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North America United States Tucson, Arizona Do & See Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

Overview

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

The guide was updated: 2025-02-19

Flandrau Science Center, located on the University of Arizona campus, explores all scientific fields through interactive exhibits, events, and activities. The center’s state-of-the-art planetarium features a full-dome digital projection system, offering immersive journeys through the solar system and beyond. With exhibits covering astronomy, marine biology, earth science, math puzzles, and minerals, Flandrau provides engaging experiences for the whole family.

Useful Information

Address: 1601 East University Boulevard, Tucson
Website: www.flandrau.org
Phone: +1 520 621 4516

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Pima Air & Space Museum

Pima Air & Space Museum

Step into a century of aviation and space exploration at the Pima Air & Space Museum, an 80-acre site featuring over 400 aircraft and 125,000 artifacts. As one of the largest aerospace museums in the world, it offers something for everyone. Explore six display hangars filled with commercial, civilian, and military aircraft, including iconic models like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, B-36 Peacemaker, SR-71 Blackbird, Air Force One, and P-51 Mustang. The museum is family- and pet-friendly, making it an ideal destination for all. Beyond the world-class exhibits, you can enjoy the Flight Grill restaurant, a playground, arcade games, and more.

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

While Colossal Cave is this park's centerpiece, it is certainly not its only attraction. It is also home to museums, various species of animals, public trails, a butterfly garden, as well as camping and picnic areas. Some special events are organized during the year, like birding or walking tours.

Sabino Canyon

Sabino Canyon

Whether you are a casual hiker looking for accessible trails, or an expert trekker looking for more challenging adventures with backcountry access, Sabino Canyon offers opportunities for everyone. With a peaceful and picturesque scenery, it boasts well-marked trails.

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway

In just 27 miles, you can experience one of the most dramatic natural diversities in the country. The journey begins in landscapes resembling the deserts of Mexico and ends in forests reminiscent of Canada. Along the way, the route offers numerous pull-offs, trailheads, hiking opportunities, and scenic overlooks, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

Gaslight Theatre

Gaslight Theatre

Gaslight Theatre blends humor, live music, and theatrical performances with casual pub food, creating a unique experience that draws both tourists and locals. With its Western-themed atmosphere, the theater offers comedies six nights a week, alongside a menu of casual fare and concessions.

Franklin Auto Museum

Franklin Auto Museum

Tucson hosts the largest collection of Franklin cars in the US. Here, you can delve into the history of the restored vintage cars from the golden age of the automobile. If you're not a car-lover, you can always check out its collection of ancient artifacts.

Catalina State Park

Catalina State Park

For stunning desert scenery just outside Tucson, Catalina State Park is a must-visit. The park is home to nearly 5,000 saguaros and a variety of desert plants, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventures like hiking and biking. With 11 trails to choose from, each providing spectacular views, it’s the perfect escape for nature lovers.

San Xavier del Bac Mission

San Xavier del Bac Mission

San Xavier del Bac Mission, located 10 miles south of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Nation, is an iconic example of Spanish colonial architecture. Known as the “White Dove of the Desert,” its striking white facade contrasts beautifully with the surrounding desert landscape. Built between 1783 and 1787, the mission blends Moorish, Byzantine, and Mexican Renaissance styles, featuring intricate carvings, vibrant murals, and a gilded retable depicting biblical stories. Still an active parish, it holds daily masses and remains a spiritual center for the Tohono O’odham people. Extensive restorations have preserved its historic beauty, making it one of the best-preserved Spanish missions in the U.S. Visitors can explore the mission’s interior, join free docent-led tours, or browse crafts and frybread sold by local artisans.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum redefines the concept of a museum, focusing on the preservation of the Sonoran Desert. Spanning two miles of walking paths, this unique space is home to 230 animal species and 1,200 types of plants, blending elements of a zoo, botanical garden, natural history museum, aquarium, and art gallery. Highlights include the Stingray Touch, Hummingbird Aviary, Warden Aquarium, and Earth Sciences Center, where visitors can explore a replica limestone cave. Plan for at least two hours to fully experience this immersive destination.

Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2

Take a tour of this "miniature earth" that researchers at the University of Arizona use to explore the future of the planet. Experience the world's ecosystems, from the salty ocean to the humid rainforest, replicated under Biosphere 2's roof. Guided tours are organized all year long.

Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory

Reservations are required for guided tours of the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, but you can stop by the visitors center any day to explore its educational exhibits, including some chronicling research projects conducted at the Arizona observatory. The FLWO is run under the auspices of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo

Reid Park Zoo offers a chance to encounter animals from around the globe and enjoy special zoo-themed events. The zoo’s naturalistic habitats provide up-close views of elephants, lions, Andean bears, rhinos, and more. Kids can explore an interactive area featuring everything from an Antarctic ice cave to a South American rainforest. Daily activities like giraffe feedings, carousel and train rides, and animal presentations ensure there’s always something to enjoy. With over 600,000 visitors annually, the 24-acre zoo is a beloved destination for all ages.

Garden of Gethsemane

Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane is a serene space featuring religious sculptures crafted by artist Felix Lucero after World War I. A veteran who fought in France, Lucero dedicated his life to creating these statues. The garden’s Christian-themed sculptures depict scenes such as the Last Supper, the birth of Christ, and the crucifixion, offering a peaceful place for reflection and inspiration.

ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center

ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center

Discover the fascinating world of copper at the ASARCO Mineral Discovery Center. The center features interactive exhibits, a Discovery Theater, a garden, and a gift shop showcasing jewelry by local artisans. You can take guided tours of the Mission Mine to see copper mining in action. Wrap up your visit by browsing the Company Store for unique, educational gifts.

Children's Museum Tucson

Children's Museum Tucson

New fun and educational exhibits are opening up all the time at the Children's Museum Tucson, devoted to promoting joy for the entire family. Exhibits and special events engage children in learning about the environment, biology, history and more.

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

Built across ten acres at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains, the buildings of DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun are veritable works of art in their own right. They house paintings by Ettore "Ted" DeGrazia and other artists. DeGrazia, who created the gallery in 1950, used his artwork to depict Arizona's life and people.

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium

Flandrau Science Center, located on the University of Arizona campus, explores all scientific fields through interactive exhibits, events, and activities. The center’s state-of-the-art planetarium features a full-dome digital projection system, offering immersive journeys through the solar system and beyond. With exhibits covering astronomy, marine biology, earth science, math puzzles, and minerals, Flandrau provides engaging experiences for the whole family.

Fox Tucson Theatre

Fox Tucson Theatre

The Fox Tucson Theatre, built in the 1930s, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The theater now screens movies, hosts concerts and serves as event space.

The Arizona Trail

The Arizona Trail

More than 800 miles traverse the cities, deserts, canyons, and mountains of Arizona from the border of Mexico to the border of Utah. Guided hikes, mountain bike rides, and horse rides are available. No matter your interests, the Arizona Trail Association can help you plan your trip.

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