Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
5 Stars | Zoo + Botanical Garden + Museum - The Ultimate Desert Experience
Overview
A world-renowned zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden showcasing the Sonoran Desert. 230+ animal species including mountain lions, black bears, wolves, javelinas, prairie dogs, and hummingbirds. Not a typical museum - mostly outdoors!
For Kids (Ages 6 & 9)
Packrat Playhouse
4,000 sq ft indoor play space perfect for ages 0-12:
- Slide down a gila monster tail
- Climb through cactus pads
- Explore tunnels and interactive exhibits
- Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM, included with admission
Other Kid Favorites
- Animal encounters and feeding demonstrations
- Hummingbird aviary - walk among hundreds of hummingbirds
- Prairie dog exhibit (kids love these!)
- See mountain lions, black bears, and wolves up close
Food On-Site
Ironwood Terraces - Kids Menu: $9
Choice of: hamburger, cheese pizza, hot dog, or grilled cheese
Choice of: french fries or fruit
Great option so you don't have to leave for lunch!
Essential Details
| Address: | 2021 N. Kinney Rd, Tucson AZ 85743 |
| Hours: | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Oct-May) |
| Cost: | Adults $24.95, Kids (3-12) $13.95, Under 3 FREE Family of 4: ~$78 |
| Parking: | FREE |
| Time Needed: | 3-4 hours minimum |
| Distance from Rillito: | 16 miles, 30 min drive |
Pro Tips
- Arrive at opening (8:30 AM) to see animals most active
- Morning is cooler - desert heats up by afternoon
- Combine with Gates Pass sunset (only 5 min drive)
- Can also pair with Saguaro National Park West (5 min away)
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring sunscreen, hats, water
Useful Links
Perfect Pairings - Same Day
Saguaro National Park West
5 minutes away! 4-Star attraction with giant cacti. Perfect to visit after Desert Museum.
View DetailsGates Pass Sunset
8 minutes away! Best Sunset Spot. Catch sunset here after spending day at museum.
View DetailsNearby Restaurants
Ironwood Terraces (On-Site)
Kids menu $9 - Stay at museum for lunch!
Recommended Itinerary
West Side Adventure (Full Day):
- 10:00 AM - Arrive at Desert Museum
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Explore museum and Packrat Playhouse
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at Ironwood Terraces
- 2:45 PM - Drive to Saguaro National Park West (5 min)
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Scenic loop drive + Desert Discovery Trail
- 4:15 PM - Drive to Gates Pass (10 min)
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Watch sunset (sunset ~5:20 PM)
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at Seis Kitchen or El Guero Canelo