Looking for something fun—and educational-- to do with your family this fall? The Valley offers numerous exciting exhibits for all different ages and interests.
Arizona Science Center
The Arizona Science Center, located downtown, has added a variety of new exhibits to their already large 300 permanent exhibit museum for the fall. Physics has never looked as fun as it does in the--Get Charged Up Gallery, which challenges visitors to test their ideas and see what happens when they “put your hands on science.” Featured also in the exhibit is a bed of more than 1,000 needles, pulley chairs, two sided tug of war and a station to build your own circuits. The Center is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children. www.azscience.org
Mystery Castle
It’s no mystery just how interesting the Mystery Castle is. Named by the Phoenix Pride Commission, the Mystery Castle is located on the north side of South Mountain at 800 E. Mineral Rd. in Phoenix. Boyce Luther Gulley built the castle after his diagnosis of tuberculosis forced him to leave his wife and daughter and move to a warmer climate in 1930. Gulley built the 18-room, 13-fire place castle out of things he found in the desert and savaged materials from the then near by town dump. Big names also contributed to the project which was completely finished in 1945. Inside the castle you can find original Frank Lloyd Wright furniture, John Wayne Items in the bar and some furniture from Barry Goldwater. Today, Gulley’s daughter Mary Lou lives in the castle and provides tours the public for $5. The admission costs go to the upkeep of the castle. The castle is open Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the months of October to late May. (602)268-1581.
Phoenix Art Museum
Open to the public from Sept. 16 to Jan. 2, Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style will make its United States debut at the Phoenix Art Museum. The exhibition features more than 60 garments and accessories from Sorokko’s collection and will showcase work from the early 20th century through today from legendary designers and fashion houses. (Sorokko was the first Russian model to achieve international success). General admission is $10 www.phxart.org
Heard Museum North Scottsdale
November is National American Indian Heritage month and what better way to spend it than at the Heard Museum North Scottsdale. The Heard Museum invites all valley dwellers to play with 85 dolls that reflect the vibrancy and range of Native American life. All of the dolls are one-of-a kind and handmade, and each dolls on display show the differences of Native people from Arctic Canada to northern Mexico. Programming has been planned around this exhibit and welcomes all age groups for an educational and entertaining experience. The Heard Museum North Scottsdale has an admission fee of $5 and is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.heard.org
