Maricopa County, Arizona All Parks & Recreation Events Feed Update

Estrella Mountain Regional Park Scorpions have great camouflage, but we have an extra trick to help us spot them! We’ll take a short, safe hike and use special lights to help us find scorpions by making them glow. We’ll learn all about these awesome arachnids along the way! Bring water, close-toed shoes and a black light [...]

McDowell Mountain Regional Park Get out and enjoy the cool desert nights! These rides provide a great way to get together with your fellow mountain bikers during the long, hot summer.  Riders must have a helmet, and a light system designed for mountain biking with batter power for 3 hours of riding. It is highly recommended that [...]

Estrella Mountain Regional Park While all of nature can be amazing, there are some things out there so spectacularly outrageous that it will blow your mind! This indoor presentation will focus on truly unique and strange plants and animals. These bizarre creatures will have you scratching your head and wondering…why? Meet at [...]

Usery Mountain Regional Park The Superstition Wilderness is one of the most beautiful and rugged places in the country. How did it get that way? What formed it? What makes it so unique? Can gold be found there? Join local geology professor, A. J. Lombard, as he shares a wealth of information about the fascinating geology of the [...]

McDowell Mountain Regional Park Have you ever seen a snake eat? Join us for the evening meal with our cold-blooded residents. Frozen rodent entrees will be served to the critters. Feeding takes place at the Visitor Center.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park The insect life of the White Tank Mountains is abundant and diverse. Join retired entomologist Jack Jenkins for a classroom program introducing some of the area insects, their habits and habitats, and the unique and important relationships they have with other animals and plants in the Sonoran Desert. [...]

San Tan Mountain Regional Park From a fox to a mountain lion, from raccoon to bobcat, children will develop a sense of wonder during this informal hands-on program that will introduce them to the animals of the Sonoran desert. The skins are real. The bones are replicas. Everything is a "yes" to touching. Join us inside [...]

Lake Pleasant Regional Park We will be hiking on one of the most scenic trails in the whole park! From this trail, we will see the entire lake and fantastic views of the park. This is a moderate trail with a few steep places. Please be in somewhat of good hiking shape for attending this hike. We will meet at the Cottonwood Day [...]

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Join Ranger Kevin as we look at the plants and animals that live in the riparian area along a perennial stretch of Cave Creek. The hike will take us through the Jewel of the Creek Preserve and along the lower Dragonfly Trail for a distance of approximately 1.5 miles. (moderate) NOTE: This program is [...]

Cave Creek Regional Park Interested in FREE archery lessons? Why not give it a try? Participants will experience a fun and safe basic introduction to recreational and international-style target archery. Equipment is provided. This program is open to anyone ages 10 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult! Please [...]

San Tan Mountain Regional Park What has 8 legs, 2 pincers, and glows under a black light? SCORPIONS! Set out on a desert exploration at night as we search for these fascinating creatures and find out just how cool these amazing arachnids really are. Wear closed-toed shoes, bring water, and a black light. Black lights are available [...]

Usery Mountain Regional Park Did you know that scorpions glow in the dark under a blacklight? Join Ranger B as he leads us on this fun and safe night walk along a trail to find these elusive desert dwellers (using our eyes only). You will sharpen your spotting skills and have a lot of fun at the same time! All ages will enjoy this [...]

Cave Creek Regional Park Join us for adventure as we explore the "Clay Mine"! Inside we’ll discuss the history of this site and learn how its contents were used to "cure what ailed ya"! Bring water, a flashlight, and your camera. No pets, please. Park at the Nature Center and follow the directions [...]

Usery Mountain Regional Park How dangerous are scorpions? How can we protect ourselves from them? How do they survive and thrive in our desert? If you would like to know the answers to these questions, or any questions you may have about scorpions, then this one-hour presentation is for you! Join us inside our Nature Center as [...]

San Tan Mountain Regional Park On a warm summer night, scouring the desert floor, the scorpions of San Tan look for their next meal. But who are the "BIG 3" of San Tan? Learn about the facts, myths and reputation behind these mysterious creatures during a short presentation in the Nature Center. Once you have learned all [...]

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Get your day started with a 2-3 mile brisk, non-interpretive walk through the conservation area. Participants need not be tri-athletes, just ordinary folks who would like to add diversity to their existing walking program. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. (moderate)

McDowell Mountain Regional Park This week’s hike will begin from the Wagner Trailhead. Hike distance will be between 8-12 miles. Hike led by Kevin B. Bring plenty of water, and snacks and make sure to have comfortable shoes and clothing.

McDowell Mountain Regional Park Bring your kids (ages 4-12) out to the park for this “on your own” program. Stop by the Nature Center between 9-10am to pick up the Junior Ranger Booklet. Head outside to complete the required activities and have fun! Return to the Nature Center when you’re finished to pick up the [...]

Estrella Mountain Regional Park Explore Estrella’s beautiful trails and views while getting in a great workout! These 3-5 mile hikes will have you feeling great in no time! Please bring plenty of water and close-toed shoes and meet at the Nature Center.

San Tan Mountain Regional Park If you’re looking for an adventure where your trail riding abilities will be challenged, then look no further than the Bikes Direct Night Shredders. When you’re on a bike on the trail at night, every bump, dip and shadow gives an extra pop of adrenaline. Darkness heightens your senses, sharpens [...]

Usery Mountain Regional Park Monarch butterflies are some of the most beautiful creatures that grace our skies! They also take an annual journey that spans thousands of miles. How do they do it? Where do they go? If you would like to know the answers to these questions, or any questions you may have about monarchs, then this one-hour [...]

White Tank Mountain Regional Park Join Ranger Jessica in the Nature Center for this open house-style story, craft, and play time – arrive anytime during program hours (10:30am-12:00pm). A variety of Sonoran Desert-themed, age-appropriate board books, puzzles, stuffed animals, and coloring sheets will be available for your child [...]