A Hidden Gem for Families: Visiting the Arizona Museum of Natural History
If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do with kids in the East Valley, the Arizona Museum of Natural History is absolutely worth a visit.
We recently went as a family and quickly realized one big mistake: we only gave ourselves two hours.
That wasn’t nearly enough time to see everything.
The museum ended up being much bigger and way cooler than we expected, and both my kids and I were surprised by how much there was to explore.
First Impressions: Fossils and Excavation Displays
When you first walk in, you’re greeted by displays showing pieces of land that were excavated and wrapped in a cast to help preserve fossils.
It’s fascinating to see the actual process scientists use to protect discoveries before they’re studied further.
It immediately sets the tone that this isn’t just a place to look at exhibits—it’s a place to learn how discoveries are actually made.
The Gift Shop (Worth the Stop!)
Before heading into the main exhibits, we wandered into the gift shop—and ended up spending quite a bit of time there.
Even though the space is small, there was a lot packed into it, and I was pleasantly surprised by the pricing. Nothing felt overpriced, and they had several unique items you don’t typically see in museum gift shops.
If your kids love rocks, fossils, or science toys, plan a few minutes here. Don’t have time to make a museum trip just yet? Bring the magic of excavation and exploration home!
Dinosaurs, Animals, and Fun Photo Ops
The dinosaur section was easily one of the highlights for my kids.
Not only are there impressive dinosaur displays, but there are also live animals and some fun photo opportunities that kids will love. It’s the kind of area where they can learn something and still feel like they’re having a big adventure.
Artifacts, Pottery, and Ancient Techniques
Another section featured skulls, pottery, and historical artifacts from the region.
What I found especially interesting was learning about the techniques archaeologists use to excavate and preserve artifacts. It gave a lot more context to the items on display and helped explain how scientists piece together history.
The Gold Mining Experience (Our Kids’ Favorite)
Eventually we made our way outside to the gold mining experience, where kids can sift through sand in a beautiful artificial water feature looking for pyrite.
We thought we’d spend maybe 10 minutes there.
Instead?
We stayed for about 45 minutes. Keep in mind, we visited in late February, so the weather was amazing!
It was just too much fun to leave, and my kids (and admitedly us as well!) were determined to keep digging for treasure.
Beautiful Arizona Minerals
One of the things that really stood out to me was the mineral displays.
Arizona is famous for its copper deposits, and the museum had some stunning examples—including botryoidal malachite and chrysocolla. The swirling blues and greens almost look unreal in person.
If your kids enjoy the gold mining activity outside, this section is a great way to show them the actual minerals that come from Arizona’s rich mining history.
Exploring the Old Mines and Tunnels
Another really cool area we didn’t have nearly enough time for was the section featuring the Territorial Jail and the Lost Dutchman Mine entrances.
The displays make it feel like you’re stepping back into Arizona’s mining days, with tunnels and historic details that help tell the story of the people who worked and lived here.
Next time we visit, this is one of the sections I want to spend a lot more time exploring.
A Quick Stop at the Old Jail
One exhibit we almost rushed past—but absolutely shouldn’t have—is the old territorial jail.
Inside, you can actually step up to the bars and imagine what it would have been like to be locked up back in Arizona’s early days.
Of course, my kids immediately wanted to pose for pictures.
At one point my daughter stuck her arms through the bars, and I jokingly told her this was where I’d be leaving her if she didn’t start listening. 😄 9 year olds are the new pre-teens, I’ve concluded!
Thankfully the museum doesn’t offer that service… but it definitely made for a great photo.
When We Ran Out of Time
By the time we finished mining, the museum was closing in about 15 minutes.
That meant we had to rush through the rest of the exhibits, which honestly felt like such a shame because there was still so much to see.
Some of the things we only had time to breeze past included:
- A historic jail exhibit
- A mining tunnel
- Native American artifacts
- A huge multi-story dinosaur display
- And even a live Gila monster unexpectedly hanging out in one of the exhibits
Yes… an actual Gila monster!
Our Biggest Tip: Give Yourself Plenty of Time
If you plan to visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History, I highly recommend giving yourself at least 3–4 hours.
There is so much more to see than you might expect, and it’s the kind of place where kids naturally want to slow down and explore.
Final Thoughts
This museum ended up being one of those pleasant surprises where you walk in not knowing exactly what to expect and leave wishing you had more time.
If you’re raising kids in Arizona—or just visiting the area—it’s a great way to learn more about the history, fossils, wildlife, and cultures that make Arizona so unique.
We’ll definitely be going back… next time with a lot more time set aside.
Plan Your Visit
Location:
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tickets:
Adults: $14
Seniors: $12
Children (3–17): $9
Children under 3: Free
Money-Saving Tip
Experiences like the Arizona Museum of Natural History—and other museums around Arizona—sometimes pop up on Groupon.
If you’re planning a family outing, it’s worth checking there before you go because discounted tickets and local experiences show up fairly often.
Nearby Family-Friendly Stops
If you’re making a day of it, consider stopping nearby for lunch or playtime.
Restaurants like Chompie’s or The Cheesecake Factory are close by, and kids can burn off some energy afterward at Mesa Riverview Park.