The best reasons to get outside this week include shopping Arizona's oldest botanical garden
This weekend I'm looking forward to spending some time outdoors, especially with temperatures dropping into the 80s. It’s my second year living in Arizona and this kind of weather is what I brag about most to my friends and family who live back East. That, and all the incredible things to do outdoors.
Arizona in the fall is truly ideal for experiencing the Sonoran desert and the life that grows and lives here. Whether you are hanging in the Valley or traveling a few hours up to the high country, there are so many things to do, it can be hard to narrow it down.
I've done the legwork for you, and I'm here to share the best outdoor activities to do this weekend.
A plant sale and garden tour at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
Founded in the 1920s, this 323 acre park is Arizona's largest and oldest botanical garden, Visitors can see and learn about plants from all over the world including Australia, Japan, South America and the United States. There are over 3,000 types of Sonoran Desert vegetation within 135 acres of gardens. Along with its walking and learning trails this arboretum also offers a variety of events.
From Oct. 21-22 visitors can participate in The Discovery Tour at 9 a.m. to learn about what makes desert plants unique and allows them to survive in regions with such low precipitation.
On Oct. 22 you can also partake in a bird walk along the arboretum's main trail at 8:30 a.m.
Both days the Arboretum is also hosting a plant sale that begins at 8 a.m. for all you plant lovers who want to add an array of plants from all over the globe and native plants to your own garden.
Details: 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ. General admission is $19, $9 for children ages 5 to 12 years old. 520-689-2723, https://btarboretum.org.
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Stargaze at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert
With a cool breeze at night, the stars above and the waning crescent moon, it's the perfect time to spend an evening at the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory. Next to the Gilbert Library at Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads, this observatory lets visitors peer at the night sky. The observatory is owned by the city and managed by the East Valley Astronomy Club.
Public viewing hours are from sunset to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors can look through the telescope at stars, planets, constellations and other celestial objects. Admission is free; donations are welcomed.
Want to bring a group? Private viewing is available Sunday through Thursday evenings for up to six people. Appointments are required. Visit https://www.grcoonline.org and click on Private Viewing.
For an optimum experience, the observatory recommends that visitors refrain from using flashlights or looking at bright lights during their visit. According to the observatory's website, the best viewing is achieved when your eyes are “dark adapted.”
Details: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert. Free. Park hours are 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m daily. Observatory hours are from sunset to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Trails are open dawn to dusk. 480-503-6263, https://www.gilbertaz.gov.
Family fun: Feed ducks, catch a fish and stargaze via telescope
Bird walk at White Tank Mountain Regional Park
Just in time for spooky season, you can join birder Joe Ford of the Sonoran Audubon Society and Sun City Birding Club for an early morning bird walk to look and listen for the many birds that live in and pass through the area, followed by a presentation on "Cryptic Birds of the Night" back at the Nature Center.
No dogs are allowed at this event. Please bring your bird book and binoculars if you have them. Some binoculars may be available to borrow. The group will meet at the south side of the Nature Center, then hike along the nearby Mule Deer Trail. Pre-registration is required. 10 people are allowed on the hike but more can attend the presentation. Call 602-506-2930 and press extension 5 to register.
Details: 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. Park admission $7 if traveling by car. This event is on Oct. 22 from 7:30 a.m-10 p.m. 602-506-2930, https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/#.
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You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Top outdoor activities and events this weekend: Oct. 21-22.
