Families and Kids
Experience the Magic of the Desert Botanical Garden
October 16, 2024
This must-see Sonoran Desert oasis is home to thousands of plants and year-round events.
Step out of the city and into the Sonoran Desert landscapes of the Desert Botanical Garden. Home to more than 50,000 arid plants from deserts around the world — from towering cacti to colorful wildflowers — this magical oasis invites you to immerse yourself in 140 acres of natural beauty.
In 2024, the Desert Botanical Garden is celebrating 85 years of natural beauty, tranquility and preservation — right in the heart of the nation’s fifth largest city. Nestled in Papago Park, where the stunning sandstone buttes serve as the perfect backdrop, the garden welcomes daily visitors year-round (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas).
For your next Tempe itinerary, a visit to Desert Botanical Garden is a must. Wander five thematic trails, view exhibits and rotating installations, explore endless immersive experiences, sip and savor at Gertrude’s restaurant, attend festive events and cultural celebrations, enjoy live musical performances and more.
Desert Trails
Sonoran Desert Nature Trail: Take the nature trail to learn how plants and animals survive in the desert with so little water. Watch for wildlife on your way to the top and take in mountain vistas that will change your point of view.
Center for Desert Living Trail: Fragrant herbs, vegetable beds and shady spots to relax make this trail a delight for the senses. Come see what’s growing this season and discover tips for creating a lush, water-wise home garden.
Desert Discovery Trail: Explore the Garden’s main trail and discover the many ways desert plants from around the world have adapted to the environment. Featuring a diverse array of cacti and succulents as well as historic plant collections, this core trail takes you on a journey to celebrate the beauty of the desert.
Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail: Stroll along this meandering trail where you’ll encounter brightly colored blooms as well as the pollinators they attract, like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Find out how flowers, insects and birds play an essential role in thriving desert ecosystems.
Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Trail: Wander through five diverse desert habitats and discover the variety of ways indigenous people have used native plants for food, fiber and shelter.
Seasonal Delights
Celebrate the holiday season with a truly unique light display. From Oct. 12, 2024, through Jan. 20, 2025, the Desert Botanical Garden invites you to experience the convergence of light and nature with Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO. This limited-time exhibit brings a series of stunning geometric light installations that illuminate the beauty of the Sonoran Desert landscape in a new way. As the sun sets, each of the mesmerizing displays comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the garden’s paths and plants. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract.
Light Bloom offers a drastically different viewing experience before and after sunset. Check the sunset time before your visit and plan accordingly. Additionally, the garden is open until 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. This exhibit is included with general admission. For additional information, visit the Desert Botanical Garden website.
Art Installations & Points of Interest
As you approach the entrance of the Desert Botanical Garden, the first installation you’ll notice is the vibrant green blown-glass fixtures perch up to the right of the main walkway. These sculptures harken back to Dale Chihuly’s past installations at the garden (2008, 2022).
Nestled along the trail, you’ll spot a larger-than-life blue sculpture set against the cacti. Originally part of the 2022 exhibit, Playing with Stars: Rotraut at Desert Botanical Garden, this piece is now a permanent fixture as well. The abstract and semi-representational form leaves room for visitors to make their own connections to the surrounding environment and invite them to experience their own sense of playfulness and joy.
The Fine Family Contemplation Garden is a multisensory space that features a circular shape is flanked with seating on either side and completed by a large, reflective water feature mirroring the image of the surrounding cactus on the surface. Visit during the day to walk the meditative labyrinth shaped in tapestry-like swirls of terrazzo, or closer to sunset to catch a perfect view of the Papago butte as the glow of the sun transforms the sky to the west.
At the Ardie & Steve Evans Cardon Plaza sits a mosaic of stained and engraved glass that’s illuminated in uniquely different ways — including a colorful bouquet of colors that reflect across the ground — as the sun makes its way across the sky each day.
Since opening in 2017, the Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion has invited guests to explore the butterfly life cycle by interacting with thousands of live butterflies each spring and fall. This 3,200 square-foot open-air structure also features lush garden plantings, a water feature, engaging programming and state-of-the-art nursery space.
For live music, head to Ullman Terrace. And to recreate photos of the sky-high cacti lining the path near a historic house, look for the Webster Auditorium.
Experiential Dining
Gertrude’s Restaurant
Named after Desert Botanical Garden founder Gertrude Divine Webster, this indoor/outdoor restaurant is located within the garden. Grab a seat on the patio and soak up the desert ambiance or perch at the indoor bar where local brewers and wine makers shine brightest. Either way, perusing the menu reveals American favorites with classic cooking techniques and flavors from around the globe. Seasonal offerings celebrate Arizona’s growers, producers and artisans — with fresh ingredients coming directly from the farm and pasture to the plate. The menu showcases local ingredients from artisans and farmers around Arizona and the Southwest.
Patio Cafe
Located at Ullman Terrace, this charming spot offers quick bites and delightful dishes — including snacks, sweets, beverages, sandwiches and salads — that feature farm-fresh ingredients (closed June 10 through Sept. 1). Nothing completes an experience to the garden quite like a Sonoran Dog and a Prickly Pear iced tea.
Events by Season
Fall
October – November: Desert Sol | Select Tuesdays
Awaken your senses and soothe your soul with the healing power of nature. Experience and connect with a variety of cultural and healing traditions from around the world. Relax and restore your energy and creativity as you explore programming and activities.
September – November: Dog Days at the Garden | Select Saturdays
Bring your K9 companion to explore the beauty and sniffs of the trails a morning stroll between 8 and 11 a.m. Please BYOB (bring your own bowl) to fill at water stations. Grab a coffee to go from Gertrude’s Café or enjoy a snack at Patio Café, where dog-friendly seating is available.
September: Wellness Sunrise Yoga | Select Thursdays
Start your day connecting with nature during this memorable Sunrise Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga. Breathe, stretch and embrace the beauty of a desert morning whilst enjoying the garden views. This all-levels class takes place from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Classes are held in an outdoor pavilion; please dress for the weather and bring own mat.
September – October: Music in the Garden | Select Fridays
Music in the Garden presents a spectacular lineup of local musical talent set against Ullman Terrace — one of the Valley’s most iconic outdoor concert venues. Food and drink, including a selection of fine wines, are available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.; attendees must be 21 or older.
September – November: Majestic Mariposas
Get an up-close and unforgettable experience when more than 2,000 native Southwestern butterflies return for the Fall Butterfly Exhibit. Get acquainted with thousands of butterflies, observe each stage of their life cycle and learn what actions we can take to protect them.
October – November: Wellness Sunset Yoga | Select Thursdays
Unwind and connect with nature during this memorable Sunset Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga. Breathe, stretch and embrace the beauty of the setting sun whilst enjoying the garden views. This all-levels class takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. Classes are held in an outdoor pavilion; please dress for the weather and bring own mat.
Oct. 5 & 6: Guelaguetza
¡Viva la Guelaguetza! You’re invited to the colorful celebration of Guelaguetza, an annual Indigenous cultural event in the city of Oaxaca. Each fall, the lively festivities of this traditional Mexican indigenous holiday come alive at the garden. Immerse yourself in history, traditions, culture, art, music, dance and the flavors of Oaxaca’s eight regions. Join a festive Oaxacan calenda (parade), try some spicy and sweet mole, visit the mercado and don’t forget to sample some mezcal.
Oct. 24 & 25: Strange Garden
For two evenings, Strange Garden is a unique Halloween experience that offers jaw-dropping performances, mad botanist encounters, peculiar plants and creepy crawlies of the desert. Come in costume for a photo-op and don’t forget take home a free pumpkin from the patch.
Nov. 1 – 3: Día de Muertos | Festival: Nov. 2 & 3
Día de Muertos brings a colorful festival including a procession, food, music and more to the garden Nov. 1 to 3. On display in Ottosen Gallery, the community ofrenda (altar) will feature an exhibit that tells the romantic tale of Xóchitl and Huitzilin through dramatic visuals, including monumental flower sculptures and handcrafted silver hummingbirds made by artisans from Taxco de Alarcón. Additionally, the deconstructed altar design will showcase the ceramic artwork of Oaxacan artist Rufina Ruiz Lopez. Visitors are encouraged to place memories and wishes for loved ones on the ofrenda Nov. 1-3.
Winter
October 2024 – January 2025: Light Bloom
Light Bloom by HYBYCOZO is a temporary exhibit showcasing the intersection of nature and light. This captivating display invites you to experience the garden in a new light, with stunning geometric light installations that highlight the beauty of the desert landscape. As the sun sets, Light Bloom transforms the garden, creating intricate shadows and vibrant hues.
November – December: Las Noches de las Luminarias
Experience the simplicity and beauty of 8,000 flickering luminarias and twinkling lights throughout the Desert Botanical Garden this holiday season. These evenings include musical performances, entertainment and holiday delights along the garden’s iconic trails.
Spring
January – May: Music in the Garden | Select Friday evenings
Music in the Garden presents a spectacular lineup of local musical talent set against Ullman Terrace — one of the Valley’s most iconic outdoor concert venues. Food and drink, including a selection of fine wines, are available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.; attendees must be 21 or older.
February: Devour Culinary Classic
Presented by Local First Arizona, Devour Culinary Classic brings together Arizona’s culinary and beverage leaders for a one-of-a-kind event that engages all the sense. Stroll the garden paths while sipping and savoring the flavors that set us apart as a distinct dining destination. Tickets are limited (this event sells out early).
February – May: Dog Days at the Garden | Select Saturdays
Bring your K9 companion to explore the beauty and sniffs of the trails a morning stroll between 8 and 11 a.m. Please BYOB (bring your own bowl) to fill at water stations. Grab a coffee to go from Gertrude’s Café or enjoy a snack at Patio Café, where dog-friendly seating is available.
March – May: Majestic Mariposas
Get an up-close and unforgettable experience when more than 2,000 native Southwestern butterflies return for the Spring Butterfly Exhibit. Get acquainted with thousands of butterflies, observe each stage of their life cycle and learn what actions we can take to protect them.
Summer
June: Juneteenth | Dates TBD
Commemorate Juneteenth at Desert Botanical Garden with a day filled with activities that celebrate Black culture and traditions. Desert Botanical Garden honors Juneteenth’s legacy of change by celebrating Black culture and excellence through storytelling, history, art, performance, community discussion and entrepreneurship.
June – September: Flashlight Nights | Saturdays
Visit the garden for a self-guided nighttime adventures through the garden. Nocturnal explorers can bring their own flashlights to shine along the trails to capture the night-blooming plants and animals that appear in the desert after dark.
June – September: Sonoran Sippin’ | Select Friday Nights
Sunsets, saguaros, and Sonoran Sippin’ define summer evenings at the garden. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the evening festivities for all ages, which include a ice-cold drink, live music and more.
Additional wellness, art and photography classes — as well as select behind-the-scenes tours — are also available on select dates throughout the year. For the latest information, visit the Desert Botanical Garden website.
