The Desert Belle is a 90 minutes cruise along the Saguaro Lake in the middle of the desert. Along the way you might see wildlife like mountain lions, bighorn sheep, deer, eagles. You can also see the Saguaro cacti, the Palo Verde, which is the Arizona's state tree, and at the end you will be able to see the Four Peaks. They have two options of tours: the narration tour, where the narrator is very knowledgeable about the area and the animals, and the music tour where you can enjoy the trip with piano music in the background. It is handicapped accessible and the entire crew is friendly and competent. Be sure to buy tickets in advance on their website and arrive 30 minutes before the departure time. There is food and drinks available for purchasing on-board. Don't forget to take sunscreen, cash, hat and camera. It is a great attraction for the whole family.
Mesa Grande Cultural Park is one of the best sites in the region and among the two Hohokam mounds in the Phoenix metropolitan region. It gives an insight into the Ancestral Puebloan Period from the 11th through the 14th Centuries of the Hohokam. According to records and archaeological facts, this place was the hub of the community's status symbol. This preserved site showcases an ancient culture and the lifestyle of the forefathers of the Pima tribe. If you love history, then this seasonal site must be in your itinerary when visiting Mesa.
If you are in Phoenix and enjoy going on easy treks, then Papago Park is the place for you. With its sandstone buttes, marked paths and slight elevation, it is perfect for family hiking trips and there are plenty of easy mountain bike paths. The most notable attraction of the park is the hole in the rock formation, which formed over thousands of years most likely from water erosion. For the more adventurous, visitors can climb the face of the rock for an unparalleled view of Phoenix. Additionally, the park is close to famous attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Zoo.
Head here to visit the prehistoric era and learn about the world as it was more than 65-million years ago. The Arizona Museum of Natural History has done a commendable job in preserving and presenting these creatures, in addition to other exhibits that are dedicated to local anthropology and natural history. The museum takes visitors right back to the time when the earth was formed. Galleries in the museum display replicas and give visitors the opportunity to understand more about the fascinating subject of paleontology. Ongoing exhibitions include Origins, Dinosaur Hall, Paleo Dig Pit, Heritage Wall, Fun with History!, Exploration Station, and many more.
Glendale Main Library is nestled within the sanctuary of the Glendale Xeriscape Garden and is a popular local library. The library boasts an excellent selection of literature, magazines, public documents, newspapers, periodicals, DVDs, videos, movies, e-books, and much more. The library is spacious and very well-maintained and offers a beautiful and serene setting for a couple of hours of reading or study. Don't be surprised to see a few peacocks and other exotic birds wandering around the library. The staff are professional and extremely helpful and are always on hand for any questions you may have.
Children and adults alike will adore this museum that explores the past and present of firefighting. Marvel at restored firefighting equipment, including artifacts from the 1700s and fully restored firefighting trucks. Pose for a photo by the horse-drawn fire engine then check out old firefighting helmets. Kids will love the parts of the museum that allow you to interact with the displays, including trying on a uniform and climbing aboard a firetruck. Although the museum mainly focuses on firefighting in the United States, it also has international artifacts. A must-visit museum for people interested in something unique.