Some fantastic events happening in MAY at AZ Boardwalk
including wonderful ideas for Mom for Mother’s Day!
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Educator Appreciation Event and Open House
Hosted by OdySea Aquarium & Butterfly Wonderland
May 11th
5 p.m.— 7 p.m.
Check-in Begins at 4:30 p.m.
Calling all Educators, Principals, School Administrators & Superintendents! Dive into the deep ocean and soar into the rainforest with this golden opportunity to explore OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland to experience firsthand what students would encounter on an exciting field trip to these attractions!
The Educator event includes:
- Free entrance into both attractions
- Chance to earn 2 hours of professional development at either venue
- Information on each attraction’s age-based STEM curriculum
- Free ticket for a return visit to OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, UFO Experience, and Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Celebrate Mom – Special Mother’s Day Discount!
May 13
Make this Mother’s Day one to remember! Treat Mom to a day by the ocean filled with lovable sea life, calming water, and serene surroundings…at OdySea Aquarium!! Mothers who visit OdySea on Mother’s Day receive $10 off their One-Day Admission Ticket when purchased in-person at the OdySea Aquarium Ticket Window. Discount valid on Sunday, May 13th only!
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Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium
May 26
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Guests 21+ only
Dive into Happy Hour “under the sea” during Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium!
Happy Hour “Under the Sea” is back! Grab a drink and journey through one of the largest aquariums in the country! Watch for surprise animal appearances, relax to live music, compete in over-sized yard games, and more! Don’t miss this adults-only night at our best priced ticket!
Buy in Advance: $31.95
Buy at Ticket Window: $36.95
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Speaker Series featuring Shane Hurd,
Assistant Director of the AZ Mutual UFO Network (MUFON)
May 23
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
UFO Experience: The Truth is Out There attraction
With years of experience as a seasoned researcher, author, and expert on UFO sightings, Shane Hurd will share his insights on how the recent confirmation of UAPs by the U.S. government has led to a lifting of the taboo surrounding the topic and has reignited a strong interest in the possibility of alien life. Having previously served as an investigator for UFO sightings with the Arizona MUFON chapter, Hurd brings a wealth of knowledge and legitimacy to the discussion and will address what he sees as the real issues surrounding UFOs during his presentation.
Tickets are $30: https://theufoexperience.com/tickets/ and includes the thought-provoking presentation, Q&A opportunity, and exclusive access to the UFO Experience, one of the most comprehensive exhibitions in the world to explore UFO sightings, alien abductions, and encounters with extraterrestrials.
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Pamper Mom with Special Mother’s Day Discounts
Now through May 13
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
This Mother's Day, give Mom the ultimate indulgent gift set from The Soap Bubble at Arizona Boardwalk. This vibrant bath and body store offers an extensive collection of luxurious and fragrant soap creations that are made from only the highest quality, natural ingredients Mom is sure to love.
Don’t miss The Soap Bubble’s special Mother’s Day promotions on bath bombs (buy 2 get 1 free) and special box gift sets created with Mom in mind! From relaxing bath essentials including sugar scrubs, bath salts, and decadent hand soaps to aromatic candles, and an array of skin care products, everyone can find the right gift to pamper Mom this Mother’s Day!
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Whimsical Wings
May 5, 12, 19, and 26
11 a.m.
Be part of the magic as Butterfly Wonderland Education Specialists release gorgeous tropical butterflies into the Conservatory. Have cameras ready and watch in wonder as these new butterflies take their first flight. Feel free to ask questions. FREE with admission
Stingray & Shark Feedings
May 6, 13, 20, and 27
1:00 p.m.
Tropical Waters Observation Pool
Learn interesting facts about the venomous round stingrays and Agatha, the horn shark in the Tropical Waters gallery during this educational Aquarist Talk and Live Feeding. Join Sara Donaldson at the Observation Pool as she interacts with these fascinating sea creatures and be sure to take home a free horn shark education card too. FREE WITH ADMISSSION.
Bug Talks
May 6, 13, 20, and 27
3:00 p.m.
Butterfly Conservatory
Be amazed by tarantulas, giant scorpions, and other large insects from around the world at this special presentation hosted by Arthropod Keeper, Emily Wood. Emily shares her entomology expertise with guests while showcasing these amazing insects from the Spineless Giants gallery in a new and up-close experience inside the Conservatory! FREE with admission.
Educator Appreciation Event and Open House
Hosted by OdySea Aquarium & Butterfly Wonderland
May 11th
5 p.m.— 7 p.m.
Check-in Begins at 4:30 p.m.
Calling all Educators, Principals, School Administrators & Superintendents! Dive into the deep ocean and soar into the rainforest with this golden opportunity to explore OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland to experience firsthand what students would encounter on an exciting field trip to these attractions!
The Educator event includes:
- Free entrance into both attractions
- Chance to earn 2 hours of professional development at either venue
- Information on each attraction’s age-based STEM curriculum
- Free ticket for a return visit to OdySea Aquarium, Butterfly Wonderland, UFO Experience, and Ripley's Believe It or Not!
This opportunity is for Educators only, so please share with a teacher today! To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/educator-appreciation-night-at-odysea-aquarium-butterfly-wonderland-registration-611314206247
Celebrate Mom – Special Mother’s Day Discount!
May 13
Create amazing memories with Mom at Butterfly Wonderland this Mother’s Day where the butterflies are as beautiful as she is! Enjoy Leslie, the Butterfly Fairy and live musical performances by Aaron White in the Conservatory. Butterfly Wonderland celebrates all the amazing Mothers with a special $3.00-off discount on Mom’s General Admission one day ticket, plus, while supplies last, a special butterfly gift! Discount valid at the Butterfly Wonderland Ticket Window (in-person) only and only on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 13th.
The Magic of Music and Butterflies
Aaron White, Native American Musician
May 13
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join Grammar-nominated Native American musician Aaron White as he performs in the Butterfly Conservatory, elevating guests’ rainforest experience with the relaxing sounds of the Native American flute. Be there when his award-winning music fills the air and gorgeous tropical butterflies appear to dance in time to every song. FREE with admission.
Yoga in the Rainforest
May 18 and 23
5:15 - 6:15 p.m.; check in 5:00 p.m.
Practice yoga in the peaceful and magical surroundings of the Butterfly Conservatory featuring thousands of beautiful fluttering butterflies. This hour-long class will guide guests through a series of yoga poses that help build strength and gain flexibility. Ages 18 & up; $30/person. Pre-registration required; visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Butterfly Brushstrokes at Night
May 19
6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Grab a bestie and head to Butterfly Brushstrokes, a professionally led, fun and inspiring painting class that allows each participant to take home their own hand painted “butterfly Picasso”. All supplies are included in the price. Limited to 20 people. $30/public; $15 for members (covers supplies). Pre-registration required. Visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Waking Up with Butterflies
May 20
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Check-in at 8:15 a.m.
Enjoy a quiet hour photographing butterflies, birds, or reptiles. Director of Animal Care & Entomologist Derek Kellogg will be available to answer questions from guests about butterflies, plants, and the rainforest environment. Ages 18 & up; $28.95 for public (includes admission). FREE for members. Registration required. Call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Spring Butterfly Hike to Rackensack Wash by CAZBA
May 20
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join the Central Arizona Butterfly Association (CAZBA) and Butterfly Wonderland on a special butterfly inspired hike to Rackensak Wash as the group looks for the amazing Yucca Giant-Skipper butterfly. Hike difficulty: moderate (no real trails, rocky creek bed). Participants are asked to wear good hiking shoes, a hat, and bring binoculars, water, and snacks/lunch. Limit 20 people. A donation of $5 per person is appreciated to benefit CAZBA. Detailed directions will be given at time of reservation through Ticketleap. Reserve a spot by registering at cazba.ticketleap.com/cazba-rackensack/Call 480.800.3000, ext. 204 for more information.
Mindfulness Drawing Class
May 20
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Join mindfulness art coach, Valmere Kasala, as she gently guides participants to discover their inner artistic drawing skills. Students in this class will learn to embrace the process and focus fully on putting pencil to paper to create personal, meaningful artwork depicting different stages of a butterfly’s lifecycle. Ages 18 & up; $30/person. Pre-registration is required; visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Intro to Macro Photography @ Butterfly Wonderland
May 21
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Check-in at 8:15 a.m. in the lobby
Imagine a photography class set in the most beautiful space: the Butterfly Wonderland Conservatory! Learn from professional photographer Jonathan Cline how to capture amazing moments with gorgeous butterflies as the subjects! From close-ups with macro lenses to wider compositions with short and long-range telephoto lenses, Cline will cover the basics of proper exposure (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO), depth-of-field, auto-focus methods, and settings for butterflies at rest as well as busy butterflies in flight. Bring a DSLR or mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Macro and/or telephoto lenses are preferred, but not required. The cost is $55/public and $45 for members. Space is limited. Register on EventBrite.com.
The Magic of Music and Butterflies
Jonathan Levingston, Classical Violinist
May 21 and May 28
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Take a stroll through the Butterfly Conservatory surrounded by gorgeous tropical butterflies dancing to the irresistible sounds from classical violinist Jonathan Levingston. FREE with admission.
The Buzz About Bees
May 21
1 p.m.
It’s un-BEE-lievable! Learn about bees, maintaining hives and more from local beekeeper Cricket Aldridge, founder of AZ Backyard Beekeepers. Visit Cricket in the Conservatory at the Honeybee exhibit where there will be time for Q & A after her presentation! Honey is available for purchase in the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop. FREE with admission.
Memorial Day Weekend + Added Entertainment @ Butterfly Wonderland
May 27—28
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Butterfly Wonderland this Memorial Weekend with a line-up of entertainment:
- May 27 and 28
11 a.m.—2 p.m.
Be delighted by the enchanting Leslie the Butterfly Fairy
- May 28
11 a.m.—2 p.m.
Enjoy classical violinist Jonathan Levingston performing inside the Butterfly Conservatory
Courtyard May Events |
MOMPALOOZA
May 13
10 a.m.— 2 p.m.
At this FREE family event, Moms will get pampered, and the kids entertained! Featuring live entertainment, bounce houses and obstacle courses, face painting, crafts, coloring contests, music, games, and tons of prizes! No Admission or Activity Fees Required!
FOAM FRENZY
Memorial Day Weekend
May 27- 29
10 a.m.— 1 p.m.
This FREE 3-day event features endless foam parties, classic fire truck water play, water squirter battle zones, and other fun water activities! Kick off summer at the coolest water party around! No Admission or Activity Fees Required.
9500 E. Via de Ventura, A100, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
