Say hello to June with a weekend (May 31 to June 2) drenched in new experiences, thanks to the opening of Crayola Experience Chandler, the kick-off of Desert Botanical Garden's adored Flashlight Tours and the warm welcome of Mighty Mike to OdySea Aquarium.
Friday
Crayola Experience Chandler
Arizona’s newest and most colorful family attraction, Crayola Experience Chandler, has opened its doors at the Chandler Fashion Center. In addition to 19 colorful, hands-on activities, the 20,000-sq.-ft. attraction has a large retail space, The Crayola Store, featuring the world's largest selection of Crayola products and unique souvenirs, including plush toys and apparel. The attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Mets
Have a ball this weekend—literally! The Dbacks take on the Mets at 6:40 p.m. at Chase Field. Click here for your tickets.
Best Splash Pads and Waterparks in Phoenix
Cool down! Here are our picks for the best splash pads and waterparks in the Valley for some sun-soaked fun.
Mighty Mike at OdySea Aquarium
OdySea Aquarium welcomes Mighty Mike—America’s biggest alligator—weighing a whopping 800 pounds and spanning 14 feet. See him for yourself as a peek at Mighty Mike is included with the price of admission through Spring 2020.
Saturday:
Desert Botanical Garden’s Flashlight Tours
Take a one-of-a-kind tour through the desert night. During Desert Botanical Garden’s Flashlight Tours, guests will get to experience animals, insects, plant life and much more that the desert has to offer. Make sure to bring your flashlight so you can enjoy the desert after dark. The flashlight tour begins at 7 p.m. and will last until 9:30 p.m. Saturdays through August 31.
Open Air Market at Phoenix Public Market
From 8 a.m. to noon in Phoenix, peruse local produce, grass-fed meats, fresh eggs, baked breads and treats, jams and honey, peanut butter, flours and mixes, prepared foods, gluten-free and vegan options, local artisan goods and health and wellness products and much more during the Open Air Market at Phoenix Public Market. Plus, grab a bite from a selection of on-site food trucks.
Butterfly Wonderland Celebrates 50th Birthday of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”
Butterfly Wonderland has partnered with Penguin Publishing and acclaimed author Eric Carle to bring a special exhibition that celebrates the 50th birthday of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” This limited-time, one-of-a-kind exhibit transports guests to the distinctive and colorful world of Carle through August 31. Activities include live caterpillars and other creatures from Carle's books, larger-than-life storybook pages, photo opps, unique caterpillar educational trading cards, story times and much more.
Parma Italian Root Summer Reading Program
Parma Italian Roots encourages continued reading throughout summer break to support on-going learning in kids. To do so, Parma is partnering with the Scottsdale Public Library to promote its summer reading program. At each point milestone – i.e. 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 point levels – a child can pick any item off of Parma’s kids menu for free with no purchase necessary. The summer reading program runs June 1 to August 1. The library uses maricopacountyreads.org to track the number of minutes read. On Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., participants can stop by the Appaloose, Arabian, Civic Center and Mustang Scottsdale Public Library locations to register.
Sunday:
“Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” at Arizona Science Center
The mystery of mummification has long-captured audiences. Valley residents can now admire the ancient practice up-close with the Arizona Science Center’s new “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition." The exhibit features 40 real human and animal mummies, as well as an additional 85 rare artifacts from around the world. “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” is a limited-time engagement requiring a timed-entry ticket and purchase of general admission. Advance purchase is highly recommended. The exhibition ends in September.
The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon at Musical Instrument Museum
Musical Instrument Museum has welcomed an exclusive new exhibition that is an ode to the instrument that revolutionized music—and pop culture, as a whole. The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon spotlights more than 80 of the rarest electric guitars and amplifiers in the world, including the instruments of rock royalty, like Pete Townshend and Bo Diddley. This exciting exhibition is on display through Sept. 15. In addition to admission to MIM, tickets to The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon are $7 ($10 for special exhibition only).
