Wanna Have Fun? The Best Arizona Field Trips
The crew for Jodie’s Touch of Style has found some of the best Arizona field trips while going out and about to take blog photos. Personally, my favorite option is to take a tour if there is one available because you get so much more knowledge of the place you are visiting.
Quote of the day: “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” Melody Beattie
Best Arizona Field Trips
1-Biltmore Hotel Tour
2-Phoenix Zoo Tour
3-River of Time Docent Tour
4-Liberty Wildlife Tour
5-BTS Tour at MIM
6-Lake Pleasant Cruises
7-Rosson House Tour
8-Elk Theater Tour
9-Boyce Thompson Arboretum Tour
10-Desert Botanical Gardens Tour
That’s why I wanted to share my 10 favorite Arizona field trips that include tours and things to do. While you will find some of these destinations on the top places to see in Arizona, I find it even better if you can schedule a tour at the time you are visiting.
In fact, I’ve shared the logistics of what is involved in our “field trip” days if you are interested with a little humor and true confessions thrown in for good measure.
This is not the only time I’ve shared the places we’ve explored on this site. Make sure to check out our other great finds.
1-Biltmore Hotel Tour
2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Website
The Legendary History 90-minute tour is $35 and well worth it
Built in 1929, this luxury resort is set on 39 lush acres, The McArthur brothers wanted to make Arizona a tourist destination – but they needed proper accommodations. Thus the Arizona Biltmore is built with a strong Frank Lloyd Wright influence.
I consider this one of the best Arizona field trips because it incorporates much of the history of the hotel as well as stories about many of the famous people who have stayed here.
2- Phoenix Zoo Tours
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Website
Many different tour options, but the guided tour is only $5 in addition to the admission price. Other tours have different prices.
Call 602.914.4333 (three weeks advance notice required for scheduling)
The Phoenix Zoo opened in 1962 and is the largest privately owned, non-profit zoo in the United States. While it’s fun to walk around on your own, you learn a ton more about how the animals are cared for in the Arizonan environment on the Custom Guided Tour.
There are a ton of different kinds of tours available and while some are categorized for young kids, aren’t we all kids at heart?
3-River of Time Museum Docent Tour
12901 N La Montana Dr #4742, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Website
Docent tour free with paid admission. Call 480-837-2612 or email volunteers@riveroftime.center to schedule your tour
Again, the docent tour makes this exhibit much more interesting. This museum focuses on the Verde River Valley’s formation & history, including the experiences of the Yavapais. It’s a small place, but they’ve done an incredible job of creating a wonderful timeline of the area.
4-Liberty Wildlife
2600 E Elwood St, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Website
$15 for a private tour. Request a tour one month ahead of your planned tour on their site.
Wildlife rescue service in Phoenix, Arizona is where you can see an amazing array of birds, owls, and reptiles that have been rescued. If the animal can’t be healed and released into the wild again, they are kept here. Even if you don’t request a tour, you can walk around the area and there are volunteers to answer your questions plus some exhibitions depending on the time of day.
Insider tip: Their hours are limited, so make sure to check their website before you go.
5-MIM VIP Tour
4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050
Website
The VIP tour is $7 on top of the general admission to the museum
BTS at MIM Opened in April 2010, it is the largest museum of its type in the world. The collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects includes examples from nearly 200 countries and territories.
With the VIP tour, you get to see how the pieces are stored, and how exhibits are made as well as getting access to areas that you can’t see otherwise.
6-Lake Pleasant Cruises
8708 W Harbor Blvd, Peoria, AZ 85383
Website
Many different music, narration, or dinner cruises start at $30
Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a large outdoor recreation area straddling the Maricopa and Yavapai county border northwest of Phoenix, Arizona. It’s a huge expanse of water and enjoying one of the cruises is a fabulous way to forget you are in the desert.
Insider tip: Even in the summer, being on the water tends to be cooler, so take a jacket or wrap.
7-Rosson House Tour
113 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Website
$15 to take the 60-minute tour for a glimpse into the lifestyles of early Phoenix families.
The Museum is a fully-restored 1895 Queen Anne Victorian house museum in the heart of downtown Phoenix. You are not allowed in the house unless you sign up for a tour, but you can walk around the Heritage Square at Science Park for free.
8-Elk Theater Tour
117 E Gurley St # 115, Prescott, AZ 86301
Website
There is a free tour explaining the history and renovations of this historic place. However, you cannot find information about the tour on their site. We happened to just walk into it. I would suggest calling to find out their schedule. Phone: (928) 777-1370
The Prescott Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center is a classically designed turn of the 20th century opera house seating over 500. Completed in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Elks Building and Theater, it was one of many “Elks’ Opera Houses” across the country.
9-Boyce Thompson Arboretum
37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173
Website
There are a variety of tours available which are free with admission to the park.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. It is one of the oldest botanical institutions west of the Mississippi River. While it’s fun to walk around on your own, you can learn much more from being on one of the tours.
10-Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Website
Docent tours are free with admission during certain parts of the year
Desert Botanical Garden is a 140-acre botanical garden that is incredible to walk around on your own. However, joining a docent tour gives you insider information about how cacti and succulents survive in our harsh climate. It’s truly an amazing way to learn more about these plants that you see all over Arizona.
Insider tip: Each docent shares different things on the tours, so even if you’ve been here before, you learn different things with different docents.
If you ever have questions about where to go or what to see when visiting Arizona, I hope you reach out to me. We have stumbled across some of the best Arizona field trips and I’m constantly looking for more ideas.
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