Weekend Programs

There is always something going on at the Highlands Center! We host an abundance of special events and educational programs on Fridays and Saturdays. Some event examples are our Grow Native Plant Sale, Family Nature Festivals, Shakespeare in the Pines, and much more! For our full list of upcoming events, please view our Calendar.

Outside of these special events, we also offer free educational programs. Take a look at the opportunities below!

Winter Naturalist Walks

November through March
Select Saturdays
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

See the full line-up below!

Summer Naturalist Walks

May through October
3rd Saturday of each month
8:30 AM to 10 AM

Discovery Stations

April through October
Every Saturday (except event weekends)
10 AM – 12 PM

Winter Naturalist Walk Line-up

These hikes are on the unpaved trails on the Highlands Center’s 80-acre campus. Our trails are rocky and have short, but occasionally steep, inclines. Trained naturalists guide these hikes. Make sure to bring water, and wear appropriate hiking shoes. Hats and gloves are always recommended!

Program is FREE; 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Highlands Center

Hands-on Geology: Finding Evidence of Plate Tectonics

with Naturalist Steve Van Slyke

Saturday, November 23rd @ 10:00 AM

Use basic geology tools to find, measure and interpret evidence of ancient tectonic plate movements.

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TBD

Saturday, December 21st @ 10:00 AM

Geology of the Highlands

with Fred Oswald

Saturday, January 25th @ 10:00 AM

Learn about the diverse and impressive rock formations at the Highlands Center.
At 1 PM, there will be a BONUS on Rainwater Harvesting.

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TBD

Saturday, February 22nd @ 10:00 AM

Winter Wildlife

with Pat Gulley

Saturday, March 21st @ 10:00 AM

Learn about the amazing ways that local wildlife adapt to the cold winter, and explore their habitat on Highlands Center trails!

Note: Walks occur on the unpaved trails at the Highlands Center. These trails have variable grades and roughness. Some hikes require stepping off trail onto rocky terrain. Please contact us if you have concerns.

Saturday Discovery Stations

Discovery Stations are offered Saturday mornings from April through October. These educational carts provide visitors with a brief look at the rocks, plants, or animals that make the Arizona Highlands so unique! Young and old alike will leave learning something new in these short programs. Each is only five to ten minutes in length.

Come out for a hike, bring the kids out to Forest Play, and learn a little something new as you visit our Discovery Gardens. No reservations necessary – simply show up!