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Come See Us!
We (and the animals and plants) can’t wait to see you! Please review the following important information before visiting.
PRO TIPS
85% of the Desert Museum is outdoors and primarily a walking experience. We encourage you to dress accordingly for your safety and to have the best Sonoran Desert adventure!
We encourage you to download a Museum map before you visit.
Safety Guidelines
Please read the following tips to make the most of your experience!
- Do not yell at the animals, tap on their exhibits, or throw objects.
- Stay on the designated paths and do not go into Staff Only areas.
- Please do not pick flowers or plants.
- The Desert Museum is a natural home to a variety of native wildlife such as rattlesnakes, scorpions, lizards, birds, and spiders that come and go. Please notify the nearest member of staff if you observe a rattlesnake, or other wild animal that may pose a risk. Please do not approach or attempt to touch wildlife.
- While the food at the Museum is yummy, please do not share with any of the animals, including free-roaming birds, squirrels, etc.
What to Bring
Sunscreen
On average, there are 286 sunny days per year in Tucson! Make sure to wear and reapply. FYI: There is free sunscreen in the restrooms!
Hat & Sunglasses
We don’t want you squinting during your visit! Make sure to shade your eyes so you can take in the spectacular desert views.
Please participate in the zoowise survey to help make zoos wiser!
Planning to visit the Museum? Fill out a survey (in English or Español) before and after your visit to tell us why you're visiting and what you learned about conservation.
Water
In the desert heat, drink more water than you think you need. Please bring your own reusable water bottle! We have traditional water fountains and touchless water bottle refill stations around grounds that can be used. Bottled and canned water is also available for purchase!
Comfy Shoes
Since the Museum is primarily a walking experience, you’ll definitely want comfortable footwear as your traverse the trails.
The Desert Museum is dedicated to providing a naturalistic and enriching sanctuary for our animals and plants, and a clean, friendly, entertaining and educational experience for our guests. Our goal is to inspire people to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert. The comfort and safety of our guests and animal and plant residents is our top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Face masks are optional in all areas. We encourage guests to follow the most current CDC guidance to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and make choices about visiting and precautions that align with one’s personal health status and level of risk.
85% of the Desert Museum is outdoors and primarily a walking experience. We encourage you to dress accordingly for your safety and to have the best Sonoran Desert adventure!
Most guests spend 2-3 hours touring the Museum. As we continue to grow, there is more to see and do! You could easily spend a whole day here and still have more to see!
Yes, manual wheelchairs, strollers, and motorized scooters are available to rent from Guest Services.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Museum, however there is a picnic ramada available near the front entrance. We are also conveniently located next to picnic areas in Tucson Mountain Park. The Ironwood Terraces Restaurant and Phoebe's café are open daily. There are traditional water fountains and touchless water bottle refill stations around grounds.
Smoking and/or vaping is not permitted.
As much as we love animals, no pets are allowed on grounds. Only service animals are permitted.
Yes! Please visit Guest Services before exiting. Please note Museum grounds promptly close at 5:00 p.m.
For the safety of other guests and the animals, glass containers, weapons, skateboards, scooters, bicycles, balloons, whistles, and outside food and beverages are not allowed on grounds.
In general, guests may take nonprofessional photos for personal use. Professional photographers must adhere to our photography policy.
The Desert Museum is pleased to contribute to the success of likeminded nonprofit organizations by providing charitable contributions. You can apply here.
Yes! We are always looking for more support. Please visit our volunteer page for more info.
Please call Guest Services at 520-883-2702 or e-mail info@iescn.net.
Admissions
Yes. Tickets can be purchased at the front gate, or in advance online.
Currently tickets purchased in advance are date specific, however if you are unable to visit on the date you purchased, simply contact Guest Services and we will be happy to adjust your reservation date or refund your purchase if necessary.
If you are unable to visit on the date purchased, please contact Guest Services. We will be happy to adjust your reservation date, or refund your purchase if necessary.
Yes. We offer a $2 discount on General Admission for active duty military and retirees. Bring a form of ID to verify your military status and purchase your tickets at the front gate. Limit 2 General Admission tickets per ID. Discount does not apply to youth tickets or other discounted tickets.
Yes. We offer a $2 discount on General Admission for seniors ages 65 and over. Bring a photo ID to verify your eligibility and purchase your tickets at the front gate.
Residents of Arizona and Sonora Mexico are eligible to receive a $5 discount on General admission tickets with proof of residency. If your photo ID doesn’t reflect your current resident status, bring a photo ID along with a recent piece of mail to your resident address and purchase your tickets at the front gate. Discount does not apply to youth tickets or other discounted tickets.
The Desert Museum is for everyone. We are committed to providing guests with an experience that will inspire them to live in harmony with the natural world by fostering love, appreciation, and understanding of the Sonoran Desert. We believe everyone should be able to experience incredible connections to nature and wildlife, regardless of economic status or other factors. This program allows the Desert Museum to be more accessible to low-income households.
Any cardholder of valid, non-expired Arizona state-issued EBT card with valid photo ID and up to three (3) additional individuals at the discounted price.
No. The EBT cards can only be used to show that cardholders are eligible for Desert Museum CAP rate. They must use a method that the Museum accepts to pay – cash or credit/debit cards.
The Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui have a rich and diverse history in the Sonoran Desert region that is intimately tied to the land we now inhabit. Providing free admission to the Museum to all Indigenous peoples of the Americas is a continuing acknowledgement that the Desert Museum sits on Indigenous land, most recently, Tohono O'odham.
Because this institution is regionally focused, access plays a vital role in fostering understanding, appreciation, and preservation of Native culture, traditions, and languages. It allows Tribal members to connect with their heritage and share their knowledge and experiences with others. For Native American people, controlling the narrative of their story leads to a more accurate and inclusive depiction of a shared history and culture in the region.
Furthermore, free admission ensures that all Native Americans have opportunities to engage with cultural and educational experiences at ASDM. By granting free admission to all Native Americans, we can actively promote cultural equity, raise awareness, foster collaborative relationships, and begin to reconcile historical injustices.
Simply bring your Tribal ID or CIB to the ticket windows and a Guest Services Representative will issue you an admission ticket at no cost.
Membership
Absolutely! A Gift Membership may be purchased a few different ways — online, or with a Guest Service Assistant by phone or in-person. Gift Memberships include the same benefits as a standard Desert Museum membership. They are valid for one year from the date of purchase, extended to the end of the month.
To purchase online, select the level you would like to purchase and fill out the information for the person for whom you are purchasing the membership. An email will then be sent directly to them. Unfortunately, there is no customization for an online gift membership. If you have any questions, please call Guest Services at 520-883-1380 ext. 7100.
A Desert Museum membership is valid for one-year from the date of purchase, extended to the end of the month. (Example: A membership purchased on October 1, 2024 will expire on October 31, 2025)
Desert Museum memberships in the Dual category or higher offer the option to name both adults on the membership OR list the second adult as a “Guest.” This allows the named member to bring any one person with them at each visit for the duration of their membership. Additionally, Desert Museum memberships (excluding Student) include single-use admission tickets to use for guest admission.
Depending on your level of membership, your membership gift (less the fair market value of the goods and services received) could be considered tax deductible for income tax purposes. Please consult your tax professional for guidance in making final determinations.
While we are proud to be an AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited organization, the Desert Museum does not currently participate in the AZA Reciprocity Program or offer reciprocal benefits to other institutions.
Children and grandchildren (age 17 and under) of the named adult member(s) are included on Desert Museum memberships in the Family category or higher. Youth must be accompanied by an adult member. See the Desert Museum Membership page for additional information regarding membership categories & benefits.
Yes! We think you would love being a member of our Pack, but we understand if you want to see for yourself before joining. You may apply the cost of your admission tickets to the purchase of a membership the day of your visit. The number of tickets that may be applied depends on the membership category.
Student / Individual: Apply up to 1 adult admission ticket.
Dual: Apply up to 2 adult admission tickets.
Family / Turquoise / Copper / Silver / Gold: Apply up to 2 adult & 2 youth admission tickets.
Present your admission tickets or receipt at a ticket window on your way out of the Museum and a Guest Service Assistant will be happy to help you Join Our Pack!
