Just for Kids
The gardens at Tohono Chul provide a wonderful place to play, laugh, and learn. You’ll find all kinds of fun things for kids to do in the gardens, including chasing lizards and butterflies or floating your boat down our children’s stream. Your children will delight at the beauty of Tohono Chul and you’ll love that they’re learning while they’re having so much fun. It’s a great place to learn about the Sonoran Desert’s unique habitat and special critters—and create lasting memories.
I’ve been bringing my granddaughters to play here since they were toddlers and even now that they’re teenagers they always want to come back with me.
Julia Wait Bonse
Happening Now
Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
Open 9 am – 1 pm | Tuesday – Sunday
Let your child run wild at CMOV@TC! The Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul is a unique place that inspires children to learn through play. The museum offers hands-on exhibits and programs that engage kids of all ages in nature, art, culture, and so much more. It’s a great place for kids to learn about what makes their community special. Click the link below for more information and plan your visit today!
Kids Cactus Club – Punch, Play, Repeat!
Join the Kids Cactus Club this summer at the Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul!
Earn a prize with every visit—and watch the fun grow all season long!
PLUS! Make a splash with water play, cool off with tasty treats, and dive into Thunderstorm Thursdays from 9:30 AM – 12 PM! Each Thursday, little learners will discover the wonders of desert monsoons through lively stories and hands-on crafts that spark imagination and curiosity.
Just ask our friendly staff to get started—we’ll help you punch, play, and repeat!
SARSEF Summer STEM Camp: STEM in the Desert at Tohono Chul!
Monday – Friday | 9 AM – 3 PM
Grades 4-5 | July 14 – July 18, 2025
Grades 6-8 | July 21 – July 25, 2025 | FULL (Click below to join waitlist)
The desert is a fascinating place full of things to discover. During this session, campers will make their own observations about the desert world around them and learn how humans have interacted with the desert for thousands of years through art, storytelling, engineering, and science.
Sign up for our sessions by clicking below:
Grades 4-5 or Grades 6-8
Clay Play at Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
Sundays & Tuesdays | 11 AM – 12 PM
Children’s Museum Oro Valley
Free with Admission
Unleash your child’s creativity at the Children’s Museum Oro Valley with Clay Play!
Every Tuesday and Sunday from 11 AM to 12 PM, little ones can explore the joys of hands-on sculpting and crafting with clay. This interactive activity encourages imagination and creativity, perfect for curious minds and tiny hands.
Explorer Backpacks – Discover & Learn!
Available for Checkout at Admissions | Free with Admission
Experience the natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert up close with our brand-new Explorer Backpacks! Equipped with binoculars, a magnifying glass, a compass, and other adventurous tools, these backpacks offer a hands-on experience of our beautiful gardens and all their hidden treasures.
Grab an Explorer Backpack at Admissions and get ready to unleash your child’s inner explorer!
COLORING PAGES
We have a wide range of coloring pages that has pieces from the current exhibition and our Permanent Collection. Discover the artist in you as you color textiles, ceramic, photographs, and more.
If you are looking for even more activities to do from home, visit our Tohono Chul @ Home page.
Coloring pages from our The Elements – Water exhibit:
The Elements – Fire exhibit:
The Elements – Air exhibit :
Roy J. Kurtz Collection
