Portrait at Hance Park

Visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum at the University of Arizona and enjoy the stunning outdoor surroundings. This beautiful Arboretum showcases the vibrant seasonal foliage of the unique desert landscape. With more than two miles of trails available, it is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy exploring. Discover a diverse selection of desert plants from around the globe at this remarkable nursery. This nursery is a must-see featuring over 4,025 species and 20,000 plants spanning 135 acres of gardens from countries like Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, and Africa. In addition to its impressive plant collections, the Arboretum also offers tours, classes, and events that are perfect for learning more about the plants and connecting with other plant enthusiasts.

Experience parts of our past through the eyes of the men and women who take the oath to protect it at Phoenix Police Museum. There, you'll be able to view a fascinating collection of artifacts and historical items from the department's formation in 1881 up to present-day memorabilia. Among the highlights is a recreated 1900s police station and a 1919 Ford Model T Police Car. You'll get a real sense of how the Phoenix Police Department has evolved over the years and its essential role in shaping the city.

Enjoy some free and exciting events and dance performances with your family this fall at the Ballet Under the Stars, a fantastic outdoor performance series showcasing several contemporary and classical ballet excerpts. The best part is that these events are free and open to the public. You can enjoy the beauty of dance in a unique outdoor setting, complete with a stage, lighting, costumes, and of course, the beautiful Arizona weather. All you need to do is bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a diverse program that ranges from classical to contemporary Ballet. It's a perfect show for the entire family and a great way to introduce Ballet to your children for the first time.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a self-guided quarter-mile nature trail that features over 1,500 recorded petroglyphs on nearly 600 boulders, native desert plants, and animals in their natural habitat at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. The preserve also has historical research data and displays of ongoing Southwest archaeology research by ASU faculty and students. The museum, gallery, trail, and free audio tour are available for the petroglyph trail. The university has been operating, protecting, and preserving the site since 1994, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore and learn more about the area and indigenous cultures through guided tours, publications, and ongoing lecture series.