We love museums – great family activity and an educational experience too. A great indoor activity too when you’re looking to escape the heat of Arizona’s summers.
This past Sunday my son and I met some friends and explored the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa, AZ. The kids had a blast and it was a great way to escape the heat for a hew hours (temps hit 115+ this weekend!). It was also a FREE day at the museum so a lot of other families had the same idea.
As soon as you enter, you are greeted by two Mammoth skeletons. Intrigued by the skeletons, the first room we headed off to was dinosaurs. There’s a mix of dinosaur skeletons and animated dinosaurs including a repeat show with a storm that arrives and waterfalls that come to life – a hit with all the kids.
There are exhibits on early civilizations including a focus on Native Americans and their art.
An old jail cell and the mining tunnel was popular with the kids. The tunnel leads out to the outdoor mine where you can pan for gold. Definitely one of the most popular areas of the museum (especially when the temps are a bit cooler)
Near the dinosaurs is the Origins room which focuses on earth’s formation and has a huge rock exhibit. My son, the future geologist, could spend hours in this room.
The Place: Arizona Museum of Natural History
The Location: 53 N MacDonald Mesa, AZ 85201
Have you visited the Arizona Museum of Natural History? What’s your favorite exhibit?
Arizona Museum of Natural History. Great family activity in Mesa, AZ. Things to do in Arizona.