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Family Friendly Places to Visit In Phoenix For Under $25

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Last year I went to Arizona with a group of friends for a girls getaway. We had a lot of fun together and I realized it’s a great place for families too. Phoenix devised a list of inexpensive family friendly attractions in the Phoenix area. Each attraction offers admission for less than $25, which makes it easy for families to plan a fun filled trip while staying within a budget.

Phoenix Zoo

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With more than 1,400 animals, the Phoenix Zoo offers an educational experience and understanding of the wild creatures’ habitats and lifestyles. The zoo is one of the largest private non-profit organizations in the country and relies on admissions, concessions, special events and philanthropic donations for operations. Walk through the Africa Trail and greet giraffes, zebras and flamingos. Head south toward the Tropics Trail and witness jaguars and monkeys. Continue to the Harmony Farm and see real farm animals such as cows, pigs and chickens. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and younger. Hours vary by season, but the zoo is open year-round, seven days a week. Visit the press page for more information.

Heard Museum

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The Heard Museum has been internationally recognized for its collections, educational programming and festivals. The museum dedicates its work to the sensitive and accurate portrayal of Native American arts and culture. The exhibits feature artwork ranging from ancient artifacts to modern paintings. General admission includes access to 11 exhibition galleries, public guided tours, outdoor sculpture gardens, the café and museum shop. Admission is $18 for adults, $7.50 for students and children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and younger. The museum is open every day of the year excluding Easter, July 4, and Christmas. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit the press room for more information.

Phoenix Art Museum

Through July 6, the Hollywood Costume exhibit comes to life at the Phoenix Art Museum. View outfits worn by unforgettable characters in movies such as The Wizard of Oz, Titanic, Harry Potter and Dark Knight Rises. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibit is only coming to the West Coast once and only at the Phoenix Art Museum. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-17, and free for children 6 and younger. General admission to view the rest of the museum is $15 for adults, $10 for students and $6 for children. The museum is closed Monday and Tuesday, but is open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.

Hollywood Costume exhibit hours through July 6, 2014:

• Tuesday, Noon – 5 p.m.

• Wednesday, Noon – 8:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Noon – 5 p.m.

• Friday, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum is the only museum in the world that displays musical instruments from nearly every country in the world. Guests are invited to play instruments in the Experience Gallery as well as view instruments played by musical icons such as John Lennon, Elvis Presley and Taylor Swift. A unique feature to the museum is the use of wireless headsets that provide continuous audio as the guest approaches each display, which provides a greater understanding of the sounds of each musical culture or topic. General admission includes the use of the headset and access to the Orientation Gallery, Experience Gallery and the country galleries. The price for admission is $18 for adults, $14 for teens, $10 for children ages 4-12, and free for children ages 3 and younger. For an added $7, guests can view the Women Who Rock gallery, a special exhibit created by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum. The exhibit features artifacts, costumes and instruments from more than 70 women artists. This exhibit is only available through April 20.  The museum is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the press page.

Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center is the premier Phoenix destination for learning all things science. With exhibits focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining guests about science, the Arizona Science Center is sure to keep adults and kids alike interested and amused. Enjoy the hands-on exhibits that allow you to explore renewable energy, digital communications and even the shake of an earthquake. General admission for the center is $16.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids age 3-17, $14.95 for seniors, and free for children 2 and younger. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visit the press center for more information.

Enchanted Island Amusement Park

Whether you like spinning, flying, dropping, bumping, driving, rocking, or rolling, Enchantment Island Amusement Park rides are sure to thrill and delight. This picturesque park is filled with charm and magic, offering nine fanciful rides and a variety of popular attractions geared especially toward children aged 1 to 10. Ride the historic Encanto Carousel or get your feet wet in Splash Zone. Whether you duel with dragons or float into the sky with Parachute Tower, all ages are sure to delight at Enchantment Island. Admission into the park is free, but each ride takes tickets purchased inside the park. An all-day park pass is $14.25 for children under 54 inches tall and $8.50 for guests over 54 inches tall. Add the all-day splash zone pass for an added $2. The park has varied hours throughout the 2014 year.

Goldfield Ghost Town
Back in the 1890’s Goldfield boasted 3 saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market and a school house. Just when it looked like the town would outgrow Mesa, the vein faulted, the grade of ore dropped and the town died a slow painful death despite unsuccessful tries to revive it. After more than 115 years, travelers from all over the world still visit this gold mining town located on the historic Apache Trail and enjoy the excitement and grandeur of Arizona’s Wild West. Tour the historic Mammoth Gold Mine and visit the town’s museum. Witness an Old West gun fight or pan for gold. The town is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located 45 minutes from Downtown Phoenix. Ride the Goldfield Narrow-Gauge Railroad in a 1.5 mile loop that circles the town for admission of $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for kids 5-12. Take a 25-minute Goldfield Mine Tour that takes you underground and back in time for the same price as the railroad. The Goldfield Gunfighters offers free shows every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. 

Usery Mountain Regional Park

Located on the Valley’s east side, Usery Mountain Regional Park spans 3,648 acres in the Goldfield Mountains. The park has plenty to explore, with a large variety of plants, animals and trails. Explore the beautiful Sonoran Desert by camping, hiking, horseback riding or picnicking. Programming and events at the park includes bird walks, family hikes, animal flashlight walks, scorpion information sessions, stargazing, full moon hikes and an abundance of others. Price for the programs typically cost just $6 per car. A full list of events and programs is found on the website. 

Photography Texture and Temperature: Arizona Rocks #BloggersGo #Travel

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The following photos are the same photo that I took when I was in Arizona earlier this year with BloggersGo and the Arizona CVB. I love taking photos of texture. The original photo is actually the fourth photo out of this collection. All I did to each one was change the temperature of the photo by adding a color temperature over each photo.

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Different Pointe of View and Terrace Room Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort Phoenix Arizona

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My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB.

Fine dining with a view and possibly the best food I’ve ever had, ever. The Different Pointe of View on the Tapatio Cliffs Resort Pointe Hilton in Phoenix Arizona is a distinct and unforgettable Phoenix dining destination that over its 25 year history has evolved into a culinary experience just as memorable as its stunning views atop North Mountain in Phoenix. And they have won so many awards, I was in shock, until I tasted the food then I just thought well of course. They deserve all of those awards. Here’s a shot of the view behind where I was sitting outside the Terrace Room.

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The genius of Different Pointe of View is its aptitude to make fine dining an enjoyable and relaxed experience. Of course I think part of it is the grand view. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the dramatic panoramas of the Valley’s desert landscape, the city’s twinkling lights and Arizona’s breathtaking sunsets. Whether seated indoor or out, the sense of dining on top of the world cannot be ignored. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful and each person had their own job. One guy was the “wine guy” and he was awesome.  Everyone was awesome.  IMG_5028

We also enjoyed the Terrace Room at Different Pointe of View. There you will experience an ultra-chic indoor or outdoor gathering. This unique Phoenix restaurant has a clean and linear interior design, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, and gourmet menu featuring finely crafted dishes expertly paired with heady wines.

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We had many appetizers and enjoyed them greatly. They were healthy yet decadent and unbelievable in flavor.

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IMG_5030Inspiring interior décor quickly draws you in via the dramatically backlit red glass floor, plush settees and confidante sofas, red glass accents and beaded wall coverings. Head outside to the Terrace Room patio and settle back into cozy rattan furniture in a Tuscan bronze finish.

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The nine-foot outdoor fire pit adds a warming glow to even the chilliest desert nights. As an added bonus, the Terrace Room now offers Bailey’s Irish Cream, Frangelico, Amaretto and Kahlua infused marshmallows, along with several dipping sauces, ideal for roasting over the outdoor flame. The marshmallows are delicious and they don’t melt as quickly as regular marshmallows.  IMG_5086Outdoor décor is complete with an eight-foot-tall, hand-forged iron arbor framing a gurgling, cliff-edge fountain.

The Music Culture Museum in Phoenix Arizona: Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) #bloggersgo #myphx

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My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB.

The culture of music can all be explored in one fantastic place, the Musical Instrument Museum, MIM. MIM is an inspiring venue for sharing the world’s music. Travel the world by experiencing musical instruments in five Geographical Galleries. Using state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, you will hear, see, and feel the creative spirit of people from around the world playing instruments within their cultural context. They have the most amazing way to experience exhibits. I was so impressed. They gave us these headsets, see the photo below.

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You were these and as you walk up to an exhibit the music from that time period, group, or location plays and it’s amazing. The way it gradually goes in and out. I could have spent hours in the MIM museum and hope to go back there some day. I have a huge passion for music and loved all of the instruments and history in this place. It was a fantastic experience and one of my favorite past times from the trip. All ages are invited to bang a gong, strum a Burmese harp, and beat on drums from Africa in the Experience Gallery. The Experience Gallery was awesome because you could play on all kinds of instruments. Even instruments that are very rare. You can see instruments and clothing from such music icons as John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana, and more in the Artist Gallery. image

And you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the museum preserves and protects instruments from its 15,000-object collection through a window to the Conservation Lab.

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I spent an hour in the museum and felt like I didn’t see half of the museum. I was just in awe at all the clarinets, trumpets, stringed instruments and pianos. I mean, I had no idea there were really zither’s, I thought that was just a made up word from Dr. Seuss. I don’t remember how many hours they said they had of recorded material but it’s so immense that it would take weeks to listen to it all.

Check out this Harpsichord:

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And this reed organ. I had one of these as a child

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I’m really excited about the Musical Instrument Museum, so much so that it’s very hard to organize my thoughts about it. From location in the world, to time period to artist this museum pretty much has it all.

The Spa of all Spas: Spa Avania Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Arizona #BloggersGo #myphx

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My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB, and my spa experience was provided by the hotel.

The spa of all spas exists in Scottsdale Arizona at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale. There they have the most state of the art treatments and experiences and I was able to get a pedicure and manicure and had a nice soak in their mineral pool. I also went inside the inhalation room and loved it. I found it to be way too intense to sit in there for any long period of time but it was amazing to sit in the heat and just breath in and out.

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I found it very interesting that all experiences are synchronized to the time of day, and include all-day access to the Fitness Facility, steam and sauna, inhalation room, hot and cold plunges, indoor and outdoor  relaxation areas, and the French Celtic Mineral Pool. The water flavor changes with the time of day and the mood they are going for.

 

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This year they have new treatments

Magnetic Ritual
90 minutes $200
A luxurious, purifying and chakra balancing experience to energize the body and mind.

Marine Algae Wrap
60 minutes $155
A detoxifying vitamin rich cocoon that begins with a bamboo scrub.  The perfect combination of exfoliation, nourishment and relaxation.

The Cure Facial
60 minutes $165
A cutting-edge thermo-active enzymatic detoxifying facial that moisturizes and revitalizes the skin to  a radiant and luminous appearance.

02 Awakening
60 minutes $150
Infuse and decongest with 02xygen molecules that re-energize natural cellular functions and eliminate toxins to promote a fresh appearance.

Diamond Manicure or Pedicure
A diamond dust mud polish that purifies and illuminates the skin, complemented with a revitalizing massage that re-energizes tired muscles.
45 minute manicure $65
60 minute pedicure $85

Citrus Quench
Manicure or Pedicure
A Vitamin C boost with an aroma-therapy soak, combined with a holistic honey scrub that will restore and renew.
45 minutes $65
60 minutes $85

I had the diamond manicure and pedicure and it was amazing. The diamond scrub they used with the magnet pulling off all the dust and collecting all the dirt out of my body was such an interesting feeling. It sent electric spikes from my toes into my shoulders. It made me wish that I had decided on the special massage that included the diamond scrub. It was one of the most relaxing days I’ve had in a long long time.

Searsucker The Best Creative Twist Restaurant In Arizona #myphx #bloggersgo

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My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB

The place to eat if you want to be daring and try new things is Searsucker in Scottsdale Arizona. Top Chef finalist and Taste judge, Brian Malarkey has brought nationally recognized Searsucker to Scottsdale, Arizona. Designer Thomas Schoos, whose past projects include Searsucker San Diego, has turned the 9,500 square foot Scottsdale restaurant into a space that is comfortable and warm – yet classic. Executive Chef Malarkey’s menu features playful dishes that represent his fun personality showcasing New American Classic dishes with creative twists with serious flavor. Searsucker Scottsdale’s striking, but inviting atmosphere is the perfect place to entertain, wine and dine, or better yet, stay awhile.

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While I was eating there I think we tried almost everything on the menu. We had cow tongue, cow balls, yes really, cow balls. I’ve heard that it’s actually not that much of an unusual dish to have, it’s often called cowboy caviar. I tried so many crazy different items and I put on about 10 pounds while I was eating in Arizona. Who knew Arizona was such a great place to eat.

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Enjoy New American Cuisine At Searsucker

At dinner, you can browse our ‘Ocean,’ ‘Ranch,’ ‘Farm’ and ‘Greens’ to create a meal that is truly an “experience.” And if you are just craving a snack, come by for the happy hour and have some “Bites” with friends. We had a lot of bites that we shared. And I had some really great drinks.

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I tried the squid and scallop surf and turf. They were both very good. We also had habanero pickles and as I’m writing this review I find myself wishing I could have another serving of them. YUM! For dessert I ordered rum & coke which was rum cake with coke mouse and lime. It was delicious. I ate it before getting a photo of it.

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Horse Back Riding in Phoenix: Ft McDowell Adventures #myphx #bloggersgo

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My travel expenses were all taken care of by Phoenix Arizona CVB.

I haven’t ridden on a horse for almost 20 years and while I was in Arizona last month, I actually got back on and found that it’s just like riding a bike. I loved riding horses as kid, until I found myself riding on a horse that decided he wanted to try to eat my show while I was riding on him. That freaked me out a little bit and then I didn’t really want to ride anymore. I was a little nervous to get back in the saddle, but at the same time I was really excited too!

The Stables at Fort McDowell Adventures is one of the finest stable operations in the Southwest, operated by Mr. Troy Haviland and his family and they don’t mess around. When we got there I expected someone to sort of go over the basics of riding and that but nope. We got on the horses and the horses knew what to do, my house wanted to jump ahead of everyone and lead the pack but I had to pull him back. Sterling was his name and he was a beautiful horse.

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I think that we were part of their most popular ride, the 1 1/2 hour trail ride through the ever flowing Verde River. 1 and 2 hour rides, along with 1/2 day rides are also available. That or we just did the one hour, I’m not exactly sure, I just know that it was a beautiful ride. I caught this fabulous splash as I was riding with my phone.

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Horseback riding in Arizona was peaceful, the temperature was just right, it wasn’t too hot. Their family dog was just adorable. He was still a puppy and so cute. He was on the look out for snakes and looked like he found more critters to play with then he did work. What an amazing job to have though, just to run about free on the range. While we were on our horse back tour, we came upon wild horses. They said there were about 124 wild horses running around out there.

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Horseback Riding reservations please call The Stables directly at 480.816.6465 x2.

Interested in a Friday afternoon ride? Check out Sign Up For Adventure.

It’s Warm In A Hot Air Balloon Rainbow Ryders

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I’m afraid of heights. I can’t look up at things that are really really tall. Skyscrapers make me feel upside down. Looking down I feel like my body is going to flip over…So I’m all over the place when it comes to looking up high or down low from somewhere high. When I was in Arizona I had to get up early to meet up with Rainbow Ryders. Rainbow Ryders are the premiere balloon ride company in The Southwest, or so they claim. It was my very first time so I don’t’ have much to compare it too. They offer scenic hot air balloon rides daily in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Scottsdale. We were in Phoenix.IMG_5118

I never really thought about the process of riding in a hot air balloon. You have a basket and then the balloon portion. They assemble the hot air balloon right before your eyes. Two of my friends were even able to help by holding the balloon open to the air. IMG_5143

The fabric portion of the balloon is huge. IMG_5145

Now, you never know where a hot air balloon is going to end up. They have some control but not enough to land in an exact location. So there is a truck that follows the balloon to get an estimate on where they will land. IMG_5146

We rose into the air and I wasn’t scared. We were crowded in the balloon which made me feel very safe. And watching the sun rise as we were soaring over Phoenix was adventurous and beautiful. IMG_5154

The shadows, the houses, the dessert I was in awe and I’ve never really found the dessert to be an attractive place and I feel like I was wrong. Seeing things from the air was amazing.

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We saw a dam that protected them during their very short rainy season. Because when if finally rains it pours.

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Our tour guide entertained us with jokes and when it was all over we had the traditional survival toast. Everyone has a glass of champagne as we thank God that we survived. It’s a good thing they tell you about that afterwards!

Butterfly Wonderland: Largest Butterfly Pavilion in Scottsdale Arizona May 25th #myphx #Bloggersgo

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Scottsdale is poised for a new, destination attraction as Butterfly Wonderland, the largest butterfly pavilion in America, readies for its May 2013 “emergence.”  Spanning a 5-acre parcel of land, this state-of-the art new facility, located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, will entertain and enchant as it educates visitors of all ages on the wonders of one of Mother Nature’s most beloved creatures. It will feature a magnificent glass atrium that brings a tropical rainforest environment to the Arizona desert, as well as educational laboratories and interactive exhibits, a 3D movie theater, gift shop, and a café-style dining area.  Butterfly Wonderland is the first phase of a planned “Odysea in the Desert,” 522,000 sq. ft. entertainment complex that will eventually include the largest aquarium in the southwest, an IMAX theatre and a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.  BW

In an era in which children and adults alike increasingly turn to the virtual world for entertainment and education, Butterfly Wonderland will provide an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and learn about its splendors in a tangible and engaging way. The self-guided tour will begin with a 3D theater experience, followed by a Chrysalis Lab. Visitors then will be welcomed into a magnificent, lush, rainforest atrium where thousands of butterflies from around the world will fly freely, alighting on fragrant flowering plants – from sweet almond verbena to plumeria, and, quite possibly, on a friendly visitor’s shoulder or finger.  From the atrium, visitors will continue on to several interactive exhibits about other natural wonders, from honey bees to aquatic life.  The interactive nature of the exhibits means that no two visits will be the same.

“Our facility is more than a museum; it is a living, sensory experience,” said Curator, Dana Cooper.  “The Scottsdale setting is a dramatic choice, as it juxtaposes two distinct eco-systems, allowing visitors to step from the arid Arizona desert directly into a tropical rainforest environment.”  Butterfly Wonderland Scottsdale(Robert-Jing)01

The Butterfly Wonderland facility includes: 

The Conservatory
This dramatic, glass-enclosed atrium is home to thousands of butterflies from the far reaches of the world in a carefully controlled rainforest environment that is meticulously maintained by  Curator Dana Cooper.  The Conservatory will create opportunities for visitors and butterflies to interact, including providing nectar sticks to children to encourage butterflies to alight on their fingers.  More than a traditional viewing facility, the Conservatory is lush and tropical with waterfalls and colorful plants and trees. A large Koi pond will also house colorful species of fish.

3D Theater
With stadium seating for 196, this is the setting for the specially edited version of the 3-D feature film, the “Flight of the Butterflies,” that introduces visitors to the fascinating life of butterflies.

Butterfly Emergence Gallery
After leaving the theater, guests move into the chrysalis viewing area, where they will observe the most dynamic stage of a butterfly metamorphosis.

Rivers of the Amazon
Large freshwater aquariums will house will house creatures from the Amazon and other habitats.  Through 10-foot picture windows, guests will view everything from stingrays and eels to piranha and exotic fish.

Live Ant Colony
An engaging live ant colony will encompass distinct habitats which allow guests to follow the ants to different environments. Acrylic cases allow 360-degree viewing.

Honey Bee Extravaganza
This intricate exhibit features a series of beehives, protected by glass, that allow each visitor an unimpeded view as the bees produce honey and go about their daily activities.

Butterfly Treasures
This appealing gift shop is stocked with memorable keepsakes ranging from books and videos, to an assortment of tee shirts, butterfly art and rainforest merchandise. 

Multi-Purpose Room
Available for birthday parties, private events, and small receptions, this space can accommodate 30 to 40 people.

Café
The café offers indoor and outdoor patio seating.  Visitors will continue to be engaged throughout their dining experience through viewing monitors presenting information about butterflies and a stunning art exhibit. 

Location

The Butterfly Wonderland is located on the NE corner of the 101 Freeway and Via de Ventura in Scottsdale, Arizona, within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.  There is a Native American saying:  If you whisper a wish, the butterfly will carry it to heaven and your wish will come true.   It is a particular point of pride, then, for the location of the Butterfly Wonderland within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where reverence for the natural world is so integral to the culture.  

Hours of Operation

The facility will be open 9am-5pm daily with seasonal promotions throughout the year. The entrance fee is $18.95 per adult, $9.95 per child and $16.95 for students and seniors and Group Rates are also available.  Annual Passes can be purchased for adults at the cost of $39 and $25 for children; which includes a 15% discount in Butterfly Treasures gift shop. Founder’s Lifetime Memberships are available for a limited time. Cameras are welcome.