Flashlight Nights | Desert Botanical Garden

OPEN DAILY 8 A.M.|7 A.M. FOR MEMBERS WED. & SUN.

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Flashlight Nights

DATE: July 19, 26 | Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Sept. 6, 13
TIME: 7-9:30 p.m.
PRICE: Included in Membership or General admission


Beat the heat and experience the magic of the Garden after dark. Wander through the Garden’s trails by flashlight, come face-to-face with fascinating desert creatures and soak in the enchanting nighttime vibes. Discover a whole new side of the Garden and make it a night to remember with family and friends.

Know Before You Go
Please bring a refillable water bottle and a flashlight to enjoy this experience. Ideally, 90 minutes is needed to enjoy all the activities at Flashlight Nights.

Food and Beverage
S’mores, Breezy Pops and packaged snacks available during Flashlight Nights. Or, grab a bite to eat before you explore the Garden with fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks and more from Atlasta Catering. Open until 7 p.m.

View our full program here.

July 19 – Dark Discoveries
Join us for an evening of discovery as you explore what’s special about the desert at night. We’re kicking off the second part of our Flashlight Night season with three new activity stations that show off the desert’s wild side after sunset:

🔭 Stargazing Station – For the first time this season, we’re breaking out the telescope once it gets dark! Come observe the beauty of the night sky.
🔦 Fascinating Fluorescence – Watch ordinary rocks and desert blooms glow in amazing colors you can’t see during the day!
🕷️ Spidey Sense – Get up close (but not too close) to desert spiders and uncover why some spin webs and why others skip the silk.

 

July 26 – Critter Crawl
Get ready for a fun-filled evening at the Garden’s first-ever Critter Crawl—a nighttime adventure packed with desert creatures, hands-on activities and surprises around every corner!

🔦 Head to the pond to spot frogs and toads on the move!
🕷️ Meet our desert spiders and discover how their behaviors help them thrive at night.
🐍 Say hello to friendly snakes and learn how they fit into the desert ecosystem.
🦉 Explore the world of critters that fly —from those you’ll see before sunset to the mysterious ones that come out after dark.
🎭 Plus, The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is back with “Old McDonald’s Ranch”—a fun twist on the classic show where desert animals take the spotlight instead of barnyard friends!

Perfect for families, curious kids and adventurous young adults—Critter Crawl is your chance to experience the desert like never before!

It’s a fun, hands-on night perfect for curious minds of all ages. Don’t forget your flashlight and a sense of wonder!

 

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Become a member and get unlimited access all year!

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ADVANCE TICKET RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MEMBERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC