Don't sacrifice fun because it's too hot during the day.
Starting this weekend, the Reid Park Zoo's Summer Safari Nights and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Cool Summer Nights are back with evening fun.
That means you can go to the zoo and the desert museum after the sun sets, when it's bearable outside.
Summer Safari Nights
Summer Safari Nights combines the fun of the zoo with live entertainment, activities for children, and café specials.
The first Summer Safari Night is this Friday, May 19 from 6-8 p.m. The theme is Bear Necessities and it kicks off with live entertainment by The Just Intervals; vendors like Watershed Management, Texas Roadhouse, and Tucson Medical Center; and BBQ ribs at the café.
The zoo keeps it fresh with a different theme each week. Parents can bring a blanket to picnic on and children can get their faces painted, do some crafts and meet some of the animals.
Here are some other nights to look forward to:
• Large and In Charge on June 2: Live entertainment by Michael P. & the Gullywashers and green chile burgers with fries from the Café.
• Caring for Carnivores on July 7: Live entertainment by Diluvio and French Dip au Jus with fries from the café.
• Scales and Feathers on Aug. 4: Live entertainment by Run Boy Run and BBQ pulled pork from the café.
Go before the wild fun ends on Aug. 4.
Stephanie Buck holds a reluctant Riley Buck while Scott Riggs shows off a Bull python during last week's Safari Nights Friday.
When: Every Friday until Aug. 4, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Reid Park Zoo, 3400 Zoo Court
Cost: $9 for adults, $7 for Seniors and $5 for children (2-14). Members get $2 off admission.
Cool Summer Nights
Much like Summer Safari Nights, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum opens the park at night when the temperatures cool down in the summer. It combines admission to the park with Sonoran Desert themed activities.
The first Cool Summer Night is this Saturday, May 20 from 5-10 p.m. It's going to be a celestial celebration. Bring your flashlight to see the nocturnal animals out and about when the moon rises, star gaze with astronomy experts, experience a live animal encounter and more. You can still visit the stingrays during these nights for $3 ($2 for members).
Each night is different with new guests, activities and presentations, so you don't want to miss out. And maybe you want to eat dinner while you're there. All of the dining options are open during Cool Summer Nights: Ironwood Terraces, Ocotillo Café, Phoebe's Coffee Bar, and The Cottonwood.
Here are some other nights to look forward to:
• Glitter and Glow on July 1: It's all about the glowy, neon things. There will be a lightning presentation from experts and you'll get to learn about fluorescent minerals. Oh, and there's glow and flow yoga.
• Insect Insanity on July 22: You just get to go crazy over bugs.
• Full Moon Festival on Aug. 5: The moon will shine down on you as you explore the museum. There will be activities, music and art.
Explore the museum after dark every Saturday until Sept. 2.
A visitor eyes a black bear at the Mountain Woodland area during a recent Cool Summer Nights event at the museum.
When: Every Saturday until Sept. 2, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Rd.
Cost: Regular admission applies; general admission is $20.50, $18.50 for Seniors (ages 65+), $8 for children (3-12) and free for children under 3.
