Summer is in full swing at Arizona Boardwalk, and there's no shortage of family-friendly fun to beat the heat this July! Below is a roundup of can’t-miss events and happenings this month at Arizona Boardwalk, home to nine great attractions — all in cool air condition! We'll see you soon at AZ Boardwalk!
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Fish & Sips Happy Hour at OdySea Aquarium
July 25
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guests 21+ only
Dive into Happy Hour "under the sea" during Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium!
Guests 21+ can exclusively explore OdySea Aquarium in a more intimate adult setting; stop by the bar to grab a drink and dance! This happy hour event features live music by Dominick Provenzano, popular beer, wine, cocktails, yard games, and access to the entire Aquarium. Experience the rare opportunity to walk through OdySea Voyager to get close to OdySea's charismatic sea turtles, playful sea lions, and majestic sharks.
Buy in advance: $32.95.
Buy day of event: $37.95.
Buy Tickets: https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/promotions/#happyhour
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Summer Games is Back!
All of JULY! Sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union
Delve into deep competition as the popular ‘Summer Games’ returns to OdySea Aquarium. This exciting, limited time event invites guests to “play like an animal” in a collection of silly and highly entertaining competitions inspired by animal behavior.
This year’s games include many returning favorites like waddling like a penguin or building a tower with lobster claws on and include some electrifying new games. Guests of all ages can participate in these amazing challenges. Each day includes an obstacle course and water-table rubber duck races with the main events changing day to day. The fun runs all week long between 10:30AM to 4:00PM. Summer Games are included with admission with participation on a first come, first served basis.
For more information and to plan a visit, go to odyseaaquarium.com. Let the games begin!
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Summer Coloring Contest
July 1 - July 31
Butterfly Wonderland invites children ages 6–17 to enter its annual Summer Coloring Contest for a chance to win two free tickets to Butterfly Wonderland plus a $50 gift card to the Treasures Gift Shop!
To participate, visit butterflywonderland.com/special-events/#color and choose one of four downloadable coloring pages. Use crayons, colored pencils, or markers, then let imagination take flight! All submitted masterpieces will be judged on creativity and coloring skill by Butterfly Wonderland representatives. Every entry will be proudly displayed inside Butterfly Wonderland. Coloring pages can be dropped off at Guest Services or mailed in. Limit to one entry per child. The winning entry will be announced during the first week of August.
Whimsical Wings
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
3 p.m.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the breathtaking moment Butterfly Wonderland Education Specialists release vibrant tropical butterflies into the Conservatory. Witness these delicate creatures take their first flight, filling the air with color and beauty. This is the perfect opportunity to capture a stunning photo of these incredible insects in motion and interact with the specialists to discover more about their fascinating world. This remarkable experience is FREE with admission.
Story Time with Critter Visit
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
10 a.m.
Join Butterfly Wonderland for a magical adventure in the Butterfly Theater! Dive deep into the rainforest with a Story Time session, featuring captivating tales about butterflies and other rainforest critters. Parents and kids will embark on an exciting journey through these lively stories read by dynamic storytellers each week. Many of these delightful books will be available for purchase in the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop. Don’t miss our Animal Ambassadors who will bring out Draco our Chinese Water Dragon after each story time session to learn about this amazing reptile. All participating children will also receive a FREE nature sticker to take home! Story Time is FREE with admission.
Stingray & Shark Feedings
July 5 & 6; 12 & 13; 19 & 20; 26 & 27
1:00 p.m.
Tropical Waters Observation Pool
Experience the fascinating world of marine life during an engaging Aquarist Talk and Live Feeding in the Tropical Waters gallery. Listen to expert insights regarding the venomous round stingrays as well as Agatha, the remarkable horn shark, at the Observation Pool. This interactive presentation offers a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures, along with a complimentary horn shark education card to take home. This unique opportunity is FREE with admission!
NEW! Bugs & More Bugs!
July 5, 12, 19, 26
2:00 p.m.
Spineless Giants Exhibit
Creep, crawl, and get curious! Join one a Butterfly Wonderland expert “bug specialist” for a close-up look at some of the world’s most incredible insects—like walking sticks, blue death-feigning beetles, katydids, and more. It’s buggy, fascinating, and totally FREE with admission.
Bug Club for All!
July 13 and July 27
11 a.m.
Butterfly Theater
Unleash the wonder of the insect world at Bug Club, a fun and interactive experience for little explorers! Get up close and personal with live creatures like walking sticks, beetles, giant African millipedes, and more, all while learning about their fascinating lives from expert animal curators. This exciting, hands-on adventure is FREE with admission, making it the perfect way for young adventurers to discover the wonders of the insect kingdom!
Waking Up with Butterflies
July 19
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Check-in at 8:15 a.m.
Step into a tranquil morning at Butterfly Wonderland, where photographers (18+) can capture breathtaking images of butterflies, birds, and reptiles in their lush rainforest habitat. With special access before the doors open to the public, this rare opportunity offers perfect lighting and peaceful surroundings for stunning shots. Director of Animal Care & Entomologist Derek Kellogg will be available to share expert insights and answer questions about butterflies, plants, and the intricate rainforest ecosystem. A must-attend experience for nature and photography enthusiasts alike! Tickets: $29.95 (includes admission; Butterfly Wonderland Members are FREE. Registration required. Call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. Tripods are allowed.
Leslie the Butterfly Fairy
July 19
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet Leslie, the enchanting Butterfly Fairy who hails from the mystical Flutter Forest! Capture unforgettable moments as Leslie flutters through the Conservatory, adding whimsy and wonder to photos and interacting with guests of all ages. This delightful experience is available from late morning to early afternoon and is FREE with admission. The Butterfly Fairy brings a truly magical opportunity and touch of fairy-tale charm to any visit!
The Magic of Music and Butterflies Featuring Jonathan Levingston
July 20
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wander through the breathtaking Butterfly Conservatory as vibrant tropical butterflies glide gracefully to the enchanting melodies of classical violinist Jonathan Levingston. This mesmerizing blend of nature and music creates an unforgettable atmosphere of beauty and tranquility. FREE with admission!
NEW! Design & Shine: Art Workshop with COLORME Art Spa
July 22
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation and Debra Lee Murrow of COLORME Art Spa for a unique, artist-led workshop focused on transforming simple materials into stunning pieces of art. Participants will design and craft elegant pendants, statement jewelry, window charms, and personalized accessories using innovative techniques.
This creative experience blends artistic expression with refined design, resulting in keepsakes that are both meaningful and beautiful. Cost is $40. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and engaging conversation in a relaxed, inspiring atmosphere. Register on EventBrite.com. For more information, contact (480) 800-3004.
Yoga in the Rainforest
July 24 and July 29
5:15 - 6:15 p.m.; check-in 5:00 p.m.
Reconnect with nature and find inner peace with this one-of-a-kind yoga class, held in the serene Butterfly Conservatory, surrounded by thousands of fluttering butterflies. This immersive, hour-long class guides participants through a series of poses designed to build strength, enhance flexibility, and promote relaxation in a truly magical setting. Open to ages 18 & up, this unique experience offers the perfect blend of mindfulness and natural beauty. Tickets: $30. Pre-registration required; visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Butterfly Brushstrokes Painting Class
July 25
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Let creativity take flight at Butterfly Brushstrokes, an intimate and inspiring painting event at Butterfly Wonderland. Perfect for a fun night out or a unique date night, this guided class leads participants through creating a stunning butterfly-themed masterpiece—no experience necessary! With all materials provided, guests can simply relax, paint, and enjoy the artistic journey. Limited to just 20 participants, this exclusive event offers a truly unforgettable experience. Tickets: $30; Butterfly Wonderland Members are $15 (covers supplies). Pre-registration required. Visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
NEW! Senior Social
Last Wednesday of each month
July 30
8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Start the day surrounded by beauty and butterflies! Senior adults are invited to enjoy a relaxed morning in the Butterfly Café with complimentary pastries and coffee, followed by a self-guided tour through the stunning Butterfly Wonderland. Admission is $32.95 and free for members. This morning social is for senior adults only; registration is required. To reserve a spot, call (480) 800-3000, ext. 204.
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NEW! Summer Wine Series
Last Thursday of Each Month
Thursday, July 31st from 6-8pm. AND Thursday, August 28th
6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Cheers to summer nights and unforgettable illusions! Now in its third sensational year, the Museum of Illusions Summer Wine Series returns in collaboration with The Wine Collective of Scottsdale—and it's better than ever. This exclusive after-hours, adults-only experience invites guests to explore the Museum’s mind-bending exhibits in a whole new light—while enjoying two perfectly curated glasses of wine, delicious light bites, and vibes from a live DJ that will keep the energy up all evening.
Tickets are just $40—but space is limited!
For details and to reserve a spot, visit Museum of Illusions.
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NEW! Starbucks at AZ Boardwalk
NOW OPEN!
A full-service Starbucks is set to open at Arizona Boardwalk for that pick-me-up visitors of all ages crave. Conveniently located on the first floor between Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs and Four Peaks Mining Company, this new location offers guests a chance to enjoy their favorite handcrafted beverages, pastries, and signature treats as part of their visit. This marks the second Starbucks at AZ Boardwalk, complementing the existing location inside OdySea Aquarium, and further elevates the guest experience with familiar favorites in the heart of the complex.
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Color Me Mine
NOW OPEN!
You Pick It. You Paint It. We Fire It!
Creativity takes center stage as Color Me Mine, the popular paint-your-own pottery studio, celebrates its grand opening at Arizona Boardwalk. Guests of all ages are invited to explore hundreds of ceramic pieces—ranging from mugs and bowls to figurines and plates—and bring them to life with custom colors and designs. Perfect for personalized gifts, birthdays, team-building events, or casual outings with family and friends, Color Me Mine offers a unique artistic experience that turns everyday moments into lasting keepsakes. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting new addition to Arizona Boardwalk!
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NEW! Hair Raising: The Unruly World of Strands
10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Now Open – Limited Time Only
From bizarre beauty rituals to historic hair locks and animal oddities, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!® has unveiled a wild new exhibit that’s sure to turn heads. Hair Raising: The Unruly World of Strands explores the fascinating and freaky world of human and animal hair through more than a dozen jaw-dropping displays.
Guests will encounter:
- Hoss the Human Hairball – Guinness World Record holder weighing over 225 pounds
- Locks of Cultural Icons – Including Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, JFK, The Beatles & more
- Natural Hairballs from Animals
- Trousers Made of Human Hair
- Victorian Hair Wreaths, Giraffe Hair Jewelry, and Hair Sculptures
Included with general admission, this delightfully strange and surprisingly educational exhibit is only here for a short time. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of Ripley’s most unusual showcases ever.
Tickets & Info: ripleysaz.com
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SUMMER CAMP at Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
- The Dino-Mite Camp (ages 8–14), July 21–25
Register now for Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs’ roar-some week-long summer camps; the final one in July! The camps feature prehistoric fun, games, and T-rex size- educational opportunities.
The Dino-Mite Camp (ages 8–14) cranks up the excitement with paleontology simulations, team challenges, creative crafts, and a shoebox diorama contest! The camp run 9AM–3PM at the attraction in AZ Boardwalk. Space is limited to 20 campers per session—don’t miss the chance to dig into summer fun!
Register NOW at https://pangaealandofthedinosaurs.com.
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Buy $30, Get $10
July 1-31
Crank up the fun at Cyber Quest, the ultimate family arcade at AZ Boardwalk! All July, get a $10 bonus with any Club Card purchase or reload of $30. Perfect for new and registered Club Card members, this awesome deal means more gaming action and endless excitement! The card must be fully registered to redeem. Limit one offer per coupon. Not valid with other discounts or offers including Quest Cash. Some games may not be eligible for bonus play. CODE: AZBWJULY30Get10
Hello Summer Giveaway!
July 1-31
Summer is heating up, and so is the excitement at Cyber Quest! Make unforgettable memories and win the ultimate Family Summer Fun Package, featuring a Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler, (2) Yeti Rambler 30oz Travel Mugs, and The Original Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag Game! Earn an entry with a $25 Daily Quest Bonus purchase at Cyber Quest. Earn additional entries for a $50 DQB purchase, and being an All-Star, MVP, or Legend Card guest. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn up the energy all summer long at Cyber Quest.
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FOAM FRENZY
July 19-20
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
JUMP into nonstop fun at this FREE family event packed with water-filled excitement! Enjoy foam parties, classic fire truck water play, squirt gun battle zones, and a variety of other refreshing activities guaranteed to keep kids cool and entertained.
No admission or activity fees—just show up and soak up the fun at the coolest water party of the summer! Water shoes and sunscreen encouraged!
