Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak State Park - worth the stop on the way to/from Tucson

On the way home from a day of Bookman's Book Stores in Tucson, we stopped at Picacho Peak State Park to stretch our legs and find out what the park that we had driven by so many times was about.

Traveling along I-10 in southern Arizona you will find the 1,500-foot peak of Picacho Peak State Park. Hike trails that wind up the peak. The park and surrounding area are known for its unique geological significance, outstanding and varied desert growth, and historical importance. The unique shape has been used as a landmark by travelers since prehistoric times. One interesting claim to fame about the park was that is was the site of the only Civil War battle in the Arizona Territory (long before it was a state).

The park facilities include a visitor center with exhibits and a gift store, hiking trails, playground, historical markers, campground, picnic areas, ramadas, grills, dump station, restrooms, and showers. The group use areas, for day & overnight use, are available by reservation. Before you hike, be prepared with enough water and proper footwear as the trails are steep and challenging.

For a family it is a nice break from the city and only an hour drive from Phoenix with several nice trails to hike and a fairly challenging trail to the top of the saddle between the two major peaks. As a troop it is an easy link to a journey and a chance to earn a fun patch and explore a little pre-Arizona statehood history. Be sure to wear appropriate hiking gear and bring a canteen. 

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own.

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/PIPE/

Arizona Challenger Space Center

Rendezvous with a Comet 

Take part in a daring trek of exploration as, once again, comet Encke travels close to the Sun and Earth. This time, human space travelers, as well as space probes, will undertake scientific missions to the great comet. Years of planning and hard work have been invested to get to this vital moment. Team members in both the Spacecraft and Mission Control must work together to rendezvous with the comet's tail, and successfully launch a scientific probe. Along the way, team members will also encounter many important tasks that need to be performed. Journey with us on this important mission; the great comet awaits! 

Recommended for 5th through 6th Grade

I took my daughter to the Space Challenger Center where she embarked on a 2 1/2 hour mission in space. While her team was in one realistic-looking spacecraft, another team was in an adjoining classroom Mission Control, back on Earth. The team members must work together to collect and share information to solve problems - sometimes under "pressure" of spacecraft system malfunctions.

Not only did she have fun while learning, she actually asked to go back for another mission.

To go to the museum just to look around is ...... ok - there are some interesting historical displays to look at but not a lot else to do so be sure to sign up for an activity.  There are different activities designed for different grade levels between 4th and 12th, so we only experienced the one activity for 6th grade students.


http://www.azchallenger.org/home

This is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own.

Arizona Opera

Arizona Opera, originally called the Tucson Opera Company, was founded in 1971 and since then it has moved to downtown Phoenix and produced over 170 productions. Recently I was able to attend a dress rehearsal of "Rigoletto" - the classic opera by Giuseppe Verdi about why it's a bad idea to pick up an assassin in a dive bar. 

I am so pleased to say that I have finally experienced the opera. I LOVED it. The stage, the costumes, the amazing talent of the opera stars absolutely thrilled and astounded me. 

Don't speak Italian or French? - No worries - The story and lyrics are projected above the stage so you can easily follow the story without losing out on the action. Don't know much about opera or the production you are about to see? - No worries - Learn about the stories  by attending a free, pre-opera lecture. Arrive one hour before curtain to learn about the show you are about to see!

Check out the website to find upcoming shows,and special nights / prices to take your students.  Have your school sign up to be put on the mailing list for appropriate upcoming performances.

I hope to go back to the opera soon and to take my 11 and 14 year old too. There are so many reason to expose your children to the theatre and the opera. 

http://www.azopera.org/watch-listen-learn/community-events