Arizona-Sonora Desert MuseumTuscon, Arizona
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Rating |
Excellent |
Age |
2 and up |
Lockers |
Available | Restrooms |
At Visitors Center |
Food |
On Location |
Closest Coffee |
In Tuscon |
Recommendation |
This is an amazing cross between a museum and a zoo. This is a great place to spend a day getting to know the Sonora Desert. |
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Review: by Mom
This is a unique museum—it incorporates live animals, unique plants and a great deal of information about the desert ecosystem. The docents are very well-informed and often present animals to the public. The day we visited, they shared a tarantula, a bard owl, and several Harris hawks in an amazing free-flight demonstration. (Be sure to ask when the hawks are flying, as it will be one of the highlights of your visit.) The hummingbird aviary is a must-see, with seven hummingbird species actively nesting and reproducing. Check the website for a current count of the number of babies raised in the aviary. It's astounding. What impressed us most was the opportunity to see how many different animals live in this unique, hostile habitat. For example, this was the only place in Arizona that we actually saw a road runner. Since many desert dwellers are nocturnal, this is the only practical way to see them with a family. The desert loop trail is well worth the time—go as far as your littlest member's legs will allow, and keep an eye (and nose) out for the javelinas! Try to go in the springtime, when the cactuses and ironwood trees are in bloom. Expect to spend the entire day.
The food and facilities available were excellent.
Photos of the hummingbirds are difficult because they move so fast. Try video, or photographing resting birds. To have a bird land on you, you must be very patient. It helps to wear bright colors, such as tie-dye, in shades of red, yellow and orange.
Additional Review:
Will: The Harris Hawks were the best part. They flew just inches over your head, and the handlers were really great with them.
Dad: I would reiterate that this is a full day attraction. We came expecting to spend a few hours, and ended up wanting to do more when we had to leave. The gardens of desert plants were amazing. The cave was also very interesting. If you are limited on time skip the exhibits inside and get outside to see the desert plants and animals. Talk to the docents--they are a wealth of information. Also, if you run out of sunscreen, they have dispensers in the bathrooms.