With many children attending school virtually, you may feel like your family is lacking real, hands-on experiences. We have compiled a list of some fun and safe things your family can do downtown during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Rosson House – Museum Tour
This 1895 Victorian house museum at Heritage Square has now reopened for guided, limited tours. For the month of October, the museum will feature a new exhibit, called “Victorian Oddities & Curiosities,” that explores Victorian traditions like hair art and taxidermy. Tickets are $12 and need to be purchased online, in advance.
113 N. Sixth St.
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
heritagesquarephx.org/rossonhouse
Tour available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., Fri-Sun
Tours last approximately 60 minutes.
ICYMI: The Rosson House Museum reopens in time to celebrate 40th anniversary
Arizona Science Center – Science Hall
Arizona Science Center’s Science Hall is opening its doors to kids for to attend their virtual learning classes, followed by hands-on, yet socially distant, STEM activities. These activities include a variety of topics, such as astronomy, biology, chemistry and more. Members pay a fee of $200 per student per week or $40 per day, while non-members pay $250 per week or $50 for a day.
600 E Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
azscience.org/events-programs/science-hall
7:30-4 p.m., Mon-Fri
STUDY UP: Arizona Science Center opens new program for students to do virtual learning
First Friday – Virtual Tour
It doesn’t have to be the first Friday of the month for you to view Roosevelt Row’s Second Street A.R.T.S. Market block online! More than 40 vendors are featured in the Google street-view tour, with links to their products below the map. Local bands and artists will be showcased live on their social media every first Friday to recreate the in-person experience.
922 N. 5th Street
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
rooseveltrow.org/first-friday-virtual-tour
Sun-Sat, available 24 hours.
Japanese Friendship Garden – Walk-through
The Japanese Friendship Garden, named RoHoEn, is open for visitors. Experience an authentic 3.5-acre Japanese stroll garden while learning about the history and culture of Japan. Register for workshops on their website to immerse yourself in Japanese arts, culture and wellness. General admission tickets are $10 or $7 for students. Children 6 years and under are free.
1125 N. 3rd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ, 85003
japanesefriendshipgarden.org
7-12 p.m., 5-8 p.m., Tues-Sun
Every first Friday of the month, the Garden is open for free admission from 5-8 p.m.
Phoenix Public Library’s virtual book club – ‘Just Read’ and live storytimes
Snuggle up with a good book and participate in the Phoenix Public Library’s (PPL) monthly virtual book club! Each month, the PPL will announce a new book club genre or theme on their website. Participate by posting on social media, tagging @phoenixpubliclibrary, and using the hashtag #justreadppl to share and discuss your book choice. For small children, there are live storytimes at 3 p.m. every Thursday on their Instagram.
There is a new book theme every month. September’s theme is “armchair travel.”
1221 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Heard Museum
The Heard Museum is open for visitors to view the beauty of Southwest American Indian art through several exhibits. Artist Maria Hupfield’s “Nine Years Towards the Sun” exhibit is open until Nov. 15, 2020, and Contemporary art from Indigenous North America exhibit is available until Jan. 3, 2021. Tickets can be purchased online for $15 per adult and $9 per child aged 6-17. Children 5 years and under are free. If your family wants to learn more about American Indian art and culture virtually, the museum created a list of online books, videos and articles available on their website.
2301 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
heard.org
10-4 p.m., Tues-Sun
Sat and Sun open at 9 a.m for members.
Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market
If you want to shop seasonal produce, high-quality foods, and household essentials, the farmers market would be a great place for your family to visit. Available every Saturday morning year-round, the outdoor market has recently introduced online ordering. Order online by Thursday at 8 a.m. to pick up on Saturday during your specified time slot. You can also learn about the produce you consume and the nutritional benefits of eating locally on their Facebook.
721 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
downtownphoenixfarmersmarket.org
8-12 p.m. Saturdays
Music at Trinity’s Virtual Concert Series
The annual concert series hosted by Music at Trinity is going virtual this year. The first concert starts Oct. 29, with the Urban Nocturnes singing a baroque to contemporary solo performance. Videos of the concerts can be accessed online beginning on their opening dates. The concerts are free to watch.
100 West Roosevelt Street
Phoenix, AZ, 85003
trinitymusicaz.org/concerts
Sat-Sun, available 24 hours.
PLUG IN: Music at Trinity’s annual concert series goes virtual
Phoenix Art Museum – Reopening and Virtual Events
The Phoenix Art Museum is opening again on Oct. 1, 2020, following COVID-19 restrictions. Until then, the museum is hosting virtual events such as guided meditation on Sept. 24. Starting in October, there will be a Contemporary Latin American exhibit, an Elemental exhibit and a Japanese ceramics exhibit. Tickets are $23 per adult and $18 per student with a valid student ID. Youth aged 6-17 are $5 on weekdays and $14 on weekends. Children under 5 years are free.
1625 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
phxart.org
10-7 p.m. Wed-Fri, 10-6 p.m. Sat and Sun
3-9:40 p.m. Wednesdays are “pay what you wish.” Adults are $5 and children aged 17 and under are free to view special engagement exhibitions.
Herberger Theater Center – Virtual Exhibits
The art gallery at Herberger Theater Center is now offered virtually. View exhibits like the “In Celebration of Women” art showcase and “Candid,” featuring 16 Arizona artists. You can access these exhibits on their website for free. The Herberger Theater Center is temporarily closed for in-person events.
222 E. Monroe Street
Phoenix, AZ, 85004
herbergertheater.org/art-gallery
Sat-Sun, available 24 hours.
Contact the reporter at ptmajor@asu.edu.
