November is packed with family fun at AZ Boardwalk! From fascinating festivals to unforgettable animal encounters and holiday happenings, there’s something exciting for
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Special Holiday Event! Winter Waterland
November 28 (Black Friday) – January 4
Celebrate the season in a splashy way at OdySea Aquarium’s Winter Waterland! SeaTREK Santa, the Valley’s only underwater Santa Claus, headlines the annual OdySea event, making his signature underwater appearances from Thanksgiving weekend through the New Year! Embark on a festive adventure with the SeaTREK Santa Scavenger Hunt, searching for hidden Santas throughout the aquarium and winning prizes! Kids can send their holiday wishes directly to SeaTREK Santa in Kids Cove—and even receive a personalized letter back from the jolly diver himself! Don’t miss a ride on the OdySea Voyager’s saltwater sleigh, a cheerful version of the traditional rotating aquarium experience filled with sparkling lights, holiday tunes, and festive décor. Santa narrates the journey, introducing guests to his sea-faring friends, including stingrays, sea turtles, sea lions, and sharks and the all-NEW shipwreck themed exhibit featuring species cobia, tarpon, barracuda, red drum, and a massive school of blue lined grunts and blue runner fish for the first time at OdySea Aquarium! And make sure to take home a digital photo package that features SeaTREK Santa for keepsakes or holiday cards with OdySea Aquarium’s souvenir green-screen photos by Magic Memories!
Add to the holiday magic by giving back through the Adopt-A-Student at the Giving Trees program, where a $15 donation brings underserved students on educational field trips to the Aquarium. Winter Waterland at OdySea promises holiday fun, festive surprises, incredible seasonal décor and music – making it the best place to create life-long holiday memories with friends and family!
SeaTREK Santa Appearances
Nov 28 – Dec 18
12 p.m. Mon-Thurs
12 p.m. & 5 p.m. every Fri-Sun
SeaTREK Santa Appearances
Dec 19 – Jan 4
12 p.m. & 5 p.m. every day
No appearance on Christmas Day
12 p.m. appearance only on New Year’s Day
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Glistening Gardens at Butterfly Wonderland
November 28 – January 4
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This holiday, step into the enchanting 'Glistening Gardens' at Butterfly Wonderland. This seasonal escape transports guests to the rainforest as they leisurely stroll with family and friends through an all-new illuminated holiday display inside the Conservatory. Lights line the garden paths in this cozy, lush indoor setting. Fluttering butterflies take center stage, surrounded by sparkling, festive decorations. The glistening Butterfly Conservatory is sure to ignite the holiday spirit in everyone. It's the perfect holiday experience for all!
Special Holiday Appearances to Enhance the Glistening Gardens Experience:
- Guest appearance by Butterfly Fairy Leslie Campa
Butterfly Conservatory
November 28 and 29 and December 20 and December 27
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Native American flutist Aaron White
Butterfly Conservatory
November 28 and 29 and December 20 and December 27
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Photo with Santa (Guest takes own photo)
Butterfly Conservatory
December 7
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Guest Appearance by Dr. Steve Kinigstein playing Renaissance Lute
Butterfly Conservatory
December 14
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Classical violinist Jonathan Levingston
Butterfly Conservatory
December 21 and December 28
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stingray & Shark Feedings
November 1 & 2; 8 & 9; 15 & 16; 22 & 23 and 29 & 30
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!
Bugs & More Bugs!
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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.
Reptile Feedings
Reptile Feedings
Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - 2:00 p.m. – Axolotls
Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 - 11 a.m. – Hingeback Tortoises
Nov. 7,14, 21, 28 - 1:00 p.m. – Mata Mata Turtle
Learn about the many reptiles and amphibians that share the rainforest with tropical butterflies. Enjoy an educational talk with Butterfly Wonderland’s Reptile staff and watch as they feed the amazing reptiles. Q & A session. FREE WITH ADMISSION.
Whimsical Wings
November 4,11, 18, 25
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.
Bug Club for All!
November 9 & 23
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!
The Magic of Music and Butterflies
Featuring Jonathan Levingston
November 9
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!
Yoga @ Butterfly Wonderland
November 20
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
November 21
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 the 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.
Waking Up with Butterflies
November 22
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.
Children’s Painting Class @ Color Me Mine in AZ Boardwalk
Saturday, Nov. 22, Saturday, Dec. 20
10 a.m. to Noon
Commemorate a visit to Butterfly Wonderland with a fun and creative experience at neighboring attraction Color Me Mine at AZ Boardwalk! Butterfly Wonderland is sponsoring a special Children’s Painting Class where kids can paint and personalize their own one-of-a-kind keepsake featuring a small caterpillar, bug, or butterfly. The cost is $10 plus tax for the studio fee, with an additional charge if a different ceramic piece is selected. Each creation is glaze-fired and ready for pickup within 5 to 7 days or can be shipped to participants for an additional fee. Class size is limited to 15 participants. To reserve a spot, contact Color Me Mine Studio at (480) 291-6999.
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FREE! Bubble Fest
November 8
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Millions of bubbles will fill the air, captivating audiences of all ages. This enchanting event offers live bubble entertainment, hands-on stations, foam zones, take-home crafts and more. With so much to offer, this bubble extravaganza is sure to be a memorable experience!
FREE! Harvest Festival
November 15
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Presented by Family Fun AZ
Experience an action-packed family day filled with fall-themed fun and activities! Kids can get creative with pumpkin decorating, face painting, and coloring contests, while live entertainment keeps the excitement going. Bounce houses and giant slides offer thrilling playtime for little ones, and a variety of games give everyone a chance to win cool prizes and take-home giveaways. FALL into fun at this year’s Harvest Festival!
FREE! Movies at the Boardwalk – Encanto
November 22
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy a family movie night watching Encanto! Experience this free family event with music, games, and tons of prizes. The movie will begin at dusk. There are plenty of options to grab a bite before the movie in the courtyard.
Other pre-movie activities include:
- Felt Flowers for Mirabel
- Character Appearance
- Win a Loungefly Chip and Dale Mini Backpack with Matching Wallet, and Family Game
- Prize Wheel and Giveaways
FREE Scottsdale Sparkle Christmas Market
November 28 – 30
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kick off the holiday season with an exciting day of shopping, featuring over 50 talented vendors, each offering unique gifts and festive treasures. Kids can enjoy a variety of delightful activities, including face painting, glitter tattoos, and special appearances from beloved characters. Bring friends and family and be immersed in the joyful spirit of the holidays!
FREE! Bubble Fest
December 6
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Millions of bubbles will fill the air, captivating audiences of all ages. This enchanting event offers live bubble entertainment, hands-on stations, foam zones, take-home crafts and more. With so much to offer, this bubble extravaganza is sure to be a memorable experience!
FREE Holiday Fair & Marketplace
December 13
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Ho, ho, ho... who’s coming to town? Capture the magic of the season with professional photos with Santa Claus and play in a whimsical Snow Blizzard. Enjoy live entertainment, bounce houses and slides. Plus, kids can get their faces painted in colorful designs! It’s a day full of holiday cheer for the whole family!
FREE Yamaha Music School Event
December 14
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Rejoice in a lively event, presented by the East Valley and North Phoenix Yamaha Music School, featuring talented student performers showcasing their skills. Listen to music while enjoying plenty of fun activities.
FREE Candie’s Halloween Character Carnival
December 20
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Experience a day of FREE family fun with character meet-and-greets with your favorite Holiday characters! Also meet superheroes, princesses, TV friends, fairies, mermaids, stilt walkers, and many more! Plus enjoy face painting, inflatables, live stage performances, a soft play toddler area, music, games, crafts, coloring activities, and a variety of family friendly vendors offering unique and fun products. This event will bring excitement and entertainment for children of all ages! No Admission or Activity Fees Required.
FREE Winterfest
January 4
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Don’t miss this winter wonderland of fun! Play in a magical Snow Blizzard and take photos with the Snow Queen and friends. Enjoy an array of exciting activities, including bounce houses, face painting, interactive games and coloring contests, while music and dancing fill the air with festive spirit.
Get Ready to Roar — Jurassic Fight Night Returns!
Seating Starts at 5 p.m. Show starts at 6 p.m.
Tickets: Pangealandofthedinosaura.com
Back by popular demand, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs is bringing the prehistoric action back to Arizona Boardwalk with Jurassic Fight Night! Don’t miss this larger-than-life, family-friendly event where mighty dinosaurs go head-to-head in the ultimate prehistoric showdown. Experience the thrill of live entertainment, lights, music, and roaring excitement as the world’s fiercest dinos battle for victory inside the ring. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, laughs, and adrenaline-pumping fun for all ages. Mark your calendars for January 10, 2026, and get ready for an unforgettable night of Jurassic-sized excitement at the Arizona Boardwalk!
