field trips phoenix

• Field Trips to Take in Phoenix

The American Southwest has so much to offer groups looking for a memorable educational experience, especially when you visit cities such as Phoenix!

Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and the 5th biggest city in the United States. This desert mecca offers a myriad of museums, environmental education centers, art galleries, and memorable experiences for students and travelers of all ages, making it one of the best cities in the southwest for field trips.

Below we have listed the area's top educational experiences, broken down by specific student age groups. Take a look at what Phoenix has to offer your student group, then give our agents a call today and start planning your next big adventure!

Kindergarten and Younger

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Children's Museum of Phoenix (@childmusephx) on May 5, 2020 at 10:38am PDT

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by OdySea Aquarium (@odysea.aquarium) on Feb 7, 2020 at 5:02pm PST

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Phoenix Zoo (@phoenixzoo) on May 4, 2020 at 3:30pm PDT

Elementary School

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Arizona Science Center (@azscience) on Feb 10, 2020 at 10:01am PST

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Desert Botanical Garden (@dbgphx) on May 15, 2020 at 3:35pm PDT

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Michael A. Zaragoza (@el_zaragoza_) on May 25, 2020 at 10:29am PDT

Middle School

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Alex Parker (@parkea3) on Oct 30, 2018 at 3:55pm PDT

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by @pueblograndemuseum on Oct 8, 2018 at 8:11pm PDT

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Castles N' Coasters (@castlesncoasters) on Mar 14, 2020 at 9:15am PDT

High School

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by FOX 10 Phoenix (@fox10phoenix) on May 25, 2020 at 9:11pm PDT

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Phoenix Art Museum (@phxart) on Mar 25, 2020 at 12:47pm PDT

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Amber (@avecamber) on Jan 24, 2020 at 9:33am PST

College Visits

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Arizona State University (@arizonastateuniversity) on May 22, 2020 at 10:02am PDT

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Grand Canyon University (@gcu) on Feb 19, 2020 at 6:29pm PST

Check out more in our 'Field Trips to Take in' Series.

Field Trips to Take in Ogden

Field Trips to Take in Houston

Written by Danielle

View all posts by: Danielle

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Over 46 years of safe, educational field trip planning.

Mostly in-state field trips ranging from 8 - 24 hours in length.

Overnight Trips

Arizona and California field trips ranging from 36-60 hours in length.

Virtual Trips

Virtual field trip videos giving a preview of our most popular trips.

Why Choose Project Exploration?

Throughout our 46 years in business, Project Exploration has organized thousands of field trips for Arizona students. From scheduling educational visits based on state curriculum standards, to teaching and entertaining your students on the bus, we do it all!

Safety and education are our top priorities; however, we pride ourselves on making learning fun . Project Exploration instructors turn your bus into a moving classroom with informative yet engaging activities. Students often mention the bus ride as a highlight of their trip.

While making memories that last a lifetime , students on Project Exploration field trips acquire important life skills. Students learn to budget their money, be responsible for their belongings, and positively represent themselves and their school at each venue. The unique experience of traveling with friends and peers is one your students won’t want to miss!

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Project Exploration Inc. exists to bring learning to life through unique and exciting hands-on field experiences and aims to enhance the educational lives of young students while instilling in them a deeper appreciation for our natural world and the necessity to preserve it. If you have questions about any of our “outdoor living classrooms” please review our FAQs and don’t hesitate to call!

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Field Trips

Field trips, learn something new at the phoenix zoo.

The Phoenix Zoo is the ultimate destination for an enriching and memorable field trip! Whether you want to explore the Phoenix Zoo on your own during a self-guided field trip or want to enhance your trip with a guide-led excursion, the Phoenix Zoo is your learning destination! Field trips to the Phoenix Zoo are available year-round, with the exception of December 25 th  when the Zoo is closed.

The details:.

• We offer an educational rate for all school groups of $8 per student and $10 per adult for admission to the Zoo for a minimum of 15 people. To qualify for this rate, all children must be accompanied by at least one adult (18 years and older) per 10 children and your school must be an institution established for the purpose of offering instruction to pupils in programs for preschool, kindergarten, any combination of elementary grades or secondary grades 1-12, colleges and universities.
• Field trips are available Monday – Friday.
• Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance.
• We offer a discounted rate for all Special Needs Education classrooms, and schools working with kids with special needs.
• Everyone that enters the Zoo needs to be accounted for in your headcount. Groups must arrive and enter together. We will be asking for total number of students and total number of adults/chaperones. There must be at least one adult for every 10 students, with no more than one adult for every student.
• Any additional group members must be paid for at one time and enter with the prepaid group. Anyone not paying with and entering at the same time as the group will be charged the regular admission rate of $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 3-13. ( It is up to the school to collect money and pay for any adults or chaperones to be included at the school group rate. Parents cannot pay separately )
• We require that payment or purchase orders be received two days in advance of your visit for each person in your group. We accept payment in the form of school or organizational checks, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and cash.  Please note that we no longer accept purchase orders on the day of entry.
• Field trips are not booked until you receive a confirmation email from Phoenix Zoo Reservations.
• If you do not qualify for the field trip rate you may qualify for our   youth group rate.

Seasonal Warning:

 Thursdays and Fridays in February, March and April are the busiest times of the year for field trips. We limit group reservations each day to maximize your field trip experience therefore some dates may be unavailable. We recommend visiting earlier in the week or during other months throughout the year when the Zoo is less crowded.

add-on guided tours

Groups visiting the Zoo may add on a guided tour to enhance their experience. Guided tours are led by a Zoo instructor and are designed to support academic standards, are grade-level appropriate and include a variety of inquiry-based techniques. Guided tours last 45 minutes and cost an additional $2 per person. Guided tours are available to groups of at least 15 and are capped at 25 participants a tour. Groups larger than 25 may be split into multiple tours.

Choose from one of the topics below, each covering a wide span of animal and conservation sciences:

What is an Animal (K-2 grades)

What makes an animal an animal? Through the What is an Animal tour, students discover several characteristics of what makes something an animal, what makes something a plant, and what makes something non-living. A Phoenix Zoo instructor leads students on a tour of the zoo’s Children’s Trail, highlighting the characteristics of living and non-living, and the characteristics of animals and plants. The instructor challenges students, through inquiry, to improve their observation and critical thinking skills.

Crazy Classification: Arizona Animals (K-2 grades)

Mammal, bird or reptile? How do you know what type of animal you’re looking at? Through the Arizona Animals Guided Tour, students discover the five major traits that scientists use to categorize animals. A Phoenix Zoo instructor leads participants on a tour of the Zoo’s Arizona Trail, classifying desert vertebrate species. The instructor challenges participants with interactives and inquiry to improve their observation and critical thinking skills.

Crazy Classification: Rainforest Animals (K-2 grades)

Mammal, bird or reptile? How do you know what kind of animal you’re looking at? Through the Rainforest Animals Guided Tour, participants discover the five major traits that scientists use to categorize animals. A Phoenix Zoo instructor leads the tour of the Zoo’s Tropics Trail, classifying rainforest vertebrate species. The instructor challenges participants with interactives and inquiry to improve their observation and critical thinking skills.

Crazy Classification: Children’s Trail Animals (K-2 grades)

Mammal, bird or reptile? How do you know what kind of animal you’re looking at? Through the Rainforest Animals Guided Tour, participants discover the five major traits that scientists use to categorize animals. A Phoenix Zoo instructor leads the tour of the Zoo’s Children’s Trail, classifying rainforest vertebrate species. The instructor challenges participants with interactives and inquiry to improve their observation and critical thinking skills.

Desert Discoveries: Exploring Arizona (3-5 grades)

Food, water and shelter are hard to find in the Sonoran Desert. Avoiding predators and scorching temperatures are just some of the challenges living organisms must face. Through the Exploring Arizona Guided Tour, participants explore and learn about several desert animals along the Phoenix Zoo’s Arizona Trail by comparing and contrasting their habitats and adaptations. Utilizing manipulatives, a Zoo instructor will guide small discussion groups to uncover how various Arizona animals survive in the harsh extremes of our local ecosystem.

Desert Lives: Exploring AZ Native Plants & Animals (6-8 grades)

Food, water and shelter are hard to find in the desert. Avoiding predators and scorching temperatures are also the challenges desert plants and animals must face. In Arizona, there are four deserts, each one unique and presenting different trials. Through the Exploring Arizona Guided Tour, participants explore and learn about several desert animals along the Phoenix Zoo’s Arizona Trail by comparing and contrasting their habitats and adaptations. A Zoo instructor will guide discussion groups to uncover how various Arizona animals survive in the harsh extremes of our state deserts.

Dynamic Deserts: Exploring Desert Conservation (9-12 grades)

Conservation in the desert requires a unique understanding and perspective of one of nature’s harshest, and often misunderstood, biomes. With scarce resources and fierce competition, life in the desert has adapted creative techniques for survival. During this tour, a Zoo instructor will lead participants on the Arizona Trail while exploring different adaptations from our resident plants and animals, and the impact humans play on this surprisingly rich and diverse ecosystem.

More Than a Zookeeper (10-12 grades)

How many people does it take to run a zoo? There’s a lot of work going on every day at the Phoenix Zoo that many never even notice. Throughout the More Than a Zookeeper Guided Tour, participants will view the zoo from a different perspective. A zoo instructor will lead the group in discussions and an activity, while exploring some of the jobs necessary to run a successful zoo and conservation program. Participants will discover the importance of the Phoenix Zoo’s role in conservation while uncovering STEM career opportunities along the way.

Enriching Experiences: Exploring Behavioral Enrichment (K-12)

Movies, music and video games provide us with hours of entertainment, but what does a zoo do to keep a monkey from getting bored or a zebra from being stressed? Behavioral Enrichment! By providing mental and physical stimulation through naturalistic settings and environmental enhancements, managed setting animals’ lives are greatly improved. The benefits include increased natural behaviors and healthy, stress-free individuals. The Enriching Experiences Guided Tour provides participants with the opportunity to explore and learn about different types of behavioral enrichment used by the Phoenix Zoo through comparing a variety of exhibits and species. Utilizing manipulatives, a Zoo instructor will facilitate observations and discussions to discover some of the intricacies involved in the behavioral management of managed setting animals — making life more stimulating for the Zoo’s animals and guests alike!

custom guided tours:

There are way more exciting animals and topics than can possibly fit into one of our Guided Tours, so let us design a Custom Guided Tour for you based on your specific interests and needs. Our trained Zoo staff works with you to create a completely customizable 60-minute educational walking tour of one of our Zoo trails – covering the exhibits and topics you are interested in. Custom Guided Tours cost an additional $5 per person and are available to groups of at least 10 and are capped at 25 participants a tour. Subject to availability. Does not include behind-the-scenes viewing areas.  

virtual field trips

Can’t make it to the Phoenix Zoo? No problem! You can visit the Phoenix Zoo from the comfort of your home or classroom through a virtual field trip.

Virtual Field Trips include pre-recorded guided tours with three different animals, a review activity, accompanying worksheet and challenge activity. All Virtual Field Trips are aligned with Arizona State Academic Standards. Virtual Field Trips vary in length depending on the topic and are limited to 40 participants. Virtual Field Trips cost $50 per classroom. 

Virtual Field Trip Topics:

Food Webs :

• Grades K-2: Who Eats Whom?: Fangs, beaks, and tusks, oh my! Did you know that animals have different types of teeth? Come join us as we visit some of our animals at the Zoo to uncover what their teeth can tell us about what they eat and where they get their energy.
• Grades 3-5: Energy Flow: Have you ever wondered how energy moves within an ecosystem? Explore the Tropics Trail with us and have an up-close encounter with three animals who play important and unique roles in the rainforest!
• Grades 6-8: Human Impact: How do humans affect wildlife and ecosystems? Assume the role of a wildlife manager while we explore the Arizona Trail to discuss and observe three extraordinary species that we can directly impact!
• Grades K-2: Animal Features: Why are some birds colorful? How do monkeys use their tails? Observe three astounding animals at the Phoenix Zoo as we consider why they have certain features and how these features help them survive in the wild.
• Grades 3-5: Adaptations: How do animals survive and thrive in the harsh climate of the desert? Discover the amazing adaptations of three exceptional animal species on the Africa Trail.
• Grades 6-8: Genetics and Inherited Traits: Why are some species endangered while others thrive? Investigate the genetic and environmental factors affecting three rare species at the Phoenix Zoo!

• Support MIM

FIELD TRIPS

Witness the creative spirit of people from around the world through music. MIM’s galleries showcase instruments from every country, and students can see and hear musical traditions through video recordings built into every display. Choose from seven tour options, each of which align with Arizona’s early learning and K-12 academy standards.

Every MIM field trip includes:

An orientation video

A museum tour

Free-choice learning

Music making in a hands-on gallery

Downloadable educator resources to extend and deepen learning after the field trip

If you have not received an email from us within 3–5 days of submitting a Field Trip Request Form, please check your spam and junk folders or email us at [email protected] .

Field Trip Options

Trailblazer Teacher-Guided Tour

Artist Residency Program

Sounds All Around Guided Tour

Musical Menagerie: Asia Guided Tour

Celebrations: Latin America Guided Tour

Discovery Guided Tour

STEM: How Science Brings Music to Life Guided Tour

Celebrating Community Guided Tour

Enhance Your Field Trip with a Musical Experience!

African Drum & Dance Workshop Discover West African percussion and dance traditions in this immersive workshop.

Learn More »

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Anonymous (3) APS Arizona Cardinals Charities Arizona Commission on the Arts Arizona Knowledge Empowerment and Advocacy Group Arizona Private Charitable Foundation Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Miriam S. and Louis E. Brodian Education Fund Arizona Buuck Family Fund The Charro Foundation Donald W. Collier Charitable Trust II Desert Financial Credit Union George & Michelle Yules Fischler

Ganassi Foundation Jane & John Guild Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation Hearst Foundations Jim & Kathy Henderson Bill & Cathy Hurtle (Campbell Foundation) Instrumental Horizons Jessco Electric, LLC Susan Shanbrom-Krabbe & Moe Krabbe John F. Long Foundation Madelon Gail Lucky The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Robin & John Martellini Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation The Moca Foundation National Endowment for the Arts

Otto & Edna Neely Foundation Leo & Hermine Philippe Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture PNC Bank Rusty & Mary Jane Poepl Foundation The Revada Foundation of the Logan Family Dr. Scholl Foundation Scottsdale Arts Theodore R. Stephan Merle & Michael Tarnow UnitedHealthcare Hao and Michelle Wang Foundation Jolene and Harv Weisblat Philanthropic Fund of the Southwest Community Foundation

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Field Trips & Family Outings

For unforgettable fun and learning, few things are as fabulous as a field trip here are bear essential’s 2023–24 guides for field trips and fun family destinations..

Educators are always looking for creative ways to keep their students excited and engaged while learning. Taking a classroom or combined classrooms on a field trip is a perfect way to lead the students on a fun adventure that can be full of animals, marine life, history, art, farming, nature, government, STEM and STEAM. Field trips give students a chance to get away from tablets and screens and do hands-on activities.

For some students a field trip might be their first adventure traveling on a bus to another city without their parents. This helps a child with a feeling of independence. Learning about dinosaurs in a classroom is one thing, but going to a museum to see actual dinosaur skeletons up-close or digging for fossils helps students to connect the dots about what they have learned in the classroom and put it together with what they can see, touch and explore during a field trip.

In Tucson students can learn more about art, music, culture, nature, animals, history and geology with field trips to various places around the Old Pueblo. The Fox Tucson Theatre offers free tours where students will learn history of the theatre, see the unique architecture of the venue or attend a school matinee. Hands-on learning happens at the Mini Time Machine Museum and Children’s Museum Tucson . At Tucson Museum of Art and the UA Museum of Art special exhibits and collections educate students about history, culture, art techniques and more with self-guided or docent-led tours.

Are your students interested in learning about animals, reptiles, wildlife and bugs? The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, Reid Park Zoo, Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show, Arizona Insect Festival and International Wildlife Museum has animals and critters of various species. These educational field trips have hands-on activities (some with a petting zoo) and give insight of how to care for, protect and understand domestic pets, exotic reptiles, wildlife and bugs from Arizona and around the world.

Camp Cooper, Tohono Chul, Presidio Museum , The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show and The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum are great places to learn about history, culture, nature and geology.

If you are looking for a field trip that keeps kids active and has hands-on activities, you might want to check out Golf N’ Stuff, Rock Solid Climbing + Fitness, Tucson Parks & Rec Kidco, Wild Katz Children’s Adventure Playground or the Crayola Experience in Chandler.

Apple Annie’s in Wilcox has a 600,000-stalk corn maze that is a great adventure for students or scout groups. For city kids who want to learn more about what it’s like to work on a farm, Shamrock Farms has educational tours that teach about farm-to-table.

In The Phoenix area a field trip to the Phoenix Zoo or Sea Life Arizona is a fun way to learn about animals and marine life. The Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Grande Cultural Park and Sky Harbor International Airport provide historical displays, exhibits and activities.

Matinees are available at East Valley Children’s Theatre with discounted rates for classrooms. Want to learn about trains and fire engines? A visit to Hall of Flame and McCormick–Stillman Railroad Park teaches the history about firefighting and transportation. And speaking about transportation, Valley Metro offers a free ride to your field trip destination.

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine, Boy Scouts of America–Catalina Council and Boy Scouts of America–Grand Canyon Council all have programs for students. Scouts learn skills, earn badges, awards, go on field trips, go camping and help their local community.

If you want to stay in your classroom, the Central Arizona Project (CAP) offers educators lessons plans and Bear Essential News provides free classroom presentations. Choose from five topics that cover reading, writing and journalism skills and students in grades 3–8 can sign up to be Young Reporters and write for Bear Essential News.

Visit www.bearessentialnews.com and click on Teacher Grants & Field Trip Funding under the teacher tab to see a list of places that help with field trips, classroom projects and teacher resources.

Young Reporters on KVOA News 4

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Open Daily: 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | What's On?

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Next-level hands-on learning .

Exciting exploration. Endless fun. Customizable experiences. And all the air conditioning you can handle! There’s no better place to ignite imagination and reinforce your STEM lesson plans than Arizona Science Center. Start planning your field trip today. Your visit can include general admission, allowing students to explore the exhibits that most interest them at their own pace. Or, you can custom-design an experience to complement your academic plan. As always, admission to featured exhibitions, Dorrance Planetarium and Irene P. Flinn Theater may easily be added to any field trip. 

Book Your Field Trip

What You Need to Know

Field trip pricing.

Thanks to our generous sponsors, Arizona Science Center offers discounted general admission for field trip groups. 

• Children (ages 3–17): $15.50 each
• Adults (teachers/chaperones): $20.50 each

You’ll also receive discounted prices on our shows and attractions. 

• Irene P. Flinn Theater ticket: $5 per person
• Featured exhibition entry: $7.95 per person

Field Trip Hours

Arizona Science Center welcomes field trips as early as 9 a.m. Monday to Friday. The Center is open to the public from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Be sure to consider our planetarium showtimes and giant screen theater showtimes during your planning.

Amazing Add-on Demonstrations

Customize your field trip by adding a demonstration to complement your class’s current STEM studies. Demonstrations take place in the Daniel Cracchiolo Theater on Level 1, unless otherwise noted. Below are some examples of the programming we have available. Or contact [email protected] to find a demonstration that will align with your lesson plans. Demonstrations may be added to your field trip for an additional fee.

• Creepy Crawly Critters – Students get up close and personal with insects and arachnids to learn about their importance within their ecosystems.
• Great Balls of Fire – Learning about the chemical reaction responsible for combustion is way more fun when fire is involved!
• States of Matter – This super cool demo shows students the amazing things that happen to solids, liquids and gasses when they are introduced to temperatures approaching -320 F.
• Stomach This – Get a better understanding of what happens to food when it moves through the different organs of the digestive system.

Follow Your Heart: Sheep Heart Dissection – Students look on during a dissection to understand why it is so important and how scientists use animal organ dissection to explore human anatomy. Please call 602.716.2028 to schedule a dissection for your field trip.

Transportation and Parking

Arizona Science Center requests that you secure transportation prior to booking your field trip. 

Buses and oversized vans may drop off students in Heritage and Science Square, entering from North Sixth Street. Waiting vehicles will need to be parked in the Civic East Garage. Parking passes are required and are $6 per vehicle. 

Groups arriving by standard-size vehicle should park in Heritage and Science Park Garage, which is conveniently located at the southeast corner of North Fifth Street and East Monroe Street. Please advise drivers to bring their parking pass to the Information Zone to be validated for a discounted parking rate.

Lunch Seating and Food for Purchase

Field trip groups can reserve our lunchroom and/or outdoor eating area in 30-minute increments between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. Our lunchroom can accommodate up to 152 visitors per time slot. 

We recommend field trip groups bring packed lunches as our café is currently closed. You can purchase grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks from our Byte Machines, located in the lobby of Level 1.

Free Field Trip Admission Program for Title 1 Schools

Thanks to APS, K–8 Title 1 schools can qualify for free general admission for students, teachers and chaperones when educators complete Arizona Science Center’s Focused Field Trip Orientation. This online companion program covers the myriad ways in which educators can use our exhibits and galleries as extensions of the classroom and provides tips for leading a successful field trip. This free course counts as two hours of professional development.

Program requirements:

• Educators must work for a K–8 school that meets Arizona Department of Education requirements for being a Title 1 school, including having at least 40% of enrolled students on free or reduced lunch
• All grade-level teachers must complete the online program for field trip participants to receive free admission
• Teachers must receive a completion rate of at least 80% 

Educators can register for the Focused Field Trip Orientation program any time. Course must be completed every two years to maintain eligibility for free field trip admission. 

Questions? Please email [email protected].

Teacher and Chaperone Policy

Teachers and chaperones must remain with their students and maintain an adult-to-child ratio of 1:5 at all times.

Payment Options

Payment arrangements are due prior to the day of your visit. Arizona Science Center accepts cash, check, credit card and purchase order (PO). POs must be paid in full within 30 days of your visit. 

Payments can be mailed to:

Arizona Science Center c/o Group Sales Department 600 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85004

Field Trips to CREATE Makerspace

CREATE at Arizona Science Center® is where science, engineering and art collide. Our makerspace provides the tools, equipment and inspirational environment for students to become inventors. With a field trip to CREATE, students use science and technology to design and build cool projects to take home.

Check out the projects available for your grade level to CREATE. Workshops last up to two hours and range in price from $6 to $10 per student, depending on the project you select.

Support from the following sponsors allows us to provide discounted rates to schools. Thank you, donors!

• APS/APS Foundation
• Arizona Complete Health
• Richard F. Caris Charitable Trust
• Cox Charities
• Fiesta Bowl Charities
• Freeport-McMoRan Foundation
• Gila River Indian Community
• Helios Education Foundation
• John F. Long Foundation
• JPMorgan Chase 
• Kinder Morgan Foundation
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
• Union Pacific Foundation
• U.S. Bank Foundation

Schedule Your STEM Field Trip Today

Your field trip to Arizona Science Center will be a day to remember — for you and your students. Discover how our exhibits and activities can reinforce and reinvigorate what you’re doing in the classroom. 

Book a field Trip

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Tomás and the Library Lady

Most enjoyed by grades 1-6.

Based on the true story of Tomás Rivera and the book by Pat Mora, this play is a celebration of reading, imagination and creativity.

Learn More >     Buy Now >

Field Trips

Phoenix Center for the Arts provides hands-on, creative field trips customized for every organization’s needs. Whether it’s a painting project for a staff retreat or a full day of visual, performing, and literary arts classes for middle school students, the Center connects communities with arts experiences.

For more information or to request a quote, contact the Center by calling (602) 254-3100 or email info(at)phoenixcenterforthearts.org. When contacting the Center to request a field trip, please provide the following information for an accurate quote:

• Name of visiting organization
• Estimated number of participants
• Preferred days and times of visit (recommend at least one month in advance to ensure booking)
• Type of arts engagement requested for visit – visual, performing, team building, etc
• Contact name, phone number, and email

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Phoenix Play Dates & Field Trips

Recreation and entertainment, phoenix, entertainment concierge.

Specializing personalized service, our concierge firm is committed to curating unforgettable recreational and entertainment experiences for singles, schools, groups, and corporations. We can plan your proposal and buy gifts too!! Check out some of our awesome adventures below!!!

Community meetups

Game & trivia nights.

Join us for community fun!!! We meet up at various community events for meet and greets!

Field Days - Have fun with a little competition! Think tug of war, music, and cotton candy!

We can plan a trip for you and your friends or you can join one of many pre-planned activities.

We can customize a trivia game for you or you can join us at a game in progress around town. From Black Card to Bible trivia, we can tailor a game for you.

How about games like Jeapordy? Yea, we can do that too!

Kickball, Double Dutch, and other good natured community activities!

Group Events

No matter the size of your group or corporation, team building activities are a crucial tool for your success. A bonded team is a successful team.

Team building activities, Day Trips, Cruises, Local Resorts, and More!

A day at the Children's Museum or to Tombstone might be just the field trip the young ones are looking for. 

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Phoenix, Arizona, United States

[email protected]

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Bring your class or group to Luv 2 Play for a fun-filled field trip. We offer a variety of packages that include different levels of fun and food.

• Field trips must be booked with 2 weeks advanced notice. We cannot accommodate last minute or walk-in field trips.
• 12 Kids Minimum
• Socks & Signed Waiver Required
• Unlimited Play

Fun & Food

• Choice of Pizza or Hot Dog
• Kid's Drink

Fun & Games

• $5 Game Card

Fun, Food, & Games

Other Attractions At Arizona Boardwalk

Field Trips & School Groups

General Information and Reservations

Plan Your Trip

Aquarium Map

Title 1 Schools

OdySea Aquarium welcomes Preschool through 12th grade public, private, charter, and homeschool students. School tours are self-guided tours that take 2 hours or more. No outside food or drink is permitted inside the aquarium, and there is not a place to store your lunches. Field trips can be scheduled any day with arrival times between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

OdySea Aquarium continues to monitor and follow guidelines from the CDC and government authorities.  Click here  for the most updated details on what we are doing to keep guests safe and what to expect when you visit.

Please call 480-291-8192  if you have any questions.

Can’t go on an in-person Field Trip? Virtual Field Trips Are Also Available! Your virtual field trip includes access to exclusive video content, curriculum-based activities customized by grade level, and we’ll broadcast to your class LIVE from our animal habitats. Get behind the scenes, meet the animals, and ask questions in a 45-minute LIVE interactive experience! Click here for more information and to book your virtual field trip.

Group Sizes

Minimum group size is 10. Maximum group size is 125 per 15 minute entry time. Groups may have larger numbers but must stagger their entry times by at least 15 minutes.

Discounted price for school tours is $15.25 plus tax ($16.48) per student; chaperones are no charge within the appropriate ratio. 

Student ratio is one adult chaperone for every five students (1:5) for preschool thru 2nd grade. For 3rd thru 12th grade, student ratio is one adult chaperone for every ten students (1:10). Chaperones within this ratio are included at no cost. Part of these included chaperones needs to be teachers and aides, the remainder can be parents. Any additional adults are welcome to join at the discounted rate of $25 plus tax ($27.01) each , but must prepay the school to receive the discounted price. Any additional chaperones who do not prepay with the school will be required to pay the regular admission price. Bus Drivers are admitted at no cost.

Admission is not guaranteed until you receive confirmation. Payment methods are school purchase order, credit card, school check, or cash. Purchase order is due two weeks prior to the date of the field trip.

Cancellations, rescheduling, or changes to final head count must be made no later than 14 days prior to your scheduled arrival.  No refunds or credits will be issued within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date.

Lead teacher who is checking in must bring the completed check-in sheet and make final payment at the ticket window for all students and chaperones.

Click here for a complete list of field trip prices for each attraction at Arizona Boardwalk, including optional upgrades.

Make A Reservation

School information, your contact information, school payment administrator, trip information.

Due to the number of requests, please allow 1-2 business days for a representative to get back to you to confirm the date.

Please note that an OdySea Aquarium representative will contact you to coordinate your reservation.

To reserve your field trip, please fill out the Field Trip Reservation Request Form above. Once we receive this form, you will be sent confirmation and payment details. Tours are expected to take 2 hours or more.

If you are a Summer Camp or Scout program, please complete the Group Tour Reservation Form .

Group Sales: 480-291-8192

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to SEA-ing you soon! 

With kindest regards,

The OdySea Aquarium Family

• Assign each student to a designated chaperone: Create a list of chaperones and the students they will be responsible for during the field trip. Add the cell phone number of each chaperone to the list.
• Go over Student Expectations & Chaperone Expectations: Please make sure that the students and chaperones understand the expectations of them during the field trip.
• Contact OdySea Aquarium if you are running late: Call 480-291-8000 (press 0) ask for the Concierge Desk.
• Call 480-291-8000 (press 0) when you are about 15-20 minutes away: This will make it so our guest relations representatives know to be looking for your bus to arrive, so they can meet you.
• Student Drop Off: For student drop-off, buses should take the 101 and get off the Via de Ventura exit and head East. The bus should turn left into the parking lot from Via de Ventura by Butterfly Wonderland. Take an immediate left and go past the valet parking area and loading dock area and around the back of the aquarium. Buses should stop between OdySea Aquarium and Beach Club to unload.
• Bus Parking: After dropping off the students, buses should continue around the Arizona Boardwalk complex and park in the far northeastern parking lot.
• Student Pick Up: Buses should pick up students at the same location where they dropped them off, making sure the door is by the sidewalk so students may safely board the bus.
• All students and chaperones should be at the bus pick-up area between OdySea Aquarium and Beach Club 15 minutes before you need to leave so you have enough time to ensure everyone is accounted for and loaded onto the bus.
• Students should form a single file line behind their chaperones.
• Students should sit on the benches if they need to wait for the bus to arrive.

Arizona Boardwalk Map

Drop Off and Parking

• A Guest Relations Specialist will meet you at your bus and escort the main chaperone to the concierge desk to give final numbers, make payment, and get wristbands.
• Please inform the Guest Relations Specialist what your lunch plans are and what time you need the students to load the bus.
• Additional chaperones will go to the ticketing counter to purchase their tickets and will then rejoin the group.
• Once the designated teacher or representative checks in, students will get off the bus and form a line where wristbands will be distributed. Students should be in line behind their designated chaperones. If your group is large, please have them form two lines.
• All members of the group (students, chaperones, and bus drivers) will be required to wear wristbands during the visit to the aquarium.
• Field trips are self-guided, but there will be Education Specialists, Animal Care Specialists, and Guest Relation Specialists throughout the aquarium to help the students learn about the animals and exhibits.
• The aquarium has two levels for guests to explore. Student groups will enter through a side hallway and go up the escalator to begin the tour on the upper floor.
• Elevators are available for students with wheelchairs or disabilities and for young students who cannot use the escalator safely.
• Each floor should take approximately an hour to an hour and a half to see the exhibits. The total time inside the aquarium should be about 2 to 3 hours, but you are welcome to stay longer if your group’s schedule permits.
• Because of the layout of the aquarium, students should finish everything they want to see on the upper floor before they move to the lower floor. The escalators only run in one direction.
• We will give your group designated times to meet at the end of the upper floor & the end of the aquarium visit to help keep everyone on-track timewise.
• Students are required to stay with their assigned chaperone at all times, but each student/chaperone group may travel as their own unit and meet the rest of the group at designated times.
• Encourage the students to spend a minimum of 2-5 minutes at each exhibit so they can observe and learn. Have them notice at least 3 things about each exhibit and the animals that live in it (shape, size, coloration, swim patterns, adaptations, mouth shape, diet, region they originate from, endangered species status, etc.)
• If students rush past exhibits it will make it so they do not learn even a fraction of what the aquarium has to offer and will put them at the end of the tour too early.
• It is recommended that you print copies of the map for each chaperone before you arrive.
• No outside food is allowed to be eaten inside of the aquarium. (If you have a student who is diabetic or has other medical issues, please let us know what accommodations need to be made.)
• We do not have space for lunchbox or backpack storage inside the aquarium. Student lunches should remain on the bus or in cars until the end of the field trip. Alternately students and chaperones may carry the lunches in a backpack.
• We encourage students to eat before or after the field trip.
• The outside courtyard area can be used for eating snacks/lunches. Please make sure students are respectful and properly dispose of their trash.
• Small groups may order from the Café inside the aquarium, but please note that the lines may be long and students must stay with their chaperone group at all times.
• There are several restaurants at OdySea in the Desert, including Opa Life Greek Café, El Encanto, Humble Pie, The View/Modern Grove, Frozen Penguin Ice Cream, Nekter Juice Bar, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Frozen Penguin Ice Cream has a special for school groups, if you are interested we can send you more details.

Agua Linda Park – (northwest corner of Pima & McDonald) 8732 E. McDonald, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

McCormick Railroad Park – (southeast corner of Scottsdale Rd & Indian Bend Rd) 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 (1.7 miles west of the 101 Loop, exit Indian Bend)

• School groups will exit out the gift shop.
• Please have a class discuss before your field trip about proper behavior inside a gift shop.
• All students must be properly supervised while visiting the gift shop.
• The outside courtyard area is part of Arizona Boardwalk and can be used for eating snacks/lunches.
• There is a snack bar that sells food items. It is not guaranteed that the snack bar will be open during the time of your visit.
• The outside courtyard is a public area and cannot be reserved, but is available on a first come, first seated basis.
• Please make sure students are respectful and properly dispose of their trash.
• Teachers and chaperones are responsible for their group’s behavior while using the courtyard area.
• Teachers & chaperones must ensure that students are not throwing things, or running or jumping across the planters, fountains, or stage.
• There are two areas where the students are allowed to touch the animals – The Tidal Touch Pool and SeaTREK. Students need to be gentle and use “two-finger touch”. They may not pick up any of the animals. They should wash their hands before and after.
• Students need to use quiet inside voices. The acoustics inside the aquarium tend to make the sounds echo & reverberate, so please have students use quiet voices.
• Students need to use walking feet.
• Benches and ledges are not for climbing or standing on.
• Railings are not for playing on, swinging from, or doing flips. The flooring underneath is concrete and creates a liability issue. It also creates a safety issue for other guests.
• Once all attendees have their wristbands, they will be led in small groups to a hallway where they will be given a brief overview of the rules and layout of the aquarium. (At times, the introduction will be given outside or on the bus, depending on weather and group size.) It would be helpful if you go over these rules with the students before they arrive as well.
• Students are required to stay with their assigned chaperone at all times.
• Chaperones must be attentive to and responsible for their assigned students.
• Guests may take as many photos and video as they like, but must so do without the flash or video light, as these can stress out the animals.
• OdySea Aquarium photographers might be taking pictures during your field trip, please let us know if there are students who are not allowed to be photographed.
• Please be aware that photos might be used for marketing purposes.

Download Map PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

No, unfortunately, we cannot allow groups to visit the bathroom in the lobby because of fire marshal maximum occupancy regulations for the lobby. There are only a few stalls in the lobby restrooms and we cannot have the extra students and chaperones in the lobby. The layout of the aquarium does not allow for the groups to visit the lobby after they begin. The sharks are viewable from three other areas at the aquarium – in the OdySea Voyager and two viewing areas outside of OdySea Voyager. Bathrooms are available in the Café area and outside the theater. There are also restrooms outside in the courtyard area by the escalators.

Although you may leave and re-enter the same day, we recommend that you spend the time to view both floors of the aquarium and then go outside to enjoy the OdySea in the Desert courtyard and shops. It should take you about 2 ½ hours to tour the aquarium.

Check In Sheet   Main Chaperone Checklist   Field Trip Expectations

Aquarium Map   Field Trip Map   Bus Driver Instructions   Bus Driver Information   Chaperone Agreement   Student Agreement   Field Trip Schedule   Sample Field Trip Schedules   Chaperone List 1 to 5   Chaperone List 1 to 10   Photo Release   Field Trip Info   Sack Lunch Order   Credit Card Auth

Title 1 Scholarship

Applications currently not being accepted, please check back later for Fall 2024 scholarship applications.

The OdySea Aquarium Foundation is pleased to provide opportunities for Arizona Title 1 school classrooms to experience a unique and immersive day of education at OdySea Aquarium.

Application Process The OdySea Aquarium Foundation receives multiple requests for Title 1 Scholarships every year.  There are limited scholarships and application does not guarantee an award. If your class is selected, you will be sent an award letter by email. We use the following criteria and eligibility guidelines in making our award decisions.

Scholarship Criteria & Eligibility

• Title 1 School designation from Arizona Department of Education
• At least 50% of the students eligible for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program
• Scholarship awards are limited to one per school, per semester

Application time frame: December 5, 2023 – January 31, 2024

Scholarships awarded: February 5, 2024

Visitation time frame: February 20, 2024 – May 20, 2024

The Odysea Aquarium Foundation considers scholarship applications from qualified Title 1 schools as designated by the Arizona Department of Education. To determine if your school class qualifies, please review the 'Scholarship Criteria & Eligibility' section above.

The OdySea Aquarium Foundation only accepts scholarship applications through our online process. To apply for a scholarship, please fill out the Title One Scholarship Application above.

In Arizona, there are more than 1,300 Title I schools working to meet the academic needs of children in low-income communities. The OdySea Aquarium Foundation would like to provide experiential, hands-on learning opportunities for every Title 1 school classroom, however, if your school classroom has participated in a Title 1 Scholarship field trip within the last scholarship cycle, your application may not be chosen to receive another scholarship so that other Title 1 school classrooms have an equal opportunity to participate in educational field trips. For example, if your classroom participated in a spring field trip, your classroom will not be eligible to participate in a fall field trip.

Title 1 scholarship applications are accepted on a rotating cycle. Please refer to the 'When to Apply' section above for specific submission dates.

If your class is selected to receive a Title 1 scholarship, you will be notified via email. Please refer to the 'When to Apply' section above for specific notification dates.

Mondays and Tuesdays are our preferred days for schools requesting a scholarship.

Title 1 schools may book a class of any size, but the scholarship will only cover a maximum of 100 students. Additional students may be added at the discounted field trip rate of $15.25, plus tax ($16.48).

If awarded a scholarship, it will cover the full cost of the student self-guided field trip admission (up to the maximum number of students awarded on the scholarship). Adult chaperones are free within a 1:5 ratio for preschool through 2nd grade and 1:10 ratio for 3rd grade through 12th grade.

Additional adults outside these ratios are $25.00, plus tax ($27.01) and are not covered by the OdySea Aquarium Foundation Scholarship. Additional students above the maximum number awarded by the scholarship will be required to pay the discounted student admission price of $15.25, plus tax ($16.48) each.

Changes to a Title 1 scholarship field trip reservation must be obtained no later than two weeks in advance by calling (480) 291-8192  or emailing [email protected] . Due to timelines and available funds, approval for any increase in the number of students must be obtained in advance. Groups arriving with an unauthorized group size will need to submit payment for the additional students and/or adults upon arrival. Cash, business check, credit card or PO will be accepted.

No. Only those schools designated as Title 1 by the Arizona Department of Education may apply for scholarships.

OdySea Aquarium continues to monitor and follow guidelines from the CDC and government authorities. Click here for the most updated details on what we are doing to keep guests safe and what to expect when you visit.

Buy Tickets

Be the first to hear about upcoming events, special offers, behind the scenes sneak peeks and more from OdySea Aquarium and our OdySea in the Desert partners.

480-757-5411

STEM Educational Field Trip in Phoenix

Where learning meets gravity.

Welcome to Field Trip at Gravity Extreme Zone , where education and adventure collide. If you are looking for the best field trip for kids, look no further. Inspire Your Students With Truly Interactive Activities!

At Gravity Extreme Zone we have designed an educational field trip for kids in Phoenix, which combines learning with fun.

The Elementary and Middle School Educational Field Trip at Gravity Extreme Zone uses Gravity’s unique attractions to make STEM exciting, relevant, and accessible to students. Our curriculum has been designed by STEM educators and scientists to support STEM learning in your classroom. Our field trip program was designed by professors having 20+ years of experience in the STEM field and also in the classroom.

We offer 7 different STEM field trip options designed to target specific learning objectives and applications of park attractions. Every Gravity field trip includes the following:

Before the Trip:

• Phone or face to face conference between Gravity staff and your school (in order to customize the STEM education program to your needs)
• Pre-field trip activities to conduct in your classroom (a short pre-trip discussion in class is very beneficial for learning)
• Activity Schedule of the field trip
• Interactive STEM lesson, delivered by Gravity STEM Educator (30 min)
• Hands-on student experiments led by Gravity STEM Educator (30 min)
• Attractions at Gravity Extreme Zone (2 hours)
• Introduction of attractions, instruction & safety training
• Supervised adventure time
• Photos and videos for the students to keep
• Lunch option (we have chef & kitchen on-site to provide freshly made food to students at affordable cost)

General Learning Objectives

• Increasing awareness of exciting STEM careers
• Learning how STEM is used in the real-world and how it is applied at Gravity
• Extreme Zone
• Understanding Scientific Method and its applications at Gravity Extreme Zone (Ask a
• question, background research, hypothesis, testing, analyzing data, drawing
• conclusion, sharing results)
• Understanding how STEM fields support each other
• Hands-on STEM experiments

Overnight STEM Camp-in

We also offer Overnight Camp-in field trip . Camp-ins offer a fun, unique way to experience field trip with memorable educational experiences. Great for school groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, fraternities, sororities & more. Bring your sleeping bags & camp-in over large bed of foam-pit, trampolines, dodge ball trampolines & have a time of your life. Camp-in field trip will include dinner, movies, breakfast & a lot of fun. Minimum 20 campers & 3 adults are required. Camp-ins begin at 8p.m. and conclude at 8am the following morning. 

Please contact us to get more information,  on prices, schedule & availability. Call us at 480 757 5411 or drop us a message, so one of our professionals can reach out to you at the earliest to discuss field trip ideas with you. 

Photo Gallery

50% OFF  SALE!

Tickets are limited! 

• (623)322-2001

Welcome to the Earth & Space Expedition Center in phoenix!

We are a facility dedicated to educating and inspiring both children and adults about the wonders of space exploration and earth conservation.

ALL-INCLUSIVE ADMISSION

June 1st is dinosaur day come visit our center for some dino themed activities. more information here, our museum will be closed to the public, with the exception of saturdays, for the duration of our summer camps beginning june 3rd., $9 senior / military, $8 children, children 5 or under and pv students free.

Seasonal Camps

The Earth and Space Expedition Center in Phoenix offers exciting and educational seasonal camps for students of all ages. Each day, our camps will take students on a journey of discovery as they explore the latest advancements in Earth and space science.

With a focus on hands-on learning and discovery, our camps are designed to inspire and engage students, allowing them to make new discoveries and see the impact that science and technology have on their daily lives.

Featured Exhibits

Our science center features a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that showcase the latest discoveries in Earth science, astronomy, and space technology. From the mysteries of the universe to the latest missions to Mars and beyond, we have something for everyone to explore.

For Students

For children, we offer hands-on activities and educational programs that make learning about space fun and engaging. Our dedicated tours and field trips feature interactive displays and games that teach important science concepts in a way that is easy for young minds to understand.

We also provide a wide range of field trip opportunities for local schools to partake in. With a variety of activity-based workshops, we guarantee that you and your students will learn something new in a fun and engaging way!

Looking for unique gifts?

Our gift shop features distinctive items curated for space & science enthusiasts of all ages; even out of this world pets. Plus, all of the proceeds of our shop benefit programs providing field trips to Title One Schools and camperships for students that wouldn’t be able to attend without some help.

Anyone Can Learn With Us!

Adults can learn and discover new things at our center, too! We have exhibits and programs that delve into the latest developments in space technology, as well as the history of space exploration and Earth conservation. Our planetarium shows offer an immersive experience that transports you to the stars, while our museum provides a plethora of knowledge that is sure to teach you something new.

This is a hidden gem! Not a high-budget operation, but my kids had a blast here! We all thought the space shuttle tire was cool, and enjoyed watching the tour of the ISS. The kids especially loved the room with the giant foam blocks and they built their own space station.  We also loved the planetarium and interactive exhibits in the second building. There was plenty of information to read and take in for adults and kids. We spent four hours here, and we totally got our money’s worth. My kids love building and space, though, so I imagine most families would probably be satisfied after about two hours.

“Excellent place with a lot of history as well as modern, interactive, and fun means of learning. Even better than their old location but all the same passion and excitement.”

“Was a great place to visit. Lots of history learned and also current events. Lots of hands-on things to check out.”

“I absolutely loved it. This is a good place for the entire family to go.”

James Jankowski

“Such a nice place for kids to imagine and explore their surroundings! Staff are super friendly too!”

Michelle Smalley

The earth and space expedition center offers a journey, of discovery into fascinating new worlds.

The desire to conserve our Earth and explore our universe.

WE CELEBRATE

science and space exploration, with a view of our history and a vision for our future.

people about earth and space science through fun, interactive learning experiences.

Through our immersive technologies, students of all ages and abilities realize the possibilities for their future. Hands-on exhibits teach in a fun way. Multimedia technology rewards curiosity and reinforces learning about space and the world around us.  

Where will your expedition take you?

Check out all of our special events and programs throughout the year.

At the Earth and Space Expedition Center, we believe that space exploration is not just for scientists and astronauts, but for everyone to experience and enjoy. We invite you to come and explore the wonders of the universe with us and discover the infinite possibilities that lie on and beyond our planet!

The Top 5 Field Trip Destinations in Phoenix

Educators and youth organizers in Phoenix, you’re in luck. There are so many great field trip destinations around town, the hardest part can be deciding where to start.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the top five best places to take your kids in Phoenix—keep reading to see what they are! And whenever you’re ready to secure a safe and reliable ride for your class, youth group , or after-school program, give us a call at 480-257-7734. Our representatives are available 24/7 to help you book a Phoenix charter bus rental , and we can even offer you a free, no-obligation price quote for your trip.

Great Arizona Puppet Theatre

Address: 302 W Latham St, Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone: 602-262-2050

Fun fact: the Theatre’s building used to be the Phoenix LDS 2nd Ward Church, a historic Phoenix landmark constructed in 1929. If you have a moment, take in the preserved Spanish Colonial architecture, Moorish columns, and hand-painted motifs throughout the building.

But if you’re simply here to catch a puppet show, that’s just as well—there’s almost always one playing! From classic fairy tales like Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin to educational musicals about the weather cycle, this theatre rotates through many children-focused programs that are sure to keep kids entertained.

Call 602-262-2050 ext. 3 to secure your group’s show—field trip reservations can only be made over the phone. Availability can vary (sometimes there’s a show available the day after you call, sometimes they’re sold out for months at a time), so call well in advance to ensure you get the day and time you want and the discounted youth group rate.

It’s also worth noting that there are no dining areas or food vendors at the Theatre—so you’ll need to bring a bagged lunch. You can easily store coolers and sandwiches in your charter bus’s roomy luggage bays, and there are reservable picnic areas at Margaret T. Hance Park across the street. Call the city’s parks office at 602-534-2407 to grab a table!

Where to park your charter bus: After unloading everyone on the sidewalk at the rear of the building, your driver can park in one of the two bus parking spaces near the dumpster on the west side of the lot. If for some reason these spaces are unavailable or you need extra parking space, your buses can also park along W Latham Street, south of the Theatre.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Address: 215 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Phone: 602-253-0501

If you’re on the move with a group of younger kids, there are few places in town better suited for your day out than the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. There’s so much for your little adventurers to experience and learn from—building a tower out of toddler-sized building blocks, pedaling through a tricycle “car wash,” snuggling into a quiet book loft, trapezing through a three-story jungle gym, pretending to run a pint-sized supermarket, and so much more!

Also, it’s one of Phoenix’s more accessible destinations for kids in terms of language, mobility, and stimulation. All exhibits and booklets are navigable in English, Spanish, and Braille. If you’ll be traveling with wheelchair users, call 602-253-0501 ext. 0 ahead of your visit to learn more about where to enter the building, and call Champion Charter Bus at 480-257-7734 to reserve an ADA-compliant motorcoach at no additional cost.

Where to park your charter bus: Parking in the Museum’s lots is free for all vehicles with admission. Buses and motorcoaches are asked to unload and park in the northernmost parking lot. If you make a reservation in advance, there should be plenty of signage set up to direct your driver to the right places.

Heritage & Science Park

This field trip destination is a two-for-one, with both the Historical Heritage Square and the Arizona Science Center located in the same city block. Here, you can spend some time exploring the history of Phoenix and the future of renewable energy all in one trip! Parking for both attractions is the same:

Where to park your charter bus: Because this destination is in the middle of downtown Phoenix, maneuvering a motorcoach can get tricky. Luckily, you have some options. If your group is already heading to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, just keep your bus parked in their lot—it’s directly across the street, and it’s an easy walk. If a trip to the museum isn’t in the cards, see if you can reserve a spot on the lower level of the Phoenix Convention Center’s East Garage (601 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004) or at the convention center’s marshaling yard (1102 E Tonto St, Phoenix, AZ 85034).

Rosson House Museum at Heritage Square

Address: 113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone: 602-262-5070

Round up your aspiring history buffs and step back in time at the Rosson House: a fully restored 1895 Victorian mansion that originally belonged to the city’s surgeon, Dr. Roland Rosson. In your hour-long tour of the home, you’ll see features commonly found in Victorian mansions (electric lamps, telephones, domestic water systems, etc.) as well as features unique to this house (like a Victorian-era anatomical model and constructions to accommodate the desert climate).

Groups of 8 or fewer don’t need a reservation to tour the house. But if you’re coming in with more people, you’ll need to call 602-262-5070 or email [email protected] at least two weeks before you plan to visit. Be prepared to make a $50 deposit to confirm your reservation.

Arizona Science Center

Address: 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone: 602-716-2000

If your kids are more of the science-y type, this interactive learning center will be more their speed. This place is full of interactive exhibits to encourage kids to engage in hands-on learning—from constructing their own desert-friendly homes, to transmitting their names in Morse Code, to playing with alternative energy sources like solar and wind.

Educators and group leaders can even request add-on demonstrations and dissection labs to accompany lesson plans or the group’s specific interests by filling out a field trip request form . Or, you can let the kids get creative with a session at the center’s makerspace , where they can tinker and invent to their hearts’ content. Either way, be sure to enlist at least one chaperone for every five students and to get in touch with the Center’s Group Sales Department to score East Garage parking passes for your bus.

Musical Instrument Museum

Address : 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Phone : 480-478-6000

Here, you’ll find more than 6,800 musical instruments on display and a bunch of tailored programs for different kinds of groups. Band and orchestra classes can learn more about instruments from across the globe. Younger crowds will enjoy jamming on a variety of drums, harps, and a theremin (with the help of volunteer musicians, of course). Even your physics students can learn a thing or two by checking out the STEM gallery and seeing how musical instruments work and the science of sound waves.

For a typical tour of the museum, expect to spend about two hours walking around the exhibits. School groups are encouraged to reserve a 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. time slot, while other youth groups like scout troops or after-school programs are asked to reserve in the early afternoon—though the museum is willing to make exceptions and extend your time slot if need be. Make your reservation by putting down your $75 deposit and filling out the MIM Field Trip Request Form or Youth Group Tour Request Form at least 15 days before your visit. If you have questions, contact the Group Tour Coordinator by calling 480-245-6919 or emailing [email protected].

Where to park your charter bus : The museum’s parking lot is free and very spacious—unless it’s an abnormally busy day, there should be plenty of room to park your bus. There are two bus loading/unloading zones: one near the main entrance on the north side of the parking lot, and one near the cafe on the south side.

Phoenix Zoo

Address: 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008

Phone: 602-286-3800

This Papago Park attraction has delighted the masses since the early 1960s and has hosted a lot of well-known animal residents, like a saved-from-extinction Arabian Oryx herd and Ruby, the painting Asian elephant. The zoo is laid out as a series of four walking trails: the Tropics Trail (rainforest residents), the Arizona Trail (American Southwest flora and fauna), the Africa Trail (animals from Africa), and the Children’s Trail, which has a petting zoo for the little ones. To see everything, you’ll be walking about 2.5 miles total—so make sure everyone wears some sturdy walking shoes and brings plenty of water.

Your group is more than welcome to explore the zoo in your own time—it takes about three hours to see everything. But if you’d like a little more structure, both preset and custom guided tours are available, with a discounted rate for groups of more than 25 people. Both tour options are led by zoo rangers, last about an hour and should be booked at least two weeks in advance.

Where to park your charter bus: Bus drivers are asked to enter the zoo grounds via Galvin Parkway. From there, they can drop your group off at the admissions booth near the turnstiles or the school group entrance to the right of the main entrance. During the summer (June through August), buses can park in the main parking lot if there is availability. However, during the school year (September through May), your driver will need to park in the zoo’s overflow lot. It will be the first right-hand turn after entering Papago Park, and there should be plenty of bus parking signage to direct your driver to the right place.

Plan Your Phoenix Field Trip Today

Whenever you’ve finalized your kids’ field trip itinerary, you can count on Champion Charter Bus to take you wherever you want to go—all on your own schedule and in total comfort. Whether you need a short-and-sweet minibus shuttle for your scout troop outing or a fleet of charter buses for your entire 3rd-grade class, our 24-hour team can set you up with a reliable ride that will keep them all together. Request amenities like free WiFi so your kids can play mobile games, TVs with DVD players so they can marathon their favorite movies, and AUX ports so everyone can join in on a road trip sing-a-long, and everyone will stay entertained between destinations! Call 480-257-7734 today to get started!

Field Trips

Let's Go On a Field Trip!

Just say the words "We're going on a field trip"and something magical happens in your classroom! Students are buzzing about the upcoming experience, the energy in palpable, and classroom discussions deepen. For more than ten years we have been providing hundreds of thousands of students from Title I schools access to live dance, music, theater, and museums in Phoenix and Tucson. Arts education can take students beyond the standard classroom environment through active and engaged learning practices and is an essential component of a well-rounded education.

We Bring the Magic!

We want to make educational arts field trips a fun and easy process for teachers., field trip registration is ongoing. please check the website frequently as new opportunities will become available on a rolling basis. .

To qualify for the Act One field trip program , a school must fit the following criteria:

✔️ Designated as Title I with at least 40% of students on free and reduced-price lunch.

✔️ Located in Arizona within busing distance of the field trip location (50 miles or less).

✔️ Be a public/charter school that serves students in grades PreK-12.

Please Note: We have EXTREMELY limited access to charter buses. Please use district buses if available. Act One will reimburse the cost of district buses. If charter buses are available, we require a minimum of 30 passengers.

If we are unable to give you an in-person field trip this school year, we will work with you to find

other experiences for your class such as our traveling Virtual Reality Arts Immersion™ field trip !

For questions/concerns please email: [email protected]

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School visits to Phoenix Art Museum introduce students of all ages to art from around the world and help them to develop critical- and creative-thinking skills through close looking and reflection. Our tours are aligned with Arizona Department of Education…

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What You Need to Know

Field trip process.

Learn about how the field trip process works and how you can take students on an educational arts field trip.

Field Trip FAQs

Have questions? We've got answers. Find out more about Act One Field Trips.

Resources for Teachers

Act One provides a variety of resources that help teachers integrate the arts into their school days.

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In-Person Field Trips – Phoenix

Thank you for your interest in bringing your students on an ATC field trip. All field trips take place at 10 a.m. and run times vary be show. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to show time, and plan to  spend at least 2 hours for the show. 

Once you fill out the form below, we will contact you regarding payment/PO and confirm your seats for the show you choose.

Where:  Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix

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Phoenix Northeast Valley, Arizona

Challenge Island

Welcome to the World's #1 STEAM Program

Where engineering meets imagination©, challenge island® is the official home of steambuilding® and steam teams®, our results show in our awards.

FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATORS

For parents, for girl scout leaders, register now, ask about booking a program, palm tree pillars.

The Foundational Pillars of our Program that Make Challenge Island the Go-To Choice for Millions of Parents and Educators

STEM + ART = STEAM

"To develop a complete mind, study the science of art; study the art of science; realize that everything connects to everything else." - Leonardo DaVinci

21st Century Skills

We foster the fundamental skills kids need to thrive today and tomorrow including creativity, collaboration, communication, flexibility and leadership.

Higher Level Thinking Skills

Our programs promote deep, critical, analytical and creative thinking abilities in kids which help ensure their long-term academic and professional success.

Project Based Learning

Our STEAM Teams® engage in collaborative, inquiry-based, student-driven learning grounded in real world connections and meaningful problem-solving.

Island Destinations

Whimsical island ambience combined with cross-curricular themes make the Challenge Island experience an unforgettable adventure.

Social-Emotional Learning

We foster the social and emotional intelligence children need to form healthy relationships, make positive choices and find fulfillment in life.

Research shows that a Challenge-Island-palm-tree-like ability to be flexible and strong through life’s ”storms” is far more essential to future success than IQ.

Steam Teams

No child is an island which is why kids tackle our hundreds of proprietary challenges by combining their strengths with those of a STEAM Team of friends.

Screen Free Fun

Our programs provide digital native kids the precious opportunity to connect with their peers face-to-face and discover the wonders of the world, undeterred by devices.

"One thing that makes Challenge Island a standout is what it lacks. You’ll find no screens or digital devices in a Challenge Island after-school class, camp or family night. Instead, kids working together in STEAM Teams, are encouraged to use imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to come up with creative solutions to challenges using a treasure-chest full of low-tech supplies."

Entrepreneur magazine, award-winning steam programs.

Award-Winning Onsite Field Trips

Our standard-aligned, cross-curricular K-12 field trips take students on a STEAMtastic island adventure without ever leaving school grounds.

Award-Winning Camps

When school is out, STEAM is in! Our outrageously exciting camps feel like vacations in their own right!

After School Enrichment

Our STEAM teams visit different island destinations each week and tackle challenges using only materials in their treasure chests and their boundless imaginations.

Girl Scout Workshops

Our wide array of badge and journey workshops for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes come with a Challenge Island Fun Patch for every girl!

Birthday Parties

Don’t just have a party, have an ISLAND party! Choose from our epic STEAM themes or design one of your very own.

Family Engagement & Parental Involvement Programs

Our multi-generational family engagement and parental involvement events turn families into STEAM Teams as they work together to take on family-size challenges and fun.

STEAMbuilding® & Bullying Prevention Programs

Our signature team-building experiences inspire collaboration, critical thinking and creativity in all kinds of teams – from kid to corporate!

Challenge Island Book Series Programs

STEAM + Reading = STREAM! Our book series field trips bring the bestselling Challenge Island stories to life in your classroom!

Hi, I’m Jessica Nathan!

I am excited to offer amazing s.t.e.a.m learning opportunities for northeast maricopa county children.

STEAM + Reading = STREAM!

Combine the magic of challenge island programs with the magic of reading with our bestselling book series.

Our STREAMy Onsite, Standard-Aligned Book Series Field Trips bring the story to life in your classroom!

Elevate After-School Enrichment with Challenge Island: Don’t Miss Out on Next Year’s Lineup!

As the school year winds down and plans for the next academic journey begin to take shape, it’s essential not to overlook the importance of enriching afterschool programs. These programs play a crucial role in providing students with opportunities for exploration, growth, and fun outside of traditional classroom hours. Among the myriad of options available, […]

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As the school year draws to a close and summer beckons with its promise of sunshine and adventure, parents and educators alike are faced with a crucial question: how can we ensure that children make the most of their summer break while also continuing to learn and grow? At Challenge Island, we believe that one […]

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Challenge Island, the world-renowned STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education program, proudly announces its remarkable achievement of being ranked on the Franchise 500 for the seventh consecutive year. The Franchise 500, an annual ranking by Entrepreneur magazine, recognizes outstanding franchises for their exceptional performance, innovation, and sustained growth. Challenge Island’s commitment to excellence, […]

Make Sharktooth Island Shark Bait Sushi Snacks to Celebrate Our Bestselling Book Series and Shark Camp!

WHAT YOU NEED: WHAT YOU DO:  Unwrap the crispy rice treats. (If they are not mini-sized, cut them into bite-sized pieces.) Top each crispy treat with a gummy fish. Cut the fruit roll into strips and wrap the strips around the shark bait sushi. Grab some chopsticks and take a chomp!

Challenge Island is Included on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 for the 6th Year in a Row!

Challenge Island Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2023 Franchise 500 for the 6th year straight!

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Challenge Island Ranks #188 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top Global Franchises List

All the world’s children need and deserve to experience the magic and benefits of Challenge Island! It is our honor to be ranked once again on Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises List as we continue our mission to bring Challenge Island to every child.

Empowering Girl Scouts with Challenge Island Workshops

At Challenge Island, we believe in inspiring and empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer engaging and educational workshops specifically designed for Girl Scouts of all ages. From Daisies to Cadettes, our workshops provide an opportunity for Girl Scouts to earn badges, explore STEAM concepts, and […]

Challenge Island in Action

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These Arizona students went on a ‘field trip’ using virtual reality; here’s how it works

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The future is here. We’ve got self-driving cars and programs that can write everything from a cover letter to conversing with you.

Now, you can add virtual reality field trips to that list. Immersive experiences are now just commonplace. For many, though, it can be pricey and just a little out of reach. But Act One , a cultural experience nonprofit, wants to close the gaps in access to some of our state’s most underserved students.

The students in Mr. Abbotts’ photography class may be sitting in their North High School classroom, but they’re about to go on a trip.

“Please put your headsets on we’re going to calibrate them and have them all look the same direction and then we’re going to start the chapter,” said Act One Field Trip Manager Emanuel Class.

“They’re being transported to the Four Corners area right now,” said Aaron Abbott. He’s also a teacher ambassador for Act One. The Valley nonprofit strives to provide arts and cultural experiences for Arizona families, particularly those at or below the federal poverty level.

“We actually travel the entire state we have two vans, and we come to students anywhere, Title One schools for free and we bring the arts for them,” said Executive Director Beth Maloney.

This arts immersion experience is called “Weaving Our Story.” Local indigenous artists share their stories from their perspectives on hoop dancing, sheepherding, art and storytelling.

“I personally like it because I’m native so being able to see my culture represented in the classroom is just a very nice experience and I like it being shared with my fellow classmates and friends. It just makes me very happy,” said one student.

Act One says this was born out of the pandemic when schools and art institutions were shut down. Now the technology has grown, gotten better and this is here to stay.

“Oh it’s super cool and it’s not always possible to get them to art museums or artists they might be studying and this gives them that opportunity,” said Abbott.

It’s Act One’s second season of content. Their first season highlighted Mexican art and history. Over 18,000 students have participated in these VR field trips so far.

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SR 87 reopens after wrong-way crash leaves 3 dead near Fountain Hills

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Your Arizona summer bucket list 2024, from beaches to cool cabins to the very best hot dogs

Summer may not officially start until June 20, 204, but in metro Phoenix the first 100-degree day marks the beginning of the end of long, leisurely midday strolls.

But there's no reason to moan and groan and hide away in the air conditioning for the next few months. There are plenty of amazing things to do to beat the heat and make the most of our hottest season.

Soak in the pool at a luxurious resort in Phoenix and Scottsdale, many of which drop their nightly rates or offer day passes to their pools and water parks during the summer. Take your First Friday festivities indoors at one of the free-for-the-night museums or galleries. Or score a hard-to-come-by reservation at a fine dining restaurant and while away the hours over multiple courses.

If you just can't take the heat, then get out of town. Take a lazy float down the Salt River. Spend the weekend at the beach in  Puerto Peñasco, Mexico . Or head to higher elevations for a hike or overnight stay in Flagstaff, Greer or the Mogollon Rim.

And when all else fails, there's always the movies .

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Here's a guide to making the most out of the summer 2024 in Arizona.

Day trips from Phoenix

Go Salt River Tubing: Spend a chill day floating down the Salt River with Salt River Tubing . Rent a tube, hop on the shuttle bus, then ease back and enjoy the cool water and dramatic desert and canyon scenery. You might even spot some of the wild horses that live along the river.

Mmmm pie: Nothing brings people together like pie. There are fancier desserts and trendier desserts, but pie is in a league of its own. It's the perfect combination of sweetness and warmth, the most comforting of comfort foods. Here are the best pies in Flagstaff, Tucson, Prescott and more.

Explore Arizona's newest state park: The Verde River runs right through Rockin' River Ranch State Park in Camp Verde, perfect for swimming, fishing or streamside lounging. Six miles of flat trails crisscross the park, and picnic benches are placed throughout, so bring your lunch.

Overnight getaways from Phoenix

Best Memorial Day weekend getaways: Pack up the car and head somewhere cool for the long holiday weekend. Our guide to the top Memorial Day road trips in Arizona will help you plan a trip to ancient cultural sites, a lake and the curviest scenic mountain drive around.

Hit the beach without leaving Arizona: Of course Arizona doesn't have an ocean. But just because we lack that ultimate body of water doesn’t mean we’re short of beaches. Arizona contains numerous scenic and surprising beachfront properties. Here's a roundup of Arizona's best beaches .

North Rim: The quieter side of Grand Canyon: It takes about six hours to drive from Phoenix to the N orth Rim of Grand Canyon National Park , but people who make the trek will be rewarded with cool temps at 8,000 feet and an entirely more peaceful and relaxing experience. Don't miss sunrise at Imperial Point and sunset at Cape Royal.

Rent a cabin in the woods: Whether you want to get away for a night or a week, you can’t go wrong with these 10 beautiful cabins that span the state from Sedona and Flagstaff to the Mogollon Rim and across the White Mountains.

Check out the Las Vegas Sphere: See for yourself why people are buzzing about The Sphere, the new concert and entertainment venue in Vegas. Dead & Company is doing a Dead Forever residency at the Sphere through July 13.

Events and activities to make you forget the heat

Geek out at Fan Fusion 2024: Fan Fusion is Phoenix's comic con, where you can dress as your favorite superhero, admire others' impressive cosplay, meet your favorite celebs and treat yourself to some next-level merch. It's Memorial Day weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Treat yourself to a resort staycation: Locals can live like tourists when hotels throughout metro Phoenix drop their rates in summer. Lounge by the pool, treat yourself to a massage or facial and enjoy stunning mountain and desert views. Here are the best 2024 staycation deals in Phoenix , Scottsdale and other parts of the Valley.

Fun (out of) the sun in Phoenix

Get your game on at Round 1: With video and other games galore, billiards and an indoor sports complex with trampolines and more, Round 1 Japanese arcade is opening a second location in metro Phoenix. The Valley's first Round 1 opened at Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale ; a second Round 1 location is coming to Chandler Fashion Center.

Make like Speed Racer: There are numerous indoor and outdoor go-karting venues in metro Phoenix, each offering unique track layouts and experiences. From Phoenix Kart Racing Association's challenging outdoor asphalt track to Andretti Indoor Karting , there's an experience to suit every driver.

Visit a museum for free: You just need a library card. The Act One Culture Pass partners with over 175 libraries statewide and covers 26 art and cultural venues and 16 performing arts organizations, including ASU Gammage in Tempe and the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Check your library's website for which Culture Passes it offers and the rules for borrowing one.

Restaurants that just make you feel cool

Phoenix might not be known for waterfront dining, but these restaurants go against the grain with tables overlooking lakes , which will at least give you the illusion of a cool breeze.

Step back in time for a bite of history at some of the oldest family-owned restaurants. Though one of them opened without air conditioning back in 1947, they all have AC cranking now.

With fewer crowds, summer is also a great time to work your way through our list of 100 essential Phoenix restaurants . If you make it to them all, you earn major bragging rights.

Iced coffee for life

There's nothing like an iced coffee on a hot summer day. San Diego-based Better Buzz coffee made its Phoenix debut on Seventh Street so you can cool down with their signature iced "Best Drink Ever" ($5.49), a classic Americano with creamy vanilla powder. On the west side, House of Honey in Peoria infuses their espresso with honey from the family's own hives for subtly sweet iced drinks like the cinnamon honey latte.

There's always boba at places like Mango Rabbit Boba, which serves over-the-top anime-themed drinks in Mesa, or freshly made tapioca pearls at Mochi Fresh in Tempe. Even Starbucks is getting in the bubble tea game this summer with a line of its own boba drinks.

Food crawls are a great way to spend the day

Summer is unofficial hot dog season and we have your guide to 20 of the best hot dogs in town . We didn't say fanciest, we said best. This list of 20 dogs ranges from Chicago-style to Sonoran and it basically begs to be treated as a summer dining bucket list.

If eating hot dogs makes you crave a burger, might we suggest eating your way through the reader's choice burger bracket ? Or you could just skip ahead to the number one pick .

For a one-stop food crawl, Mekong Plaza is the ultimate destination, with the largest selection of Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino and Taiwanese restaurants under one roof.

Reach the entertainment and travel editor at  [email protected] .

Reach the food, dining and nightlife editor at  [email protected] .

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