Summer is in full swing at Arizona Boardwalk, and July is packed with family-friendly ways to cool off, learn, and play with a long list of exciting events listed below!
Best of all, Summer Games at OdySea Aquarium is back this July and promises to deliver bigger, sillier, and more action-packed competition than ever—where kids can waddle, crawl, and play their way through 10 wild animal-inspired challenges all month long!
And if parents are still looking for fun summer camps for the kids, we’ve got the solution! See the exciting options available across four different Arizona Boardwalk attractions—each offering a unique, hands-on experience for kids who want more than just a typical summer day. From interactive animal encounters to immersive adventures, there’s something for every interest and energy level!
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NEW! 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.
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Guests of all ages can have a blast waddling like a penguin or building a tower while wearing “lobster claws” and much more animal-related competitions. Each day brings new games and challenges between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Summer Games activities are included with admission, and participation is on a first come, first served basis.
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NEW! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ODYSEA AQUARIUM!!
Now – Labor Day
Join the party as OdySea Aquarium celebrates 10 years of ocean adventure all summer long! All summer long, guests can enjoy festive décor, larger-than-life photo opportunities, surprise giveaways, special appearances by Pip & Polly, and two brand-new coral exhibits debuting in June. It’s a season of unforgettable family fun, marine discovery, and birthday excitement at the Southwest’s largest aquarium.
NEW! Limited-Time Behind-the-Scenes Tour at OdySea Aquarium
Now – July 24
Weekday Tours: 2 p.m.
Weekend Tours: 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
$14.95 per person
As part of OdySea Aquarium’s 10th birthday celebration, this exclusive summer experience takes guests beyond the exhibits and into rarely seen areas of the building. Explore jellyfish propagation, coral nurseries, and backstage spaces above Shark Waters while discovering how animal care experts support the incredible marine life that calls the Aquarium home. Offered in limited capacity, this special tour provides a unique look at the passion, care, and innovation behind the Southwest’s largest aquarium.
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Fish & Sips Happy Hour at OdySea Aquarium
July 17 & 31
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guests 21+ only
Double the dates, double the fun! Adults 21+ have two chances to raise a glass during Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium—an after-hours happy hour surrounded by incredible marine life.
Guests are invited to explore OdySea Aquarium in an exclusive, adults-only setting featuring live music, popular beer, wine, and cocktails, plus yard games and full access to the Aquarium. Stop by the bar, grab a drink, and enjoy a night out unlike any other.
Don’t miss the rare opportunity to walk through OdySea Voyager and get up close with OdySea’s charismatic sea turtles, playful sea lions, and majestic sharks.
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NEW! Summer Coloring Contest
July 1 - July 31
Young artists are invited to showcase their imagination in Butterfly Wonderland’s annual Summer Coloring Contest, where creativity takes center stage and participants ages 6–17 have the chance to win fun prizes, including two free tickets to Butterfly Wonderland and a $50 Visa gift card.
To enter, visit Butterfly Wonderland Summer Coloring Contest and download one of four original coloring pages. Participants can bring their artwork to life using crayons, markers, or colored pencils—let creativity take flight!
All submissions will be judged by Butterfly Wonderland representatives based on creativity and coloring skill. Every entry will be proudly displayed inside Butterfly Wonderland, celebrating each young artist’s imagination.
Completed entries may be dropped off at Guest Services at the attraction or mailed in. Limit one entry per child. The winning entry will be announced during the first week of August.
NEW!!! Story Time with Critter Visit
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
10 a.m.
Step into a magical rainforest adventure at Butterfly Wonderland’s Butterfly Theater, where Story Time brings nature to life through captivating tales of butterflies and other rainforest creatures.
Families can journey through lively, engaging stories read each week by dynamic storytellers, sparking curiosity and imagination in young explorers. Many of the featured books are also available for purchase in the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop.
The experience continues with special appearances from Animal Ambassadors, who introduce guests to fascinating reptiles and amphibians, including “Pudge,” the Giant Pixie Frog, and “Kevin,” the White-eyed Crocodile Skink. After each session, guests can learn more about these incredible animals and others that call Butterfly Wonderland home.
Each participating child will receive a free nature sticker to take home. Story Time is free with admission.
Stingray & Shark Feedings
July 4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 25 & 26
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. 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!
Leslie the Butterfly Fairy
July 4 – Fourth of July Holiday
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!
Whimsical Wings
July 7, 14, 21, 28
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.
Reptile Feedings
July 5, 12, 19, 26 - 2:00 p.m. – Axolotls
July 6, 13, 20, 27 - 11 a.m. – Hingeback Tortoises
Learn about the many reptiles and amphibians that share the rainforest with tropical butterflies. Enjoy an educational talk with Butterfly Wonderland’s Reptile team and watch as they feed the amazing reptiles. Q & A session. FREE WITH ADMISSION.
The Magic of Music and Butterflies
Aaron White, Native American Musician
July 11
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join Grammy-nominated Native American musician Aaron White as he performs in the Butterfly Conservatory, elevating guests’ rainforest experience with the relaxing sounds of the Native American flute. Be there when his award-winning music fills the air and gorgeous tropical butterflies appear to dance in time to every song. FREE with admission.
Butterfly Brushstrokes Painting Class
July 17
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 girls night out or a unique date idea, 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.
Photo Time with Butterflies
July 18
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 habitats. 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: $33.95 (includes Admission; Butterfly Wonderland Members are FREE.) Registration required. Check out EventBrite.com or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. Tripods are allowed.
The Magic of Music and Butterflies
Featuring Jonathan Levingston
July 19
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!
Children’s Painting Class @ Color Me Mine in AZ Boardwalk
July 25
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Butterfly Wonderland is sponsoring a Children’s Painting Class at Color Me Mine at AZ Boardwalk. Enjoy 2 hours of creative fun while they take care of everything!
Cost is only $10 plus tax for Studio Fee, and Butterfly Wonderland will sponsor the art piece choice of small caterpillar, bug or butterfly. Additional fee if different art piece is chosen. Fun and artistic environment for kids of all ages. Class is limited to 15 participants. Once piece is completed, it will be put in kiln and available to pick up or ship in 5 to 7 days. To reserve spot, contact Color Me Mine Studio at (480) 291-6999.
Yoga in the Rainforest
July 30
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.
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NEW! Summer Family Package + $25 Reward
Make unforgettable summer memories with the Museum of Illusions Summer Family Package! Purchase a package for visits now through July 13 and receive a $25 bonus to use on your next transaction. The package includes admission for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 12 and under), making it the perfect outing for curious minds and family fun.
For details visit Museum of Illusions.
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NEW! Summer Art Camp at Color Me Mine Pottery Painting
Calling all young artists! Spark creativity at Color Me Mine Summer Camp, where kids ages 5–12 will paint their own pottery masterpieces, play exciting games, make new friends, and cool off with a sweet ice cream treat. These three-hour camps are filled with laughter, imagination, colorful creations, and plenty of summer fun!
Register NOW for Monday–Wednesday camps throughout July, with two daily time slots available at 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Perfect for young artists ready to paint, play, and make summer memories!
Register: https://scottsdale.colormemine.com/summer-camp/?mc_cid=4305769341&mc_eid=703b0a345c
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Buy $10, 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 $10. 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: AZBWJULY10Get10
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FOAM FRENZY
July 11 & 12
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!
