STEM ITINERARY

Suggested 3-Day Schedule: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Day 1

Begin your day with one of the 50 must-see wonders of the world! Experience Biosphere 2 and find out why Time Life Books named it a must see. Tours take you inside to explore future life on our planet.
Requires 2 hours

Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet.
Requires 2 hours

After working up an appetite, stop in at the Bistro located at Tohono Chul Park where you can enjoy a nice bite to eat on one of their gorgeous patios and afterwards get a tour of the gardens.
Requires 3 hours

Biosphere 2 lit at night

Day 2

Start your day at the Pima Air & Space Museum, where more than 300 aircraft are on display, representative of America's aviation history. This impressive aircraft collection ranges from the first (a replica of the Wright flyer) to the ultimate flying machine, the famous SR-71A Blackbird.
Requires 3 hours

Go behind-the-scenes at the Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory and learn how innovative engineering and optical technology melds with manufacturing the largest and most advanced giant telescope mirrors. These revolutionary telescopes will explore deep into outer space and produce cutting-edge scientific research.
Requires 90 minutes

The University of Arizona Flandrau Science Center blends science and learning for all ages through interactive exhibits, astronomy and laser light shows in the planetarium, free 16-inch-telescope stargazing and one of the top-five gem and mineral collections in the country.
Requires 2 hours

Enjoy an evening under the stars at Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter. Tucson’s best stargazing destination and home to the largest dedicated public telescope in the United States. Stargazing programs are offered nightly, year-round. You will also be able to enjoy a light dinner, a beautiful sunset from 9,157ft, and use of binoculars throughout the evening. But, don’t forget to pack a light sweater!
Requires 4 hours,  plus 3 hours driving roundtrip

Stargazing at Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter

Day 3

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which tells the unique story of the Sonoran Desert region. More than 300 species of live animals and 1,400 species of plants indigenous to the Sonoran Desert are exhibited in naturalistic habitats.
Requires 2 hours

Saguaro National Park West, gives you breathtaking views of our saguaro forest and you can explore ancient petroglyphs during a short hike into the park.
Requires 90 minutes

Descend 35 feet into the underground missile complex at the Titan Missile Museum. You’ll visit the launch control center and experience a simulated launch of the missile. Then you’ll journey down the cableway to level 2 of the missile silo to get an up-close look at the Titan II missile itself. Finally, you’ll stand on top of the launch duct and look down on the Titan II missile from above.
Requires 1 hour, must be able to ascend and climb 55 stairs steps

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum overlook of the Sonoran Desert