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Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
24 reviews for Arizona Museum of Natural History
Review Highlights
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"The dinosaurs are the highlight of the institution." In 14 reviews -
"The had gold panning (fools gold of coarse but the kids..." In 5 reviews -
"The kids liked the Flash Flood and waterfall too." In 4 reviews
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24 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa H.
Surprise, AZ
12/31/2011
From the outside I did not know what to expect, but once inside you are blown away. This museum is much more than meets the eye and has something for everyone.
We did the Living Social deal to get a membership and on our first visit, even though we hadn't sent us the membership card yet, they still let us in no questions asked with our printed voucher. The museum was not overrun and there was so much to see. The gold panning was one of my favorite spots in the whole place and instantly made me think this would be an awesome place for our son's birthday, once he was old enough.
Great spot for families and anyone who just gets a kick out of history and science, I cannot wait to go back. -
Review from Lee Ann W.
Mesa, AZ
2/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
This museum is located in downtown Mesa. Parking is right across the street which makes it very convenient! Parking is free which makes it even nicer :)
Admission is $10.00 per adult or should I say anyone 12 and over. I believe this is a fair price for a museum.
History is bountiful within the walls of this museum. The levels of history encompass everyone regardless of age. The kids (young ones) seem to enjoy the large dinosaurs that surround the rooms. There are several "hands on" areas for smaller children.
Teens have a lot to read about rocks, fossils, and history. I am sure you could spend hours walking around reading every last word, it does seem a little redundant and a lot to read.
Over all I think it's a nice museum, I just don't believe it is 5 Stars worth! -
Review from Christine K.
Phoenix, AZ
9/3/2011
This is one of the best museums in the Phoenix area! I love bringing my kids here, and they enjoy going.
The admission price is very reasonable, and they have free days once a month. Whether you pay full price or get in for free, it's definitely worth your time.
The Museum is spread out enough that even if there are a lot of people there that day, you don't feel crowded and can still see all of the exhibits and take your time.
It has a plethora of AZ history, from dinos to geology to Native people to Spanish settlers to movies.
Seriously, go visit this gem tucked in the middle of Mesa. -
Review from Susan D.
Wow, what a cool museum! I went on their free day, which falls on the 1st Sunday of every month but it's absolutely worth full admission price. My first impression was so cute too because they were letting all the lil kids have fun with sidewalk chalk art. Then, once I stepped inside the building, I was super excited... they have some pretty impressive dinosaur skeletons! Walking on, each room was filled with wonder. It is a must-do if you have kids, and a should-do even if you don't! :)
See ya there! -
Review from Amy M.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/29/2011
Great museum for kids and family's. Took my son here for his 5th birthday so he could see dinosaurs and we all loved it.
Has something for everyone. Has all the dinos for the kids and adults, the gemstones and meteroites. Also loved panning for gold and the mining and jail tour.
Prices are good and are even better with the culture pass from the library.
I'm sure we will be back ! -
Review from Kari M.
Phoenix, AZ
9/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is more wonderful than expected.
Dinosaur bones, minerals, space science, Arizona history and science.
It is definitely worth the drive to Mesa : ) -
Review from Rand H.
9/30/2010
I recently visited the Arizona Science Center, & today came to check this one out, joined by Mike C. Ok, it's not the same thing, but I'd say this one rules! There's plenty to see here, It's fun for both adults & kids. A couple of the excellent features are an old MINE to go through, & lots of DINOSAURS!! :-))
The walkways kind of wind all over the place, so try to keep track of where you've been, & not miss anything. They've put a lot of work into this museum, & you're going to like it!
Open Tue thru Fri 10-5, Sat 11-5, Sun 1-5, Closed Monday.
Adults: $10
Kids 3-12: $6
Students 13+ with ID: $8
Seniors 65+: $9 -
Review from Lisa M.
Mesa, AZ
3/8/2012
Not that great, unfortunately it is the best this State has to offer for a museum of natural history. Wanting to support the Museum in our community we bought yearly memberships for a couple of years now. We have to force ourselves to go. Same old exhibits year after year with few changing exhibits. While young children may like the dinosaur robots, once you have seen them a couple of times they are kind of boring. My teenagers are bored stiff and I have to make them go. Our younger child loves the layout of the floors and passages more than the exhibits themselves. I do like the new gold panning and archeology exhibit as it is new. The volunteer staff can be rather insulting too. I thought it was just a one time thing, someone having a bad day, but every time we go now some volunteer is insulting and rude. Maybe that is just how some people in Mesa act these days?
It's not the LA or NYC Museum of Natural History that is for sure.
I wish they could get more temporary/traveling exhibits.
They do have free days and participate in the Cultural Pass Program through the Mesa Public Library which makes up for the occasional mean volunteers. Also I see many minority kids on field trips there which I assume are Tittle 1 schools. That's important that Museums be available to all the people. Free days and tours for people who cannot afford the admission cost gives this organization some redemption points. -
Review from Eli H.
Peoria, AZ
What a great place, I did not have expectations except that my kids would get to see dinosaur bones and I was pleasantly surprised how large this place was and all that they had to offer. The dinosaur exhibit was great, they had several full size dinosaurs and plenty to learn about them. I was very happy to see that they had real jail from historic Mesa so you can see how the inmates lived. The had gold panning (fools gold of coarse but the kids loved it). They had history of AZ and meteorites and Indian history with all real artifacts. I really enjoyed coming here and I didn't even get passes or discount (it was worth the cost).
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Review from Amanda B.
Tucson, AZ
8/12/2008 1 photo
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a treasure that few people seem to visit. It's run by the City of Mesa, but doesn't have the neglected poverty-stricken vibe that haunt many of our local city museums. My sister claimed that she had never been to a "real museum" (Think "Night at the Museum" rather than an art museum or science center for her definition, I suppose.) and was impressed during our visit this weekend. It's certainly grown into a "real museum". Founded in 1977, they focus on natural history, anthropology, history, and art.
The museum can feel like a giant maze and can be a bit overwhelming due to the scattered nature. There are things to look at everywhere and I'm always sure I've missed half the exhibits. You stroll from the prehistoric era to modern times, can watch a simulation of a flash flood (on a mountain covered with mechanical dinosaurs!) There are replicas of Hohokam pithouses, a Spanish mission, and the jail that once held prisoners in Mesa. The astronomy exhibit is particularly cool. Children can pan for gold in an outdoor exhibit.
The dinosaurs are the highlight of the institution. The Southwest Paleontological Society assists with this project and they have a wonderful collection. For those who demand tactile experiences, there's even a fossilized femur that we are encouraged to touch.
The current changing exhibits are Poop Scene Investigators, Feathered Dinosaurs and the Origin of Flight, and Hohokam! Ancient Monuments of the Salt River Valley. I'm a bit burnt out on Hohokam-related exhibits due to my career path, but it's completely worth stopping by to see the Feathered Dinosaurs exhibit while it's here. That one will be around until the end of September.
The admission is minimal: $9 for adults, $7 for students, $5 children, free for children younger than three years old. (Their website says two and under are free, but the sign at the desk currently reads three.) -
Review from F N.
Phoenix, AZ
4/15/2010
Go here while the library is giving out the free passes every week. We've been twice in two weeks. The lil'un loves the dinosaurs, the gushing waterfall and the exploration play room made just for little kids to explore. They also all the kiddos and the grownup kiddos to pan for gold outside which is a huge hit with the lil'un. Oh, and its not real gold...so don't go running there... :-p
The admission passes if you have to pay can be a little steep. If you go on Saturdays, you might be able to catch the Mesa Farmers Market (Their last day is April 24th this spring and then they close for the summer) which is held within walking distance and is also a great way to stroll around and spend time with your family.Listed in: Things to do for Labor Day…
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Review from mattraider f.
Surprise, AZ
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great interactive museum! We have visited twice since moving from TX.
Loved the dinosaurs. -
Review from DestinationFamilyVacation M.
Phoenix, AZ
12/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
We came to the Museum with five children ages 8 to 2 and three adults! This was the first visit for most of us and we all enjoyed the entire museum!
I really enjoyed the dinosaurs and all their exhibits. The wife enjoyed the Indian exhibit, our friend enjoyed the Spanish Conquistador exhibit. Of course the kids loved the jail. They actually went through the jail numerous times. As for the parents, we're not sure how we feel about all of our children loving "jail time".
We panned for gold and found out we were rich, just not monetarily. We were challenged with the pottery puzzle! And totally amazed by the star exhibit and meteorites! The kids liked the Flash Flood and waterfall too!
The different levels, exhibits, twists & turns and hands-on areas were totally cool! I may be 40, but I felt like a kid again enjoying history and education from the Museum with my kids.
We can't wait to go again to check out all the great things we may have missed! -
Review from Sue C.
Tempe, AZ
Updated - 7/6/2011
The Hubble Telescope exhibit has now closed. However, the new exhibit "Rulers of the Prehistoric Skies" (opening Feb 3, 2012) should be just as terrific. I plan on taking my grandson (a dino fan) to the new exhibit as soon as they open.
Listed in: Marvelous Mesa., Places I ENJOY going to!, Fun-day with the kids or…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/27/2011
I have visited natural history museums all over the US and this is the best for entire families. We… Read more »
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Review from Natalie W.
Chandler, AZ
3/20/2007
Must see for kids and their grown-ups alike! The main attraction here are the Dinosaurs-- big as life and nearly as scary. In fact, you might want to give your kids a primer before visiting. We learned the hard way once when our five-year-old became so terrified we had to leave. (Bad Mom). The three-story Dinosaur Mountain, complete with thunder, a simulated flash flood and mechanical prehistoric creatures, is quite impressive.
Besides the dinos, there are several other fun attractions at the museum. What kid wouldn't want to pan for "gold," visit a (replica) Spanish Mission, or get locked in the authentic pioneer jail?
There are also two changing galleries and a gift shop. -
Review from Erin G.
Fairfax, VA
11/20/2008
One can get rather museum'd out while traveling, but even if you're thinking "meh...natural history..." you should make it over to this museum. This isn't a building filled with stuffed ducks and foxes, like most Natural History museums and I totally geeked out during my visit. I took photos. of ROCKS. man I love science!
AMNH is all about local natural history, dinosaurs and meteorites and it is fabulous! I had no idea about the awesome crystal caves in Arizona and all the wild meteor hits that have happened here. There was even an eye witness description of a meteor shower impact from a 100+ year old lady who was a kid when her town was shaken by the space rocks.
The center of the museum houses a particularly amusing display of automaton dinosaurs that growl and screech at each other, there are replicas of native american homes as well as some original pottery and best of all, a gold panning courtyard! Siv to your hearts content looking for gold in the man-made river before heading back inside to the Mars exploration exhibit.
Tthis is a small museum but a really rad one and if you are in the Valley you have to stop by. Don't forget your camera! -
Review from Megan S.
Mesa, AZ
6/15/2010
I went here with my husband for my birthday because, while I may be 24, I am still a kid at heart who loves dinosaurs and history. I don't think I've been to this museum since I was a little kid, but I have fond memories of field trips here, and as an adult this place did not disappoint.
From the moment you walk in the door, you can see cool dinosaur skeletons. It's far from an empty lobby, and the museum atmosphere is apparent immediately. A quick study of the map after paying the admission price and you'll get an idea of the best path to take around the museum.
Currently the museum has a special exhibit about the Therizinosaur. It's a cool exhibit. Besides that, there are dinosaur skeletons, the old territorial prison, Native arts and crafts, and an awesome waterfall/flash flood display.
My only complaint is that the explanations of each exhibit are sometimes a bit long and wordy (especially in the Therizinosaur exhibit). The info is fascinating but with so much to see, it can be hard to stay still and read the entire thing. Bullet points and the use of bigger headlines that summarize the exhibits more clearly could be useful. -
Review from Carrie M.
Mesa, AZ
7/6/2010
This is a fantastic museum for kids! I have taken my 4th grade classes to this museum on field trips before, but I haven't been in a couple of years. This time, I was in the company of an adorable 4-year-old, which gave me a whole new perspective!
The museum is great for teaching all about Arizona's history. Some highlights of our previous field trips have included the Hohokam village, displays on the Spanish & Mexican influence, a replica of a territorial jail, and the" 5 C's of Arizona" courtyard. Of course, everyone loves the dinosaurs, too! :)
The museum has added a lot of interactive exhibits since I've been. They have large floor puzzles around nearly every corner, which the little guy just loved! We spent a long time in the Dinosaur Exhibit Hall, as well. There is a new interactive exhibit all about Light & Color, which had a lot of fun science-related activities. We especially enjoyed the "glow-in-the-dark" room! :)
Another new feature is a room filled with books, puzzles, and hands-on science activities. We spent a while here, as well, playing with magnets and puzzles. We could have spent longer, but we had already been at the museum for 2 1/2 hours!
All in all, for a small museum, this is a great way to spend a hot summer day in Mesa. There's plenty to see and do, and it will keep the kids entertained for several hours. -
Review from Jami e.
Mesa, AZ
6/13/2011
My child is taking summer classes there right now, she is 4 and loves it! I hadn't been to the museum before this but plan on it after classes are over.The staff is so friendly and professional with the kids. Its been a great experience so far and we will keep coming back! The classes are a tad pricy but worth it and there was a discount for taking all of the classes.
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Review from Holly M.
1/25/2010
We went to the museum on a Sunday. They are only open from 1-5 pm on Sundays but it worked well for us. We had fun, great outing for kids and adults. We loved going from room to room to see what the museum would offer next. My daughter had the most fun panning for fools gold and in the dinosaur rooms. The gift store was right up my childs alley, lots of rocks and geods to choose from. We had fun which is what museums sometimes should be about. Only negative was some of the exhibits could use a little updating, some light bulbs were out, minor things really. Oh, was Elvis the alligator real or fake? We stared at it for awhile and couldn't tell.
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Review from Andrea C.
Scottsdale, AZ
9/25/2010
I brought three girls here, ages 4, 7, and 11. ALL of the girls really enjoyed the exhibits, in different ways! My 4 year old really liked the "real" dinosaur shows that go on about every 30 minutes. It was very cool, and kind of Vegas-like in the quality of presentation and showmanship. They all enjoyed the technology exhibits, stones, minerals, and critters of the Sonoran Desert, and the gold panning was great!! Cute little outdoor area. This is a very fun place that only takes you maybe 2-3 hours max to get through. I suppose you could spend more time as an adult, but kids just cruise through very superficially. I was pleasantly surprised at how much we all enjoyed it... and will definitely return. If you like the Arizona Science Center (who doesn't?)... this is almost like a mini version of that. Love it!!!
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Review from Edie M.
Tempe, AZ
4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
i guess i'm the only person that didn't enjoy this museum but i guess my standards are a bit higher. if you came with kids, the gold panning would probably be fun but seeing as i truly enjoy natural history, i found 99% of the museum to be less than educational. "dinosuar mountain" seemed cheap, as did the animatronics that went with it. the jail and gold panning section seemed meh. i do think it would be great for kids and it's a decent price, but i'll skip it next time..
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Review from Cindy B.
Saint Charles, IL
6/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
This was a great museum. I would have NEVER taken my 5 year old here if it weren't for the Yelp reviews and they were right. This is much more then a bunch of stuffed foxes, lol. It was 90% about dinosaurs. It has bones, and life size dino statues. My 5 year old loved it. They also have a water feature out back where they can sift for gold (fools gold, the same to a child). There were quite a few interactive things for the kids as well. Really great for kids. I loved this museum. Not the largest I've been too, but the quality makes up for that.
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Review from Melissa T.
Tempe, AZ
2/7/2010
I must say that I was rather surprised of what this museum had to offer. My daughter and I went on the Target family free day. It was a great opportunity to check it all out w/o having to pay full price. My daughter is only 21 months and is not into dinosaurs. But she and I had fun. (I had fun only because she did and was plenty entertained). Besides all the great exhibits to walk around and look at,there are rooms to do arts and crafts. There are places to sit and do puzzles, watch a video, sift for gold, walk through dark mining caves and view all the dinosaurs exhibits. But probably the fav of both of us was this one dinosaur and water set up. Every so often, (it's timed), there is a thunder storm and a flood of water will come down this manufactured mountain that's surrounded by different dinosaurs. Also there is a T-Rex that is a little animatronic with sounds and movement. Pretty neat. All in all, worth the trip. PLUS just down the street is the Az Museum for Youth, which offers a lot hands on fun.
