Your kids and out-of-town visitors are always looking for something to do. Getting outdoors and enjoying nature and Sonoran desert wildlife is always a possibility but there’s no guarantee wildlife will be there when you are.

The Phoenix Herpetological Society and the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center are both in northeast Scottsdale just a few miles from one another.

At Phoenix Herpetological has more than 1400 animals including a black mamba, one of the most poisonous snakes, as well as desert tortoises and gila monsters. Southwest Wildlife has black bears, mountain lions, raccoons, and javelins as well as other furry and feathered creatures.

A black mamba at the Phoenix Herpetological society.

Make reservations before you head out, as they can accommodate a limited number of people.

Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is open Dec. 28 - 31, with tours at 10 a.m. and noon each day. The tours cost $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 3-15. Call 480-471-3621 or email education@southwestwildlife.org to book your spots on the tour.

Phoenix Herpetological Society is open Dec. 26 – 31, and Jan. 2 – 7.  Tours start at 1pm each day. The tour costs $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 3-18; children under 3 are admitted free. Call 480-513-4377, and select option 4, or send an e-mail to Debbie@phoenixherp.com to book a tour.

Photos provided by Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center and Phoenix Herpetological Society.

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