What It Is

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a unique outdoor-oriented museum that blends a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium, and art gallery into one fascinating experience. Instead of traditional indoor halls filled with displays, most of the exhibits are set within recreated habitats of the Sonoran Desert—giving you the feeling of walking through the real desert while learning about its plants, animals, and ecosystems. You’ll encounter desert wildlife, native plants, interactive exhibits, art, and educational programs that highlight conservation and the natural history of the region.

Where It Is Located

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

2021 North Kinney Road

Tucson, Arizona 85743

USA

The museum is situated on the west side of Tucson, adjacent to Saguaro National Park West and Tucson Mountain Park, making it easy to include in broader outdoor or sightseeing plans in the area.

Opening Times

The museum is open every day of the year (with rare exceptions for severe weather), but hours vary by season:

1. October – May: Typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. June – September: Usually 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Sunday–Friday)
3. Summer Saturdays: Extended evening hours on some Saturdays for special summer events (e.g., Cool Summer Nights).

It’s a good idea to arrive in the morning so you have plenty of time to explore comfortably, since the experience usually takes 2–4 hours or more depending on how much you want to see.

Ticket Price

General admission prices are approximately:

1. Adults (13–64 years): $29.95
2. Youth (ages 3–12): $19.95
3. Children 2 and under: Free

There are discounts available for seniors, military personnel, Arizona residents (seasonally), and participants in certain community access programs. Museum members and Native Americans with a Tribal ID or CIB card also receive free admission.

What to Expect on Your Visit

When you visit, you’ll walk through desert trails and themed areas that showcase:

1. Native desert animals like bobcats, birds of prey, reptiles, and more
2. Botanical gardens with hundreds of types of desert plants
3. Interactive habitat exhibits that highlight geology, ecology, and wildlife behavior
4. Art galleries and educational programs related to desert nature

Because so much of the museum is outdoors, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and plan your visit around the cooler parts of the day when possible.