January at Arizona Boardwalk is packed with opportunities to make unforgettable memories. Whether you've visiting with kids, friends or loved ones, there's something special for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
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SEPTEMBER EVENTS 2025
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Fish & Sips 21+ event at OdySea Aquarium
September 26
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guests 21+ only
Sip, stroll, and soak in the magic of OdySea Aquarium after hours—complete with live music, refreshing cocktails, and unbeatable ocean vibes. Perfect for first-timers and returning fans alike, these exclusive 21+ evenings transform the aquarium into a lively, adults-only escape where the sea truly comes alive.
September Fish & Sips features live music by James Cowden! Grab a drink, wander through dazzling underwater exhibits, and enjoy Happy Hour “under the sea” during this unforgettable one-of-a-kind event.
Buy in advance: $32.95.
Buy day of event: $37.95.
Buy Tickets: https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/promotions/#happyhour
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New! OdySea Debuts Character Mascots – Polly & Pip, African Penguin Mom & Son
OdySea Aquarium is thrilled to debut brand-new costume character mascots—Polly and Pip—an adorable African penguin mother and son duo whose mission is to inspire a love for the ocean and the importance of conservation. Polly is a nurturing mom with a warm heart and quiet strength, guiding her son Pip with compassion and wisdom. Pip, a wide-eyed young penguin, is full of energy and playful curiosity, always eager to explore, and make new friends. Together, they embody the spirit of OdySea Aquarium—sparking imagination, inspiring discovery, and encouraging a deeper appreciation for marine life.
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Say Hello to Butterfly Wonderland’s Newest Residents—Axolotls!
Rainforest Reptiles Gallery at Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is thrilled to welcome two unusual and endearing amphibians to the Rainforest Reptiles Gallery: axolotls!! With their feathery gills, long tails, and signature “smiling” faces, this duo is sure to captivate guests of all ages!
Native to Lake Xochimilco in Mexico City, axolotls are critically endangered, with fewer than 1,000 left in the wild. Despite their rarity, they’ve become global stars—thanks to TikTok fame and even appearances in the video game Minecraft!
Don’t miss the chance to meet these adorable, endangered creatures up close to see why everyone is falling in love with axolotls!
Whimsical Wings
Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23
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.
Bugs & More Bugs!
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27
2 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.
Stingray & Shark Feedings
Sept. 6 & 7; 13 & 14; 20 & 21; 27 & 28
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!
Macro Photography Workshop
September 13
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Capture the beauty of butterflies and fascinating insects in this beginners Macro Photography Workshop with Butterfly Wonderland photographer Jonathan Cline. Learn essential photography techniques along with tips and tricks to elevate every shot. This class is designed for interchangeable lens cameras (not cell phones or point-and-shoot models) and is geared toward adults, though 16+ participants may attend with a parent present.
Cost: $45 Members | $55 General Public
(Includes Admission)
An ideal companion to Waking Up with Butterflies on September 20.
Register at EventBrite.com. For more information, call (480) 800-3004.
Bug Club for All!
Sept. 14 and Sept. 28
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!
Monarch Butterfly Tagging Trip to Southern Arizona
September 14 & 21
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join Director of Education Adriane Hopkins in Southern Arizona near Sonoita (three hours south of Scottsdale) for an unforgettable Monarch Butterfly Tagging Trip. Experience Monarchs in their natural habitat as they journey toward Mexico and discover the importance of butterfly tagging for research and conservation. Additional Arizona butterfly species may also be observed during this unique field experience.
Cost: $20 Members | $25 General Public
(A portion of proceeds benefits the Southwest Monarch Study.)
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Register at EventBrite.com or call (480) 800-3004 for more information.
Yoga in the Rainforest
Sept. 18 in Chrysalis Emergence
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
Sept. 19
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.
Leslie the Butterfly Fairy
Sept. 20
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!
Waking Up with Butterflies
Sept. 20
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.
The Magic of Music and Butterflies
Featuring Jonathan Levingston
September 21
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!
Senior Social
Last Wednesday of each month
September 24
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's social is for senior adults only; registration is required. To reserve a spot, call (480) 800-3000, ext. 204.
Design & Shine: Art Workshop with COLORME Art Spa
September 26
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.
NEW! Children’s Painting Session @ Color Me Mine (AZ Courtyard) Sponsored by Butterfly Wonderland
Saturdays: Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 22, Dec. 20
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Calling all artistic kiddos! Butterfly Wonderland presents a special opportunity for kids to get creative at Color Me Mine art studio at AZ Boardwalk! Sign up for a special two-hour session that offers a fun, hands-on painting experience in a vibrant, artistic setting—limited to just 15 participants. Cost: $10 + tax, studio fee. The featured art piece (a small caterpillar, bug, or butterfly) is sponsored by Butterfly Wonderland. (Additional fee applies if a different piece is chosen.)
Once painted, each masterpiece will be kiln-fired and ready for pick-up—or shipping—within 5–7 days. Spots fill quickly, so early reservations are highly recommended! To reserve a spot, call Color Me Mine Studio at (480) 291-6999.
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Color Me Mine
NOW OPEN!
You Pick It. You Paint It. We Fire It!
Creativity is bursting onto the scene with Color Me Mine, the wildly popular paint-your-own pottery studio! This is more than just painting—it's a hands-on art adventure for all ages. Choose from a variety of ceramic pieces—from mugs and bowls to whimsical figurines and dinner plates—and make each one a colorful expression of personal style. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a team-building twist, or just a fun outing with family and friends, Color Me Mine transforms ordinary moments into unforgettable keepsakes. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this vibrant new addition to Arizona Boardwalk—where imagination comes to life!
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Buy $25, Get $10
September 1-30
A little play goes a long way at Cyber Quest this September! Guests who load or reload $20 onto a Club Card will score an extra $20 in bonus play to keep the games going even longer. The offer is open to both brand-new and returning Club Card members, as long as the card is fully registered. Each coupon can be redeemed once, and while not all games are eligible, the bonus adds plenty of extra fun to the experience. This special promotion is available September 1–30, 2025, exclusively at the Arizona Boardwalk Cyber Quest location. CODE: AZBWSEP20Get20
Wicked Weekday Special!
Monday – Thursday
3:00–7:00 p.m.
Weekdays are getting an upgrade at Cyber Quest! Throughout the month, game play is half price every Monday through Thursday from 3:00–7:00 PM, making afternoons the perfect time to rack up more fun for less. It’s the ultimate way to add extra excitement to the weekday routine, from after-school adventures to midweek escapes. With twice the play for the same price, this special offer is all about doubling the thrills and turning ordinary weekdays into something unforgettable.
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AZ Boardwalk Courtyard
FOAM FRENZY
August 30 & 31 AND SEPTEMBER 1 (Labor Day)
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!
Action & Adventure Festival FREE!
September 27
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Welcome to the Action & Adventure Festival, where kids of all ages have the chance to connect with their beloved action heroes in person! Children can soar through the air on an exhilarating zipline, take-on the thrills of bounce houses and slides, adorn themselves with creative face painting, and enjoy live entertainment and high-octane performances. Don't miss out on exciting raffle prizes, fantastic giveaways, and the opportunity to explore offerings from local vendors. Visit AZ Boardwalk for this exceptional outdoor extravaganza – a free event with absolutely no admission fees!
