City: Tucson, AZ

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (520) 621-7827

Description: A science center, observatory, planetarium, and mineral museum, Flandrau houses several exciting areas in one easy-access facility.The science center exhibits feature an asteroid cave and the Mars Wall, the largest 3-D scaled map of the Martian surface, part of the “Mars, Up Close and Personal” exhibit. Home to the largest public-viewing telescope (16 inches) in southern Arizona, the observatory is open year-round and offers free viewings Wed through Sat evenings.Planetarium shows are available by reservation only for school and youth groups on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., shows are open to the general public Thurs and Fri evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sat and Sun during regular visiting hours. The planetarium also hosts very popular laser shows for a separate admission fee.Downstairs the Mineral Museum, home to one of the finest university-owned collections, features a fascinating display of Arizona minerals, gems, and specimen rocks. And finally, Flandrau has a wonderful science store featuring science kits, posters, puzzles, star charts, books, toys, games, and more—all designed to make learning about science fun.Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5 for kids 4 to 15. On weekends and after 1 p.m. on weekdays, Flandrau visitors can park for free along Hawthorne Street (north of the Science Center). There is a parking fee at the Cherry Avenue Garage near McKale Center all day on weekdays, but the garage is free on weekends. Flandrau is open 7 days a week; hours vary.