Desert Museum Camps

To the desert and beyond! Our engaging camps will explore the Sonoran Desert region’s diverse land, sea, animals, and plants. Campers will explore every nook and cranny of the Museum as they use science to make their own desert discoveries, observe live animals up close, create art, and chill out in our Packrat Playhouse.

Quail

Mesquite Tree

Roundtail Squirrel

What to Wear

Campers will be participating in a variety of activities that involve running, jumping, playing, and maybe even getting a little messy. Campers must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Check the daily weather and send your camper dressed accordingly.

What to Bring to Camp

Bring daily, packed in a backpack or other easily carried bag:

Summer Camps at the Museum!

Museum Explorers are for children entering 1-6 grade and are split into two grade group categories, Packrat Explorers and Sonoran Scientists.

Camps offered from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Museum Members $255 (Join Today!)
Non-Members $275

Session 1: June 3–7, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Session 2: June 10–14, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Session 3: June 24–28, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Packrat Explorers: Curious About Colors (Grades 1-3)

Discover the diversity of the Sonoran Desert through the lens of color! Each day we will explore the varied colors of the Museum’s plants, animals, and minerals and learn how color benefits them. We will search for treasures, play like a packrat, create fabulous art projects, sing, make music, and enjoy desert stories. Don’t be blue — join the fun!

Register for June 3-7
Session 1: Grades 1-3

Register for June 10-14
Session 2: Grades 1-3

Register for June 24-28
Session 3: Grades 1-3

Sonoran Scientists: Wonders of Water (Grades 4-6)

Discover the wonders of water and its connection to all land and life in the Sonoran Desert! Visit the otter, feed the stingrays, and splash around as we explore the Museum. Get messy with hands-on activities, visit the Packrat Playhouse, and meet some Desert Museum scientists along the way. We’ll have a fin-tastic time!

Register for June 3-7
Session 1: Grades 4-6

Register for June 10-14
Session 2: Grades 4-6

Register for June 24-28
Session 3: Grades 4-6

Optional for Adults: Work from the Museum for $95

Don’t want to drive back and forth every day? Stay and work/play at the Museum while your child is at camp!

Your work station includes:

Register for June 3-7
Session 1: Work from the
Museum

Register for June 10-14
Session 2: Work from the
Museum

Register for June 24-28
Session 3: Work from the
Museum

NOIRLab logo

Colors of the Desert

July 15-19, 2024
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Grades 6-8

Museum Members $255 (Join Today!)
Non-Members $275

Discover the many colors of the Sonoran Desert as we observe the world around us through the lenses of culture, art, and science. During the day we will explore the Desert Museum grounds, have up close live animal experiences, learn with Tohono O'odham and NOIRlab teachers, as well as create projects out of natural materials using nature as our inspiration. Each day brings a new adventure as we explore the colors of the desert!

Register for July 15-19

Changes or Cancellations

No refunds for cancellations made less than 15 days from the program date. Cancellations made more than 15 days from the program date will be refunded the program fee less $25.00.

Please notify us as soon as possible of a cancellation, change, or to be added to waitlist. Contact us at 520-883-3025 or email: education@desertmuseum.org.

A group of seven Day Camp Teachers standing in front of green shrubbery. The sun is shining and they are all smiling broadly.
Meet the Teachers
Silhouette Icon

Support Desert Museum Education!

A donation of any size will help sustain our educational efforts. Simply select- Education, Conservation, Science, Research for your designation.