Beat the Summer Heat with a Journey Through Time at AZMNH!

May 29, 2026
General

As the Arizona summer sun begins to turn up the heat, finding the perfect indoor getaway for the family can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far—or through space—to find a cool, air-conditioned oasis packed with adventure.

At the Arizona Museum of Natural History, we invite you to step out of the desert heat and step directly into the prehistoric past. Whether you are a lifelong Valley resident, a curious student, or a tourist exploring Downtown Mesa, there is always something new to unearth here.

Here is a sneak peek at what’s waiting for you inside the museum this summer:

1. Stand Beneath Giants in Dino Hall

Nothing beats the awe-inspiring sight of our massive dinosaur skeletons. From the towering Camarasaurus to the ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex, Dino Hall brings the Mesozoic Era to life. While you're there, be sure to experience our famous Dinosaur Mountain flash flood. Every 23 minutes, a indoor thunderstorm rolls in, complete with lightning, thunder, and a roaring waterfall that showcases the raw power of water in nature. (Don’t worry, you’ll stay completely dry!)

2. Pan for Gold and Explore the Old West

Ever wondered what it was like to be an early explorer or a miner during Arizona’s boomtown days? Head out to our covered outdoor courtyard to pan for real gold! Our troughs are a favorite for kids and adults alike—and yes, you get to keep the shiny specks you find. Afterwards, take a walk through history and peer inside Mesa's original, historic jail cell.

3. Discover the First Peoples of the Sonoran Desert

Long before the AC was invented, ancient civilizations thrived right here in the Southwest. Explore our extensive anthropology exhibits detailing the lives, beautiful art, and ingenious engineering of the Hohokam culture—including the massive canal systems that laid the groundwork for modern Phoenix.

4. Engage at Our Discovery Stations

Learning is always hands-on at AZMNH. Throughout the week, look out for our Discovery Stations positioned around the museum. From examining cosmic meteorites at the Mineral Station to getting up close with fossils at the Dino Hall Station, our educators are ready to answer your wildest scientific questions. You might even catch our team hard at work through the window of Paleo Lab LIVE!

🚨 Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Summer Events!

We are kicking off the summer season with some incredible evening programming you won’t want to miss:

Dinosaurs After Dark (June 3 & June 17 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Can't make it during the day? Experience the museum after hours! Bring the whole family for special night-time crafts, activities, and a chance to explore the galleries under a whole new light.
Arizona Through Time Speaker Series (June 3 & June 17 | 6:00 PM): Take a deeper dive into Arizona's rich past with our six-part speaker series.
- On June 3, join renowned paleontologist Dr. Brian Curtice for an exciting talk.
- On June 17, hear from our very own AZMNH Chief Curator, Dr. Robert McCord (affectionately known as Dr. Bob), as he presents a fascinating lecture titled "The Late Cretaceous in Arizona."

Plan Your Cool Escape Today!

We are located right in the heart of Downtown Mesa at 53 N. Macdonald, surrounded by fantastic local lunch spots and cafes perfect for refueling after your expedition.

Museum Hours:

Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Skip the lines and book your tickets online today at azmnh.org. We can't wait to explore history with you!