Phoenix, AZ

Go on a wildlife adventure at one of Arizona's top nature attractions, the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. About 75 indoor exhibits feature a huge variety of aquatic species, including fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. The zoo features a baby animal nursery and a children's petting zoo.

Address: 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park AZ 85340 - Map
Phone: (623) 935-9453
Web: www.wildlifeworld.com

Interact with exotic animals at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. This truly otherworldly nature experience includes a snake show with giant anacondas and boas, a 45-minute African Bush Safari that includes personal encounters with giraffes, zebras and more, and a predator feed where you can watch carnivores devour 800 lbs. of raw meat.

Address: 4020 N. Cherry Rd., Camp Verde AZ 86322 - Map
Phone: (928) 567-2842
Web: www.outofafricapark.com

Challenge yourself by climbing Piestewa Peak, a 2,608-foot summit filled with trails for every level of hiker. Trailhead areas include paved parking and restroom facilities. If you want to feel like you've conquered the world, this outdoor trip is it.

Web: www.phoenixasap.com

Discover the rugged beauty of the desert landscape when you spend some time outdoors at Deer Valley Rock Art Center. This living museum is both a nature preserve and an archaeological site, with trails, gardens and exhibits throughout 47 acres.

Address: 3711 West Deer Valley Rd., Glendale AZ 85308 - Map
Phone: (623) 582-8007
Web: www.dvrac.asu.edu

Step into the world of Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona, a self-contained microcosm of the world and its various climates, including a rain forest, simulated ocean and more. Originally built for research purposes, Biosphere 2 also holds daily tours throughout its amazing system of trails and levels.

Address: 32540 S. Biosphere Rd., Oracle AZ 85623 - Map
Phone: (520) 838-6200
Web: www.b2science.org

Vibrant seasonal foliage is always on display at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, located at the University of Arizona and boasting the unique desert landscape beauty of the outdoor area. Two miles of wheelchair-accessible trails await the adventurous nature-lover.

Address: 37615 U.S. Highway 60, Superior AZ 85273 - Map
Phone: (520) 689-2811
Web: www.ag.arizona.edu

Explore the biggest municipal park in the world, South Mountain Park of Phoenix. More than 16,000 gorgeous acres of both manicured and untamed wilderness await. Hike, bike or horseback ride outdoors on 51 miles of trails. Trail heads include gated parking lots and restrooms.

Phone: (602) 262-7393
Web: www.phoenix.gov

View the natural beauty of the cosmos from the state-of-the-art, domed telescope at the Dorrance Planetarium, one of only five in the world. Relax in the comfort of a cushioned seat and air conditioning, while the universe sweeps past. Shows include "Starry Storytime" and "Arizona Skies."

Address: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix AZ 85004 - Map
Phone: (602) 716-2000
Web: www.azscience.org

Go on a horseback riding adventure through the rugged, serene outdoor beauty of the Arizona countryside. Ponderosa Stables provides rides on more than 40 miles of trails across 18,500 acres of South Mountain Park. Close encounters with exotic native plants and native animals are common in this region.

Address: 10215 South Central Ave., Phoenix AZ 85042 - Map
Phone: (602) 268-1261
Web: www.arizona-horses.com