Discover the Region
Grandparents on the Go
By Cathy Droz and Cathy Burford

Each spring and fall the Desert Botanical Garden ( DBG)   plays host to some beautiful visitors.  Butterlies, Mariposas, Papillions, by whatever name you choose, these elusive creatures are shipped in by the hundreds and are allowed to fly free in the Marshall Butterfly Pavillion.  In this 36’ by 80’ enclosure that is designed to make the butterflies feel right at home, you can experience them ‘up close and personal’.  Be sure to wear their favorite colors; yellow or white, and if you are patient, they will land on your clothing and rest awhile.   As grandparents taking your little ones for their first visit, take some time to explain ‘butterfly etiquette’.  They need to understand how delicate the butterflies are, and the correct way to remove them from your clothing when you are ready to exit the exhibit. The Fall 2011 exhibit dates are to be advised, but it will be sometime in November, so check their website for the exact dates after September for further details.  Visiting the Butterfly Pavillion is a bargain, just $3.50 in addition to your DBG entrance fee, and the memories with your grandkids will last a lifetime.

The fun at the Desert Botanical Garden doesn’t stop with the butterflies.  At over 140 acres, with 65 acres under cultivation, the DBG has been thrilling visitors since 1939 with over 50,000 plants.  Many of us first experienced the garden on a school tour, but there are also self-guided tours, docent-led tours and a myriad of classes for both adults and children.  Their summer camps fill quickly, so be sure to make your reservations early for those.  In addition, this summer take your grandchildren on one of the ‘Garden Flashlight Tours’ on Thursdays and Saturdays from 7-9pm during June, July and August.  For the adults, check out the schedule for ‘Music in the Garden’ on Friday nights for a magical evening out with friends under the desert evening sky.

Every month is special at the Desert Botanical Garden, so visit often.

If You Go:
www.dbg.org
Open Daily 7am-8 pm
1201 N Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
P- 480-941-1225
Adults – 60 and over  $13.50 admission
Free admission -  1pm-8 pm on the 2nd Tues of each month

Visit Using your Culture Pass