docent guided tour and the presentation in the theater. Both were educational and yet fun. Visit in the morning if possible and make sure to take a hat, water and sunscreen.

Experiencia fantástica: Very well done, clean and easy to walk the trails. They do not allow pets.

Experiencia fantástica: An amazing zoo/museum focused on environments of the desert southwest. We brought our two kids (5 and 8) in April 2025 and they loved it. The cave is always a popular site, with engineered stalagmites and stalactites, side passages, gems and minerals, tribal history, and wildlife, as was the new packrat playground, and indoor, air conditioned play space focused on the desert packrat. The stingray experience, available for an additional fee, definitely left a lasting memory with my kids, as did the mexican gray wolves, cougar, javalinas, and snakes. The museum is a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, so can be hot depending on the time of year you visit. They do an excellent job of providing frequent water stations and opportunities to duck into shades or indoor spaces. Exhibits are fun, educational, and pursue the mission of teaching about the environments and conservation needs of the southwest. We even saw coyotes in the parking lot, which my kids enjoyed. Enrolled tribal members get free entry and the museum has deals for military members, school groups, etc. Staff were fantastic and even the food at their restaurants was good. Highly recommended.

Experiencia fantástica: Lot to see and helpful staff. Definitely something to see at least once. Especially if you're a fan of desert plants and wildlife.

Experiencia fantástica: This place is a great venue for local flora and fauna discovery. Loved it. Thanks

Experiencia fantástica: Nice indoor and outdoor desert museum with a variety of areas and plants. There are some animal displays sprinkled throughout the museum. Interesting displays with plenty of information. Various walking paths. Ample parking. Food and gift shops available on site.

Experiencia fantástica: I went to the museum first thing in the morning on a Saturday with my family. I’ve been a lot as a kid & it was my husband’s & daughter’s first time. It was a nice time & I really liked the packrat playhouse. The small children’s play area that is up to 5 years old was perfect for our 2 year old. I would like to share some suggestions on how the museum could improve. •There was a packrat in the packrat playhouse that was running around the play area & by the vending machines so I would get pest control to check it out. •Enforce the age limit on the kids who can go in the small children’s play area. There were children who were much older than 5 years old running & playing rough in the area so it would be nice to have additional staff tell them they cannot be in there. •There was a young adult male in the sting ray exhibit who was in charge of tickets who could have been friendly. I purchased 2 tickets to enter the sting ray exhibit & he immediately responded with you only have 1 ticket so who isn’t going in? His tone was very rude & he could have just politely asked us for the receipt & helped us out because I did in fact purchase 2 tickets but he didn’t bother asking for additional information until I showed him my receipt. It was very off putting. •Have staff on site enforce no smoking. We went out to the cafeteria to eat & we sat outside. There were several men smoking & there were other young families with kids who were also outside. It’s not good for them to breathe in that smoke especially the babies who were there. Other than the few hiccups, I would recommend this place.

Experiencia fantástica: We absolutely loved our visit here! There was so much to see and do. We spent 5 hours, no breaks, and still didn't manage to see it all. They have all kinds of animals, including fish, amphibians, mammals and birds. The plant life is abundant and very pretty. We would highly recommend it!

Experiencia fantástica: So amazing. It was my first time in the Sandra desert and I learned so much. Very unique museum experience. Is it a zoo? Is it a museum? Is it a national park? Yes.

Experiencia fantástica: Love everything about this place!! So well planned and kept up. Water filling stations, benches here and there, bathrooms not too far away. Fun to see the animals and all of the plants! The Cactus Garden is my favorite!! Excellent!

Experiencia fantástica: We love going to the ASDM a couple times a year. The walking paths are user-friendly and clearly marked. They also mark native flora with identification. I always stop and sit a bit in the hummingbird aviary.

Experiencia positiva: Beautiful outdoor “museum”. Giant plastic groaning dinosaurs were a head scratcher especially since the placards don’t give information on where/ if fossils were found around Sonora. About half the exhibits were either empty, under construction or we just couldn’t find the critter. 1/2 mile walk in the back was also closed for some reason. Overall, kids liked it, animal talk was good and it’s such beautiful landscaping I would recommend, but we won’t be back for a second time.

Experiencia fantástica: Very awesome! We loved the dinosaur exhibit! Also the play area! All great for ages 1.5 to 9. They all had a blast! Stingrays…. All of it.

Experiencia fantástica: This place is amazing! It was our first visit but we are already planning to visit again. I love how kid- centric they are, so many great activities and experiences. Our little guy loved the dinosaur exhibits and there are many things he wants to go back and do again. Definitely worth a visit.

Experiencia fantástica: This was such a cool experience!! Stroller friendly, seemingly massive, not crowded at all on a weekday. It was really a lovely hike but with such cool animals, botany and history along the way. The cave was my favorite! Such a great daytime activity for all demographics.

Experiencia fantástica: One of my favorite places to visit in Tucson. Took a ton of photos of all of the flowers that were in bloom.

Experiencia fantástica: Don’t miss this! We were blown away. Incredible plants, birds, and other animals. Spent the majority of a day here and learned so much. Birding was good even in the afternoon.

Experiencia fantástica: Great walk through the outdoor museum. Give yourself about 4-5 hours to walk around. Depending on your route, plan on taking snacks and definitely water. I'm not sure if you can bring your lunch inside the museum. That would be worth asking. We tried to get into the restaurant, but there was a lineup. Otherwise, great place to learn all about the cactus and we were there in the spring to see them blooming.

Experiencia fantástica: Fantastic! Love this place! That dinosaurs were amazing and so much fun for all ages!

Experiencia negativa: I visited the Desert Museum on March 25, 2025, as one of five first-grade teachers from Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) accompanying our students on a rare field trip. We arrived from 9:00 a.m. to noon with five classes of first graders, five teachers, and several parent volunteers, traveling by two school buses. The museum required us to pay in advance and charged us per student. We paid ahead of time for more students than actually attended, but when we arrived, we were told that fewer adult tickets would be given because of the lower student turnout. Despite the fact that we had already paid—and that teachers were there working—we were told we’d have to pay again if we wanted to enter. Our volunteers, who gave their time to help supervise, were treated the same. I think that having a policy that teachers are volunteers is a bad policy. I had to have an uncomfortable confrontation with the ticket office just to advocate for my place in the group. Eventually, someone in our group was able to get me a ticket, and I was able to enter the museum—but not before dealing with a very unpleasant and frustrating situation. To make matters worse, we were there for just three hours—9 to noon—but still paid full price. Ultimately, we were not treated kindly. Given how rare field trips are for students, I expected more empathy and professionalism from a place that claims to support education. I won’t be recommending or returning after this experience. The museum made lots of money that day from staff and adults buying food, petting the sting rays and memorabilia. A little kindness would go a long way.

Experiencia fantástica: Warm, but manageable. Art gallery and theater don't open until after noon. We spent over two hours wandering outside, inside, and exploring. Absolutely gorgeous jewelry and art in the gift shop.

Experiencia fantástica: After having just recently gone through a similar facility in Carlsbad New Mexico, I liked this one more, and nothing bad about Carlsbad for sure.

Experiencia fantástica: This is one of our favorite places to visit… they have everything you need have children entertainment, exercise, games, food, learning activities… personal is super friendly and helpful.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place for all ages, esp for kids. This location has it all - Sonoran desert experience, giant cactus, dinosaurs, reptiles, and a nice hike through the Sonoran desert. We loved the stingray petting and feeding experience and the walk through their humming bird aviary the most. These were pretty unique and wonderful. There is an indoor play area for kids, which is a good break from the hike and good shade from the heat. Highly recommend visiting this place.

Experiencia fantástica: Loved Wine down with Wildlife night! Such a fun time and good wineries!!

Experiencia negativa: Meh. It’s okay but not worth the price or the drive out. The location IS stunning amidst a saguaro forest. The drive is beautiful as you wind across a mountain pass down to the park. The park is clean, well-labeled, and all the workers and volunteers I met were very friendly. However the contents of the park are a letdown. I DID enjoy seeing the puma up close! He was right by the window. But didn’t see hardly any other animals besides wolves and the snakes in all the glass boxes. When I was here they had a dinosaur exhibit and the peaceful walking paths were rudely interrupted by awful dinosaur noises being piped throughout the park. Totally killed the peaceful vibe and experience. Horrible stuff. I came here for cactus and desert animals and flowers, not Jurassic Park. The buildings for inside exhibits seemed run down and poorly maintained. Most of the big animal exhibits were off show, which was disappointing. The hummingbird aviary had one singular bird and the regular aviary had a handful of doves and quail at the most. Go see the hummingbird place in Patagonia instead.

Experiencia fantástica: Great experience and weather was great. There are a few areas temp. closed for renovations and a few empty habitats that's are undergoing improvements. Staff was great and well mannered. Please ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes and water. There are options to purchase drinks and snacks, but always take water, especially when the weather starts getting warmer. Great place for family, kids, or for going on dates. I recommend this place for anyone.

Experiencia fantástica: One of my absolute favorites museums. I love that it's primarily outside, there are volunteers and employees everywhere to help and give information. There are some inside areas to stop in if needed. The food was delicious at the sit down restaurant and the gift shop had a great variety! The signage could use some improvement, example, adding the distance when restrooms are in both directions.

Experiencia fantástica: Exploring the wild heart of AZ, where the landscapes and creatures remind us of nature's beauty and resilience. ✨ Every cactus, sunset, and curious critter tells a story as old as time itself.

Experiencia fantástica: As Tucson locals and members, we enjoy this museum year round. If you are visiting Tucson, this is a must see! The Raptor Free Flight show is amazing. If you want a better chance of seeing the wildlife, show up early…especially during the summer months. The Docents are very knowledgeable and always excited to talk to people.

Experiencia fantástica: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a wonderful place to visit. This was our family’s second visit and we’re surprised to see a robotic dinosaur exhibit throughout the park that our children really loved! We enjoyed walking through the desert museum to see all the animals, birds and reptiles that call the desert home. We were able to get up close to the mountain lion behind glass, saw bobcats, beavers, road runners, rattle snakes, jackrabbits, hummingbirds and all the wonderful plant and cactus life.

Experiencia fantástica: This place is a zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and museum! Definitely worth the time and money. Beautifully landscaped. Clean paths. Lots of bathrooms and water fountains. Large gift shop with coffee shop. I highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: Every person I talked to and every blog I read about Tucson said, go to the Desert Museum! 100% true. Their website says expected to spend 2-3 hours, we were there over 5 hours! There is so much to see. My family loved exploring the cave and digging for fossils. Touching and feeding the stingrays was a favorite moment. This museum is part zoo, part botanic garden, part history museum, part animatronic dinosaurs, part nature trails. Spend a whole day and get to know Arizona. Lots of great, friendly volunteers too.

Experiencia fantástica: We visited the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on a Wednesday—a perfect mid-week activity! As a couple in our mid-30s, we had a great time, but we also saw people of all ages enjoying the museum. There’s a great mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, from fascinating reptiles inside to interactive displays about plants, dinosaurs, and native wildlife outside. It’s an educational and engaging experience for all ages. While we initially felt the tickets were a bit pricey at around $30 per person, once we saw how well-maintained the facilities and grounds were, we felt it was well worth it. We’d definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Tucson and looking for a fun and informative activity!

Experiencia fantástica: I want to get engaged here ! The botanicals are incredible, and the staff were so friendly. The animals were out and about - and truly given space to be their best selves.

Experiencia fantástica: Worth every penny- well managed amazing horticulture and landscaping. Well organized, water fountains and shade spots allow for rest while in the sun. Plenty of helpful staff for guidance. Extra price for to pet the surprisingly fun manta ray experience! Two cafes for food and drink- make sure you go the speaker show with animals- great for kids and adults.

Experiencia fantástica: Loved the raptor experience. The museum is a wonderful outdoor walking experience of the flora and fauna found in the Sonoran Desert. I also noticed many hands-on experiences for kids provided by docents throughout.

Experiencia fantástica: A lot of fun! A whole lot to do! Some of the exhibits close early, along with the restaurant. Wish we would have paid attention to the restaurant hours, we wouldn't have been 15 minutes late. (Restaurant closes at 3pm). Kids had a blast and we look forward to coming back for the Raptors.

Experiencia fantástica: We visited the Arizona Sonora Dessert Museum while visiting Tucson on a recommendation from a friend. We enjoyed the raptors show which I believe is at 10 am daily. I would suggest getting there early as people line up to see the show. The best views are being closer to the railings. The animal exhibits were nice we saw mountain lion, wolves, lizards, hummingbirds and other birds. The various botanicals were well landscaped and educational. There were large dinosaurs scattered throughout the museum which moved and made sounds for the children. It looks as if they are adding another area specifically for kiddos to learn about water in the dessert as well. I would recommend visiting.

Experiencia positiva: We spent about four days in Tucson and decided to visit the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum since it was ranked number one on TripAdvisor. Luckily, we went on a day with a bird show featuring raptors that come close to the audience for treats from their trainers. The show was great, though I expected more birds; we saw about three or four species, including an owl and Harris hawks. Standing for two hours was a bit tough, especially imagining how hot it gets in summer. We visited in spring, so the temperature was manageable. There were plenty of water stations to refill reusable bottles, which was very convenient. The exhibits are neatly laid out with paved pathways that make walking easier. However, there were few shaded spots to sit down. Some water misting stations would be nice for cooling off. The museum has a good variety of animals like rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and coyotes. They also have an aquarium and aviary. One downside was the additional $4 charge for touching stingrays on top of the $30 entrance fee per person. While the visit is worth it and you could spend 2 to 2.5 hours there, it felt pricey. If you've been to other zoos like San Diego's, you might want to skip this if you're budget-conscious. The bird show is worth seeing, but if you miss it, the visit might not be as worthwhile.

Experiencia fantástica: 10/10 experience. One of the coolest "museums" I've ever been to. And the gift shop is GREAT. Far better than most museum gift shops.

Experiencia fantástica: It was a blast. My Goddaughter loved it and was thrilled to see animals,the dinosaur displays and the paleontologist exhibits and hands on.

Experiencia fantástica: This is my happy place. I have had a yearly pass for almost a decade. My mother's day gift has always been a family pass renewal. This place is constantly changing and improving. All the docents are informative and kin, and I go to walk around and decompress. My favorite time to come is when it is raining. I have been coming here for 30years and can not get enough!!! If you live in Tucson it is worth it to get the pass. It pays for itself after the first visit if you have a family!! The stingrays are my favorite second only to the butterfly garden when the monarchs are here. This place has inspired so many hyper-fixations. I can't wait enjoy the next 30 years.

Experiencia fantástica: We had a great afternoon at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. This is the third time we have visited and there is always something new - this time it was animatronic dinosaurs and stingrays. We came with a 10 year old and 80 year old and there was something for everyone. I would have come earlier if I had known how much more has been added to the museum over the years.

Experiencia fantástica: Highly recommend! Be prepared for lots of walking. It's a huge place with so much to see and learn. Can easily spend the day here. Several water bottle refill spots, gift shops, benches and a cafe. It was very busy the day we visited. Go early, and wear a hat.

Experiencia fantástica: The desert museum is more like a zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, museum and geology exhibit all in one. I read somewhere that it takes 2 hours to visit, we spent over 4 hours and enjoyed a live show where they present animals at 12:30pm, and still could have spent more time here. Very special place and a great place for us to learn about the Sonora desert and all it's wildlife. We will definetly come visit again. Food, beverages, and customer service was top notch, very clean facilities, very professional staff and lots of interactive people around teaching about insects, animals and reptiles.

Experiencia fantástica: Awesome. Definitely visit. Also Definitely see the raptors / birds show, they literally fly and touch your head.

Experiencia fantástica: An oasis in the middle if desert, quite literally. Its beautifully made and managed and has variety of Desert flora and fauna. The enclosures blend very well with the surroundings. Paved trails all along the museum which is about 90% in the natural desert setting. One can easily spend hours here and would not get done. The trails run long and loop back to the entrance and exit. Tickets are but cheap but I can understand the upkeep this sort of place demands. This is within the Saguaro National Park so you must pay the park fee separately and then the museum ticket fee. There is cafe and gift shop within the museum and wheelchair/stroller friendly trails. Amazing place, must visit.

Experiencia fantástica: It’s a great place to experience the desert landscape of Tucson, complete with native wildlife.

Experiencia fantástica: Neat museum and grounds. They have a nice path to walk around and see different animals from the area.

Experiencia fantástica: Very interesting and well done place. We got there 9:30 am and saw the raptor flight experience at 10:00. Well worth it. The museum is mostly outside so wear screen. Plenty of spots to refill bottles instead of only having to buy like most places of this type. As you walk around the park there are so many varied exhibits it’s hard to do it justice with a short article. $30 to get in for most people. Some discounts though.

Experiencia fantástica: Very worthwhile museum/botanical garden/zoo. Great introduction to the Sonoran Desert for visitors. Check on the days/hours for the bird demonstration as it is not done every day. I really love this place and visit every time we are in Tucson.

Experiencia fantástica: An excellent place to learn about all things special to the Sonoran Desert. Highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: What an incredible place! Plants, animals, birds, reptiles and even dinosaurs. Art shows and demonstrations.

Experiencia fantástica: Educational for the kids, scenic. One could describe it as a small zoo. Worth the drive down from Phoenix!

Experiencia positiva: We arrived on a beautiful day in February. There were no lines and plenty of parking. It's a zoo, museum, outdoor experience, and natural history center of Arizona. Plenty of water fountains and bathrooms, and numerous docents to answer questions. It's really well done and well kept, but I just wasn't interested. I think seeing a room full of native American artifacts would've grabbed my interest, or seeing more mining equipment. I did feel sorry for the wolves in that small enclosure. Since it's a zoo, don't bring your pets. Service animals welcome.

Experiencia fantástica: It is a beautiful outdoor museum with a great walking path all around. Gorgeous cactus all around.

Experiencia fantástica: It was much more than we expected. We should have arrived sooner to enjoy it more.

Experiencia fantástica: We had one full day to explore Tuscon and I'm so glad the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum was what we chose to do! It's a wonderful way to explore the desert, history, flora and fauna of the area. The cave and trails are so cool! You can do it at your own pace and explore areas for as long as you choose. The views are stunning! Highly recommend!!!

Experiencia fantástica: Was in town on business and had the pleasure of visiting. What an INCREDIBLE place to visit as a tourist. There was something for everyone in our group; or if you're like me and love it all, you're going to adore this small town feel, but packing a big punch for entertainment museum. Museum may be in their name, but they truly have it all - aviary, animal exhibits, aquariums, reptile and insects building, trails with beautiful views, natural history, art (with local artwork for sale to boot), Cafe, gift shop, and man so much more. I can not imagine how much more beautiful it is during the primary flowering season, either. STILL can't get over the free sunscreen offered in the bathrooms either.

Experiencia fantástica: Such a beautiful and breathtaking place! An amazing combination of zoo/museum/botanicalgarden/aquarium/arboretum. Beautiful reflection of the people plants and animals of the Sonoran desert and the southwest. Exhibits are designed beautifully, and being set in the gorgeous Sonoran desert is perfect. You can tell a lot of care is placed in this museum.

Experiencia fantástica: The Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, is a must-see for anyone interested in the beauty and ecology of the desert. It’s more than just a museum—it’s an immersive experience that brings the Sonora Desert to life. With its combination of indoor exhibits and outdoor trails, you can get up close to native wildlife, explore unique desert landscapes, and learn about the region's rich culture and history. One of the standout features is the Raptor Free Flight program, where you can see birds of prey like falcons and hawks flying freely in their natural desert environment—truly an awe-inspiring experience. I had the honor of working as a "Wayfinder", guiding visitors and helping them navigate the museum while also assisting the Horticultural Staff in maintaining the lush desert gardens. The museum’s outdoor exhibits are amazing too, with everything from desert cacti to mountain lions. It’s not just for nature lovers—there’s something here for everyone. Whether you're learning about desert plants, watching a live animal program, or just enjoying the peaceful desert surroundings, the Sonoran Desert Museum is an unforgettable experience!

Experiencia fantástica: A great museum. It was nice to see animals without looking through bars all the time. The raptor program was a "don't miss" experience; well presented and very informative. One could spend a whole day at this location. Only missing point was the absence of a picnic area (or at least we couldn't find one).

Experiencia fantástica: The Desert museum is a great place to visit. You can see lots of native AZ animals in their natural surroundings. It’s a zoo and botanical gardens in one place. There is an aviary and hummingbird place as well. Right now there is a Dinos in the Desert exhibit which is great for any little ones who love dinosaurs. There are plenty of water stations along the walkways to refill water bottles which is really great. There is also a nice gift shop on the way out. If you are an AZ resident you can show your ID for $5 off of the admission price.

Experiencia fantástica: Like zoos everywhere many of the animals were tucked into their favorite hiding spots. For a nice sunny January day the cats found several sunny spots on rocks. The desert walk is fantastic as it gives out of town visitors a great way to identify the different plant life you may see on hikes around town. Wayfinding wasn’t the best especially during construction of a splash pad exhibit. We also had a thought that it would be great if Zoos stated at the front of their bird exhibits how many birds are inside the exhibit. For example, we saw one hummingbird in the hummingbird aviary. It would be really interesting to know if there are 10, 20, or even 100 hiding out. We found the cave exhibit to be really cool too. And it would be perfect to visit on a hot desert day. Not sure how well the zoo focuses on conservation but we did see a breeding program for the Mexican Grey Wolf. Definitely worth a visit. Plan for at least two hours to walk the whole thing. Hopefully for the cost per person and the fact that they do not participate in the AZA reciprocal program I truly hope they have extensive conservation efforts.

Experiencia fantástica: This was one of my first introductions to the Sonoran Desert and it was beyond magical! Spending time amongst the saguaros, and Cruz the mountain lion, and the hummingbirds! Oh, the hummingbirds. I obviously didn't get any pictures of them but I did get a few really good videos that I can't post here. If you love nature, this place will not disappoint at all.

Experiencia fantástica: I’ve been many times and have never been disappointed. This most recent visit I didn’t actually go inside I just stopped to use the restroom. I was out doing a scenic ride on my Harley and I knew they had public restrooms.

Experiencia fantástica: What a way to spend a day. Beautiful location with animals and plants to view. On this occasion they resserected my favorite animal, the dinosaur, I was a kid again for a few short hours.

Experiencia positiva: Combination Zoo and desert Arboretum . Not really worth the admission fee. They even wanted additional money for the stingray touch The meals in the cafe were overpriced and only eatable.