This appeared as a slideshow on AZCentral, and a much more useful list in the print version of the Republic. It seems like it has been an unusually mild spring, but don’t let that fool you into not taking advantage of some of these fun activities before we get into the real heat of summer.
LITTLE CRITTERS STORYTIME
Join us every Thursday for a themed program set around a children’s book read aloud by Ranger Amy. This program is in our air-conditioned visitor center.
Details: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Scottsdale. $6 entry fee per vehicle. 480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
MOONLIGHT HIKE
The [Spur Cross Ranch] Conservation Area is a different experience when seen softly illuminated by the silver moon.
While we will attempt to minimize the use of flashlights, bring one in case you need it.
Details: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday.Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, 44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek. $3 per person. 480-488-6601, www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross.
FITNESS HIKE
All levels of fitness are welcome. We will set a moderate, steady pace, based on the fitness level of participants. Meet at the nature center. Bring plenty of water.
Details: 7 a.m. Thursday. Cave Creek Regional Park, 37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek. $6 entry fee per vehicle. 623-465-0431, www.maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek.
CREATURES OF THE NIGHT HIKE
Diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal. Ranger Mark will explain the meanings as we venture out into the desert at night. Bring a flashlight, sturdy footwear, plenty of water and a camera. Also, bring a black light to spot scorpions. The moon will be full.
Details: 7-9 p.m. Friday. Cave Creek Regional Park, 37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek. $6 entry fee per vehicle. 623-465-0431, www.maricopa.gov/ parks/cave_creek.
CACTUS FLOWER FULL MOON HIKE
Watch for sphinx moths and other animals attracted to the saguaro flowers at night. Flashlights are not necessary, but permitted. Bring water and sturdy shoes. No pets, please. The 3-mile hike begin at the trailhead staging area.
Details: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Scottsdale. $6 entry fee per vehicle. 480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
‘THE BUTTERFLY’S DAY’
This Gerry-Cullity original musical story adaptation of the Emily Dickinson poem imparts an inspiring magical garden tale about a butterfly given one day to find its purpose and in the process overcomes the evil Gypsy Moth Queen and accomplices
Details: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through June 23.
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $15. 480-483-1664, desertstages.org/show/the-butterfly-s-day-21.
ROCK ART OF SPUR CROSS
The petroglyphs found in Spur Cross were created hundreds of years ago by the Hohokam people.
We visit a few of the more impressive sites in the park during this two-hour hike. No dogs on this hike, please.
Details: 7-9 a.m. Saturday. Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, 44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek. $3 per person. 480-488-6601, www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross.
SUMMER NIGHT RIDE SERIES
All riders must have a helmet, a lighting system designed for mountain biking and battery power for three hours of riding. Riders must sign in — and out — before being allowed to ride the Pemberton Trail. It is highly recommended that you ride this trail in day light before coming out for a night ride. The sign sheets are available at 6:30 for riders who might need extra time. No riders will be allowed to start after 8 p.m.
Details: 7:30-10 p.m. Saturday. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Scottsdale. $6 entry fee per vehicle.
480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
UNDER THE DESERT FLOOR
Most of the wildlife of the desert is actually below your feet. Join Ranger Amy to discover the clues to find out what is living under the desert floor. Bring water and your curiosity for this 3-mile interpretive program on the north trail.
Details: 8-10:30 a.m. Saturday. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Scottsdale. $6 entry fee per vehicle.
480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
DESERT BROOM KNITTERS
Teens, children, adults and seniors are welcome to knit together and share knitting projects. Don’t know how to knit but would like to learn? We will teach you how. Bring your own supplies if you have them. By the way, guys knit, too.
Details: 1:30-3 p.m. Saturday. Phoenix Public Library, Desert Broom Branch, 29710 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Free. 602-262-4636, www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org.
‘THE STORY TIME’
Students from the Arizona School of Classical Ballet conclude their dance training by performing classical and contemporary repertoire on stage.
The program includes: a class concert, divertissement (short ballet) and a one-act ballet.
Details: 6 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. PVCC Center for the Performing Arts, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. $10-$20. 602-494-3400, zclassicalballet.com.
LUNCHTIME DEEJAY IN THE QUAD
Come listen to a DJ in the [Scottsdale Quarter] Quad near the fountain during your lunch hours. Show us your lunchtime munchies by uploading your photos to www.facebook. com/ScottsdaleQuarter and include #The-Quarter with your post.
Details: Noon-2 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through June 1. Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free.
www.scottsdalequarter.com/event/2145410730.
FITNESS HIKE
All levels of fitness are welcome. We will set a moderate, steady pace based on the fitness level of participants for this 3.5-mile hike. Meet at the nature center. Bring plenty of water.
Details: 7 a.m. May 30. Cave Creek Regional Park, 37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek. $6 entry fee per vehicle. 623-465-0431, www.maricopa.gov/ parks/cave_creek.
WELCOME TO THE ‘WILD WEST – AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SONORAN DESERT’
We in Arizona have bragging rights that we live in the “wild West,” with cactus that “jump,” and snakes that rattle. But how “dangerous” is the desert, really? Join Ranger Amy for a hands-on introduction to the unique flora and fauna that make up this place we call the Sonoran Desert.
Meet at the north trail trailhead.
Details: 8-9:30 a.m. May 30. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Scottsdale. $6 entry fee per vehicle. 480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
LITTLE CRITTERS STORYTIME
Join us every Thursday for a themed program set around a children’s book read aloud by Ranger Amy. Activities vary and may include live animals, songs, crafts, and/or puppet plays. This program takes place in our air-conditioned visitor center.
Details: 12:30-1:30 p.m. May 30. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Scottsdale. $6 entry fee per vehicle.
480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
DROP-IN TORTOISE FEEDINGS
Find out why you should never pick up a wild tortoise, and learn about tortoises that are looking for homes. Don’t forget your camera. Our tortoises are very photogenic (and they move slowly, so you can get great pictures). Meet behind the visitor center.
Details: 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 31. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, Scottsdale. $6 entry fee per vehicle. 480-471-0173, www.maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell.
DESERT WASHES WALK
Discover the fascinating world of a desert wash.
This hike features the exploration of Cottonwood Wash [in Spur Cross Ranch], which drains into Cave Creek. Along the way, we will discuss desert washes and mesas and how the ecosystems differ. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring plenty of water.
Details: 7-9 a.m. May 31. Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, 44000 N. Spur Cross Road, Cave Creek. $3 per person. 480-488-6601, www.maricopa.gov/ parks/spur_cross.