Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

On our last day we ate the free breakfast at the hotel again, with the same exact food.  Before going home, we made one last stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.  This was a good stop for us because we were able to see some of the animals that the kids had learned about during the junior ranger program, but we never saw in the wild.

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I’m glad we never came across this guy…

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…or this guy!

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There was a sign that each person could take one rock home, so they searched for the best one they could find.

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Definitely try to come here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.  It opened at 8:30 the day we were there.  During the summer I think it opens even earlier because most people want to avoid the scorching sun.  They even provide free sunscreen from dispensers in all of the restrooms.  The weather was a little chilly for us in the morning, but pleasant by mid-morning.

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I like how the animals are not in cages, so it feels more natural.  It kind of reminded us of San Diego Safari Park, but smaller.

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After hearing much about its distinctive smell, we finally saw a javelina.

The highlight was probably the Raptor Free Flight show.

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You have to stand throughout the show, but the birds swoop right over you–pretty cool!

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The space is not enclosed, but they keep the birds near with food.

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I felt like there was more to explore, but we needed to get back on the road for our seven+ hour drive home.  It was a short trip, but I feel like we packed a lot in.  D and I  have started talking about doing Utah next, since it has been five years since our last trip and the kids barely remember it!

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