Outdoors
in Phoenix, AZ

(602) 400-2445

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Arizona Outdoor Fun offers everything you'd possibly need for outdoor recreational fun including rentals for ATVs, jet skis, quads and more! Experience the scenic Arizona desert with experienced guides and customize your adventure with a range of add-ons.

(520) 838-6200

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Step into the world of Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona, a self-contained microcosm of the world and its various climates, including a rain forest, simulated ocean and more. Originally built for research purposes, Biosphere 2 also holds daily tours throughout its amazing system of trails and levels.

(520) 689-2723

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Vibrant seasonal foliage is always on display at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, located at the University of Arizona and boasting the unique desert landscape beauty of the outdoor area. Two miles of wheelchair-accessible trails await the adventurous nature-lover in the Tonto National Forest.

(623) 582-8007

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Located at the Hedgpeth Hills petroglyph site on the 47 acre Sonoran Desert preserve, Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve has the largest concentration of the Native American petroglyphs. There are more than 1,500 recorded petroglyphs on almost 600 boulders where research is still being conducted.

(480) 941-1225

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Experience an oasis of surprising bursts of color and expressive succulents at the Desert Botanical Garden. Perhaps you'll find your green-thumb inspiration in the garden's Berlin Agave Yucca Forest or the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail.

The Desert Botanical Garden has been wowing naturalists for more than 70 years, featuring more than 145 acres of stunning desert blooms, flora and fauna year-round.

The site is located within Papago Park in Phoenix and opened in 1939. Today, more than 21,000 plants fill the land, including outdoor exhibits and displays, specialty greenhouses and preservation of endangered and fragile species.

One-third of the plants are native to the area. The remainder come from all over the world. Special collections from Australia and Baja California are featured alongside specimens from South America. Ecosystems represented include mesquite bosque, semidesert grassland, and upland chaparral scrub.

The Desert Botanical Garden is especially noted for its agave and cacti collections. Educational demonstrations showcase the power of energy efficient ecosystems and their influence on technology, including a rainwater capture system and greywater irrigation.

(602) 716-2000

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View the natural beauty of the cosmos from the state-of-the-art, domed telescope at the Dorrance Planetarium, one of only five in the world. Relax in the comfort of a cushioned seat and air conditioning, while the universe sweeps past. Shows include "Starry Storytime" and "Arizona Skies."

(928) 567-2840

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Interact with exotic animals at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. This truly otherworldly nature experience includes a snake show with giant anacondas and boas, a 45-minute African Bush Safari that includes personal encounters with giraffes, zebras and more, and a predator feed where you can watch carnivores devour 800 lbs. of raw meat.

(602) 261-8318

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Challenge yourself by climbing Piestewa Peak, a 2,608-foot summit filled with trails for every level of hiker. Trailhead areas include paved parking and restroom facilities. If you want to feel like you've conquered the world, this outdoor trip is it.

(602) 268-1261

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Go on a horseback riding adventure through the rugged, serene outdoor beauty of the Arizona countryside. Ponderosa Stables provides rides on more than 40 miles of trails across 18,500 acres of South Mountain Park. Close encounters with exotic native plants and native animals are common in this region.

(602) 495-0901

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Explore an actual archaeological park at the Pueblo Grande Museum. The site is located on the ruins of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village and includes the original 800-year-old platform mound for town-hall style meetings. Reproductions of historic homes have been placed along the village trails.

(623) 935-9453

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Go on a wildlife adventure at one of Arizona's top nature attractions, the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. About 75 indoor exhibits feature a huge variety of aquatic species, including fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. The zoo features a baby animal nursery and a children's petting zoo.

(602) 262-7393

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Explore the biggest municipal park in the world, South Mountain Park of Phoenix. More than 16,000 gorgeous acres of both manicured and untamed wilderness await. Hike, bike or horseback ride outdoors on 51 miles of trails. Trail heads include gated parking lots and restrooms.