The Tour the Universe with Pink Floyd" Planetarium Show with James was absolutely spectacular. An…read moreamazing value with tickets under $10. I can't wait for the next one.

A very subdued environment that's an eclectic mix of area history, vegetation, animals, and…read moreobservatory. The staff was very friendly, but it appeared to be a "one-man-band" while we were there.

The exhibits were pretty creative and fun! I loved that most of them were super interactive…read more Beautiful installations of lights for sure. Selection of the art was good. The staff were also super helpful. I think it was worth coming here for sure.

A nice unique thing to do in Scottsdale when you want to cool off from the oven-like conditions…read moreoutside but still want to wander around on your feet. Wonderspaces is basically a poor-man's TeamLabs. Large scale immersive and sometimes interactive artpieces arranged in a minimal modernist setting. When I first looked to go here it looked like it was only operating 5 days a week but to my surprise and delight they were open on the Monday that I was in town, so naturally I grabbed myself a ticket for a mental diversion from my workcation otherwise holed up in my hotel. When you check-in, a nice old man explains all the exhibits and points out a few highlights, one of which is a piece where you have to sit still for 20 minutes and let "3 robuts" draw you - cuz when else do you get drawn by a robot? (Well, in the age of AI, is it all that different?) Thankfully it wasn't too crowded when I went otherwise it could get quite backlogged waiting to sit for a digital caricaturist! This was probably the most tedious of the works, so I'll start here, as I had to get the host's attention and he came over and did some set up with the robot arms and the nearby tablet's app. He made small talk with me so as to keep my gaze steady as the robots with their webcams and drawing arms started their work. After a few minutes he left me alone but insisted I stay seated still until all the robots were done. One of the robots worked on me for an extra 8 minutes, so this felt more like a dental appointment than a fun electronic experiment. Another work was very reminiscent of teamlabs with dangling strings of LED lights They made such a big deal of each light having its own IP address, which was an implementation detail that really should not have needed oversharing. The work spoke for itself and the lights synchronized to the music immersively. Another fun one was large dots flipping in such a way that you could tell was capturing your motion and playing it back. And some 3D models spun at high speed with flickering lights to make it look like they were pulsing. Then there was the uninteresting video about a boy growing up awkwardly. Didn't seem to fit the theme of the exhibit. The last large scale piece were large plastic takeout bags almost recalling the nihilism from American Beauty and the futility of consumerism - which I think is the underlying principle that got me to spend money in this museum in the first place. A big crowd pleaser which was a large suspended tapestry was out of commission - you could see it but it was lowered for maintenance, so I missed out on that. Anyway, was it a good diversion? I'm satisfied.

I've been to the garden a number of times specifically for the night lights exhibit this summer…read more They did such a great job! This is always such a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the plants and seasonal exhibits. While I'm sad to see the garden lights exhibit go, I'm excited to see what's next, and for nice weather activities! They've re-opened the garden cafe with Mark Tarbell in charge so looking forward to trying that out, and added a Cantina with cocktails, beer, wine, and a mocktail. And have a gelato and coffee shop coming soon. I love seeing the changes and always done so well.

This one's a bit iffy for me. The scenery was genuinely beautiful, but I don't think appreciating…read moreArizona's nature should cost so much. Without the coupon I got from my local library, I would've paid $60 just to walk around and view the wonders of AZ. I get that it's a non-profit and that's not really an "issue," but if this is supposed to be for the community, there should be some kind of discount for AZ natives or ID holders. I took my bestie here for her birthday and we still had a good time -- the views are lovely, there are restaurants on site, and happy hour drinks are $6. The frozen prickly pear margs are especially enjoyable while you're strolling around. Just a heads up, there's construction happening right now. Parking is plentiful though, so that's not a concern.

This property is sacred ground. The Museum itself is small-ish, but the outdoor adobe structures…read moreand walking path are informative and educational. It's truly remarkable how folks managed to survive in the Arizona desert without the luxuries of running water, air conditioning, etc. High praise to the archeologists who have uncovered these adobe structures including the large public gathering place.

It is incredible that in the middle of the City of Phoenix one will find, walk upon and examine the…read moreremnant ruins of the 1,500-year-old Pre-Columbian Hohokam Civilization. On a moderate Phoenix day, one can stroll through the ancient dwelling spaces of a fascinating culture who started the canal systems we use today. The leisurely stroll and visual learning also enhances your feeling of walking the paths previously households of the past. It seems virtually impossible to think they made a go of this environment for so many years! It's incredibly fascinating to think of both the smarts and the physical endurance of these folks in constructing such a project. This is a must visit for anyone interested in the Valley of the Sun history, archaeology or just plain historical enjoyment. Take plenty of water.

Looking for an inexpensive way to kill time, we stumbled upon the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary…read moreArt! There is a free parking garage located behind the museum, shared with nearby businesses. Admission is as follows: Non-members: $16 Students, seniors (65+), veterans, active duty-military, and educators: $13. ID required. Not on their website but healthcare workers are also given this $3 discount! Thanks! I showed up in scrubs after work and qualified lol. * Squidsoup * Infinite * Mark + Making Visions '26 Open Spaces: Fiber Arts Addressing the Landscape Knight Rise by James Turrell ... and more! Small but quaint museum with enthralling exhibits. Definitely worth checking out if you're ever in the area and even remotely into art!

This is a small, contemporary art museum. There are 5 galleries, which are well marked and very…read moreinteresting. The museum is very clean and modern. Parking is FREE, in adjacent covered parking structure Bathroom is in Performing Arts Building, which is right next door to museum Admission is $3.00 less ($13) is bought ahead of time Docent George was a real standout- What a nice guy! He was extremely knowledgeable about the exhibits There is a small gift store area as well as a outdoor exhibit All exhibits were contemporary art Overall, this is a fabulous museum to visit. It takes a couple of hours to see everything

Lots to see and learn here, and guided tours available at scheduled times, though I preferred to…read moreroam the museum at my own pace. Posters and film clips of westerns like A Man Called Horse (1970) and Clint Eastwood's The Outlaw Josie Wells (1976). Handcuffs of all kinds on display (more accurately described as "retaining devices") in a western themed set. Mac Schweitzer's impressive collection of artworks, including depictions of desert animals and the wild west, especially a multitude of horse pieces. Countless paintings and artifacts on the second level, portraying native american history, the buffalo, and the evolution of american west landscapes. Scenes of collective work in western life among cowboys, herders, and traders. I found Eddie Basha's cottonwood tree root carvings interesting. And I was especially a fan of "Rabbit Hunt" by Loren Phillips (Hopi). Fistful of Colors in the north gallery explored the diverse meanings of color, such as the term "feeling blue", and how colors tell stories, evoke emotions, and create connections. The room transitioned into displays of movie posters, explaining why those from different countries vary in the way they are presented. Interactive exhibits throughout allow visitors to learn about Shakespeare in the Old West, women of the rodeo, even a scavenger hunt to find "escaped animals" in the museum. I was amused by fun facts like the first circus (Ryland's traveling show) taking place in Tombstone Arizona Territory in 1880, or how the full saying of "Ay Chihuahua" translates to "Yikes! How many Apache Indians are there without sandals!", referring to Apache raiders like Geronimo invading northern mexico wearing calf-high deerskin moccasins. There was also a small sculpture garden outside and gift shop worth checking out before leaving.

One of my goals this year is to be more like a tourist even though I'm a resident. Meaning hitting…read moreup the types of spots that tourists would visit in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Case in point: Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon with my mom to check out this museum that specializes in Western and Native American art. Here's what I really like: complimentary docent-led tours three times daily. We got to participate in two of them. They're a great way to get a more in-depth view of the museum. With that being said, even if you explore the museum on your own, you'll have a great time doing it. It's a two-level museum and there's plenty to read about and check out. We spent roughly three hours there and probably got through about 50% of the museum. Here's what I didn't like: they have two back-to-back video presentations in the small theater. They unfortunately weren't happening when I was there due to a private event. Bad luck on my part. Also, general admission is a bit pricey. Outside of the price, it's a fantastic museum. There's a complimentary parking lot across from the museum or you can find street parking. And it's a few blocks away from the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. You'll see Arizona's landscape represented in paintings, Native American artwork, Western movies, and much, much more. I'll definitely be back again!

Big fan of their Facebook page. Went when they had a bicycle exhibit and Mexican exhibit going…read more Wish there was more core Tempe history there so I could reflect more on my childhood though.

This small museum is currently exhibiting Tempe's Old West history, and I found it very interesting…read moreto read about how quickly the town changed and spread. Included in the exhibit are pieces of clothing, tools, and toys from this boomtown era. The rest of the museum has displays from an ethnic standpoint to the movie industry to sustainability in the desert to ASU history. One corner has a truck, books, and costumes so that kids can get hands-on. Admission is free, and the museum shop has lots of unique gift items. Bonus: the Tempe Public Library is right next door

Scouting through Groupons for things to do inside during the summer and came across Hall of Flames…read more Mostly purchased it as the museum was close to a place I like to eat at. Have to admit, didnt expect to enjoy the museum or leave being impressed as much as I did. What a magnificent collection of beautifully restored and preserved, historic firefighting machines from 1700s and a wonderful journey through international firefighting. Before you even get inside the museum, you are invited to ring the bell outside, this is a preview for some of the great interactive exhibits inside. Great place for kids, truly a lot of stuff for them to dress up in and play with. As you progress from the desk, made from an old fire engine, you start on a journey through some of the most wonderful historical firefighting inventions from all over. Starting with primitive pumps and carts from US, Europe and Japan. Theres a clever use of old firehydrants from all over, as they form the boundaries where the wonderful equipment is housed. The walls are filled with photos, antique drawings, badges, plaques, models of firefighting from all over the world. Progress through several galleries of some wonderful 1880s machines, full engraved chrome and just taking firefighting from wooden pumps to preart-deco beauty. Memorials for 9/11, Yarnell/ Prescott Hot Shots and all US firefighters are displayed throughout including the men and women of the PFD. Around 120-130 firefighters are lost on duty every year, except 440ish for 2001 with 380ish NYFD deaths listed in their own Memorials. Historic helmets from all over the world, photographs and equipment are amongst this impressive collection which is absolutely huge. Bring the kids for plenty of opportunities for them to dress up, sit on select equipment, play with lights, slide down the pole and learn about firefighting. Disabled, no problem. The museum has plenty of scooters, wheelchairs for loaning. Definitely impressed, definitely one place to add to your collection of must sees and definitely take the time to chat to the retired volunteers about the equipment and their experiences.

Magnificent tribute to firefighters around the world and their history!…read more Purchased a groupon to visit this museum for a new experience. With plenty of parking the entrance offers a display of various firefighting apparatus' including a large fire bell with a "Ring Me" sign inviting you to ring it and it is very loud. Once through the front doors you immediately enter the gift shop which offers many children's toys and also trinkets for adults. We never imagined the vast display of firefighting human-powered hand bumpers from the 1800's throughout history. Many steam engine fire trucks Several tributes to fallen firefighters including the Granite Mountain Hotshots and Sept 11th W.T.C. There are opportunities to sit on a firetruck and turn on the lights. Dress up and experience what firefighters wear including your selection of jackets, helmets and boots. We were impressed with the dispatch exhibit including airing live fire station radio calls. Lastly, as we left the museum, Mark at the ticket counter said if we come back we can always call ahead and ask for him and he will provide a private tour. This museum far exceeded our expectations!

Each time found staff helpful & friendly…read more I really enjoy the contemporary art exhibits that are socially relevant & displayed here. Easy parking in small lot, not crowded and could be a quick trip in and out in as little as half hour. I like buying items in their very small gift choices.

What a beautiful art museum! For a free museum to visit, they do an amazing job and have some…read morereally high quality exhibits! Love the focus on Mexican and Native American art. It is definitely one area of art and culture in general that doesn't get as much focus or emphasis. Diving into their art, you really see and feel the history and struggles that Mexicans and Native Americans have gone through. Highly recommended stop if you find yourself close to ASU campus :)

It's amazing how much there is to see considering this aquarium is in the mall…read more It is accredited by the association of zoos and aquariums. The animal displays were beautiful. There was lots of information to read and learn about sea life and preservation. It was a great deal for the money. We went on a Monday morning and it wasn't crowded at all. The staff were pleasant and helpful. All in all a great visit.

I went for the Animal Crossing event, and it was so disappointing. Barely any reference to Animal…read moreCrossing - only random signs. An employee stood next to character cutouts to give you a stamp. Of the five possible stamp locations, three of them were awkward. No employee. Wrong stamps. If you're going to have an event, please be prepared. Additionally, it would be nice to not flirt with the VR guy and instead be in your spot. Also the gift shop was messy and again, employees were avoiding customers. Highly disappointing. The fish were cool. So I guess they have that going for them...