Flashlight Nights: Summer Edition

Whether you’re planning a date night or a family adventure, discover the magic of Flashlight Nights. As the sun sets, the desert transforms—revealing new sights, sounds and surprises after dark. Wander the trails with a flashlight in hand, gaze at the stars through telescopes and get up close with fascinating desert animals. Each visit offers something new, with themed activities that change weekly. Event Lineup July 25: Critter Crawl Meet the animals that inhabit our Sonoran Desert and talk to expert volunteers from Liberty Wildlife and Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary who care for them. Get up close with some of the desert’s coolest creepy-crawlies! Join Steve “The BugMan” as he brings his live collection of insects, spiders and other fascinating arthropods to the Garden. Join us at the Critter Corner to see more desert wildlife, search for toads and frogs and the pond and discover strategies that spiders use to capture snacks. Aug. 1: Desert Superheroes Meet the Sonoran Desert’s own superheroes—the Desert Guardians! Discover the incredible plants and animals with amazing survival superpowers that help them thrive in one of the world’s toughest environments. Through hands-on activities and fun challenges, uncover the secrets that make these desert defenders true champions of nature. Get a photo with Captain America, Wonder Woman and Spiderman. Aug. 8: Infinity Day – Math in Bloom Discover the amazing cycles that keep the Sonoran Desert thriving! Explore how plants, animals and people are connected through nature’s endless patterns with hands-on activities, exciting discoveries and superhero-sized adventures for all ages Aug. 15: Sunrise to Starlight Experience the Sonoran Desert’s amazing day-to-night transformation! As the blazing sun gives way to cool evenings, look up to observe a sky filled with sparkling stars, discover familiar constellations and hear the fascinating stories people have told about them for generations Aug. 22: Critter Crawl Meet the animals that inhabit our Sonoran Desert and talk to expert volunteers from Liberty Wildlife and Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary who care for them. Get up close with some of the desert’s coolest creepy-crawlies! Join Steve “The BugMan” as he brings his live collection of insects, spiders and other fascinating arthropods to the Garden. Join us at the Critter Corner to see more desert wildlife, search for toads and frogs and the pond and discover strategies that spiders use to capture snacks. More to Enjoy: Desert Oasis Garden After Dark Enjoy a made-for-summer Garden After Dark experience as more than 12 light installations take over the trails. This shimmering display creates a playful break from the summer heat with cooling colors and designs inspired by the monsoon season. Cactus Cantina Ready for a chill escape? Swing by the new Cactus Cantina at the SRP Visitor Center and treat yourself to frozen cocktails, refreshing mocktails or an ice‑cold beer. Our full service bar is open from 5-9:30 p.m. daily. Come grab a drink to sip while you stroll through the Garden. Cheers to cool nights and cooler drinks! Sunset Snacks Beat the desert heat with an ice-cold breezy pop, then gather around for gooey s’mores under the stars. Available for purchase (credit and debit cards only).