There is something for everyone at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Located in Mesa, the Arizona Museum of Natural History offers exhibits on archaeology, paleontology, geology, ethnology, art, and general area history to showcase the wonders of the American Southwest with 58,000 objects and 12 permanent exhibits. Its current rotating exhibitions include “Cultures of the Ancient Americas” and the “Cretaceous Seas.” Five different Native American cultures are explored while artifacts like jars and preserved abodes are displayed. Among the diagrams and fossils available in the Cretaceous section are full skeletons of extinct species like the Xiphactinus auda, a large fish, and the Buettneria, a predator that laid in wait in the wetlands for its prey. People of all ages can enjoy the incredible presentation of ancient wonders.

Regular exhibits include the exciting “Dinosaur Mountain,” an indoor structure with running water and displays of the native animals to Arizona throughout four time periods. Guests are also encouraged to visit the galleries, while children can learn through interactive experiences like the Paleo Dig Pit. Hands-on learning experiences for a diverse audience can be found throughout the halls. Children and adults can both enjoy solving puzzles and participating in exhibits in a way that encourages entertainment and learning. Outside of the natural wonders, there are many historical exhibits that emphasis regional Arizona history. Guests can see artifacts and learn more about Spanish colonial life, mining, films that were shot locally in Arizona – including “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” – and the pioneers.

Guests can arrange their visit schedules by checking out the website at arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org. Adult admission is $12, while children can enter for $7. Students 13 and older with a valid ID can come for $8, and seniors have a discount at $10. The museum is open all days except Monday, with later opening hours on the weekends.