January at Arizona Boardwalk is packed with opportunities to make unforgettable memories. Whether you've visiting with kids, friends or loved ones, there's something special for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
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OdySea Aquarium’s 7th Annual Conservation Expo
January 18
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FREE - Outside in the Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard
No Admission Required
OdySea Aquarium invites everyone to enjoy another year of fun and education at the Conservation Expo! Learn how to be a part of the solution and make a positive change for the planet. This FREE family-friendly festival focused on conservation will feature:
• Opportunity to meet multiple animal ambassadors - up close & personal!
• Engage in interactive, hands-on activities and games
• Learn about 30+ organizations who are making a difference
• Every exhibitor booth is highly interactive with games, activities or live animals
NEW! Behind the Glass – Daily Programming
Permanent Programming Feature – (Not just January)
Behind the Glass is OdySea Aquarium’s NEW dynamic daily programming that brings visitors closer to the incredible world of aquatic and terrestrial animals. These engaging sessions provide guests with captivating, interactive, and educational insights, delivered by experts from the Animal Care and Education Teams at key exhibits throughout the aquarium. From unique species to feeding demonstrations to a talk specifically about water quality, Behind the Glass highlights the fascinating stories, remarkable behaviors, and thoughtful stewardship behind OdySea Aquarium's diverse inhabitants. Explore the wonders of marine and freshwater ecosystems, discover conservation efforts, and engage with the wonderful team dedicated to animal care and education.
Behind the Glass Daily Schedule:
- 10:30 AM - Meet the Specialist: Paddle Fish at Rivers of the World Paddle Fish Exhibit
- 11:00 AM - Flash Chat at Rivers of the World Water Monitor Exhibit (with Flash, an Asian Water Monitor)
- 11:30 AM - Meet the Specialist: Coral Exhibit at Reefs of the World Coral Exhibit
- 1:00 PM - Meet the Specialist: Penguins at Penguin Point
- 1:30 PM - Feed the Stingrays at Stingray Lagoon, Stingray (food boats are $5.00, 1 boat per person)
- 2:00 PM - Meet the Specialist: Otters at Otter Banks
- 2:00 PM - Meet the Specialist: Giant Pacific Octopus at Bizarre & Beautiful
- 2:30 PM - Bizarre & Beautiful Exhibit Talk at Bizarre & Beautiful
- 3:30 PM - Meet the Specialist: Ambassador Animals at Rivers of the World Sloth Exhibit
- 4:00 PM - It’s More Than Plumbing at Stingray Touch Exhibit (Water Quality and Filtration talk that includes the Stingray Touch Exhibit)
- 5:00 PM - Meet the Specialist: Deep Ocean Exhibit at Deep Ocean Theater
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Stingray & Shark Feedings
January 4, 11, 18, 25
1:00 p.m.
Tropical Waters Observation Pool
Dive into the captivating world of marine life with an educational Aquarist Talk and Live Feeding in the Tropical Waters gallery. Join Sara Donaldson at the Observation Pool as she unveils intriguing insights into venomous round stingrays and introduces guests to Agatha, the horn shark. Enjoy this interactive experience and take home a complimentary horn shark education card. This rare opportunity is FREE with admission.
Whimsical Wings
January 7, 14, 21, 28
3 p.m.
Step into a realm of wonder as Butterfly Wonderland’s Education Specialists release exquisite tropical butterflies into the Conservatory. Capture the enchanting moment on camera as these graceful insects take their inaugural flight. Feel free to engage with the specialists, asking any questions that may pique curiosity. This captivating event is included FREE with admission.
Bug Club for Kids
January 12 and 26
11 a.m.
Butterfly Theater
Join the fun at Bug Club, where curiosity comes alive! Bug Club is perfect for little explorers, offering an up-close introduction to fascinating insects with their animal curators. Meet LIVE creatures like walking sticks, beetles, giant African millipedes, and more while learning about their incredible worlds. FREE with admission!
Story Time with Critter Visit
January 18 and 25
10 a.m.
Join us in the Butterfly Theater for an enchanting Story Time where dynamic storytellers bring the rainforest to life with captivating tales about butterflies and other rainforest critters. After the story, meet Draco, Butterfly Wonderland’s beloved Chinese Water Dragon! Many of the delightful books featured in Story Time are available for purchase in the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop. Don’t miss this exciting, educational experience for parents and kids alike—all FREE with admission!
Leslie the Butterfly Fairy
January 18
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet Leslie, the enchanting Butterfly Fairy hailing from the Flutter Forest. Visit Butterfly Wonderland for a whimsical opportunity to capture beautiful photos with Leslie as she flutters from late morning to early afternoon! This event is FREE with admission.
The Magic of Music and Butterflies featuring Jonathan Levingston
January 19
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Embark on a serene stroll through the mesmerizing Butterfly Conservatory as vibrant tropical butterflies flutter about to the soothing sounds of classical violin by musician Jonathan Levingston. Enjoy the harmonious fusion of nature and music in this unforgettable experience. This magical encounter is FREE WITH ADMISSION.
Buzz About Bees
January 19
1 p.m.
Get ready for an un-BEE-lievable experience! Join local beekeeper and AZ Backyard Beekeepers founder Cricket Aldridge as she unveils the secrets of bees, hive maintenance, and more. Meet Cricket at the newly enhanced Honeybee exhibit in the Conservatory and engage in an insightful Q&A session after her presentation. Take the chance to purchase local honey from the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop. This enlightening event is FREE WITH ADMISSION.
Butterfly Brushstrokes Painting Class
January 24
6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Bring a bestie or make it a date night and embark on a creative journey at Butterfly Brushstrokes. This expertly guided, delightful painting class promises an inspiring experience as each attendee crafts their very own "butterfly Picasso" masterpiece. All materials are provided in the price, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable session limited to 20 people. $30/public; $15/members (covers supplies). Pre-registration required. Visit EventBrite.com to register or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206.
Waking Up with Butterflies
January 25
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Check-in at 8:15 a.m.
Savor a serene hour, capturing the beauty of butterflies, birds, or reptiles through the camera lens. Join Butterfly Wonderland for an exclusive opportunity as Director of Animal Care & Entomologist Derek Kellogg stands ready to address inquiries about butterflies, plants, and the captivating rainforest ecosystem. At the same time, participants capture compelling images of one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and delicate creatures! For people aged 18 & up, $29.95/public (includes admission). FREE for members. Registration required. Call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. Tripods are allowed.
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New Year, New Savings at Museum of Illusions!
January 6 – January 31
From January 6 to January 31, discover endless photo opportunities, mind-bending exhibits, and a fresh twist on reality to start 2025 with wonder! Visit with +3 and save too! Enjoy 20% off tickets with the New Year, New Savings offer for groups of four or more — no promo code needed! The discount applies automatically in person and online.
Teachers Get in Free Year Round!
The Museum of Illusions is celebrating educators by offering FREE admission every day, year-round! Simply show a valid school or district ID at the door and unlock a world of educational fun. The exhibits at the Museum of Illusions are designed to challenge perception, ignite curiosity, and spark new ways of thinking — making the Museum a perfect blend of entertainment and education. This is a way to say thank you to teachers who inspire a love of learning every day!
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New Kids' Escape Room: Cluville Opens January 2025
Coming January 2025, Cluville, a one-of-a-kind escape room for kids aged 6-14, opens at AZ Boardwalk! From the creators of Museume of Illusions, LOL Entertainment, Cluville offers four themed rooms designed for birthday parties, family bonding, and fun educational experiences:
- Detective Room
- Potion Making Room
- Medieval Wizard Room
- Alien Invasion Room
These immersive rooms encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and imaginative play for kids in a safe environment. Parents are welcome to join in for a memorable family adventure!
Don’t miss this exciting new destination for kids and families!
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Buy $25, Get $15
Receive $15 of bonus play with any Club Card purchase or reload of $25. Offer valid for new and registered club card members. You must have a fully registered card for redemption. Limit one discount per coupon. May not be combined with other discounts or offers including Quest Cash. Not all games are eligible for bonus play. Offer valid January 1-31, 2025. Valid only at the Arizona Boardwalk Cyber Quest location. CODE: AZBWNEWYEAR25Get15
Superhero Challenge
Calling all Superheroes! Help is needed at Cyber Quest! The clowns have gone mad, and saving the day is up to the heroes. On Saturdays throughout January, take on these mischievous clowns and restore order. Every superhero who joins the battle has a chance to win free bonus play and, for those brave enough, a shot at a DC or Marvel 3-pack Funko set! Will the challenge be accepted? Suit up, bring bravery, and take down those clowns together! Act quickly before it’s too late.
Birthday Giveaway
A party for everyone! Yes, a FREE birthday party at Cyber Quest is up for grabs! Entering is simple and fun. Visit Cyber Quest and earn an entry for every $25 Daily Quest Bonus purchase. But wait, there's more! Each participating location is giving away a party, increasing the chances of winning. Additional entries can be earned by holding All-Star, MVP, or Legend status at Cyber Quest. Start collecting those entries for a chance to host the best birthday party ever—on the house! Visit kidsquest.com for official contest rules.
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ARIZONA BOARDWALK JANUARY EVENTS
FREE Family Fun Winterfest
Jan. 4
10:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Play in a snow blizzard, take photos with Anna and Elsa, enjoy bounce houses, face painting, coloring contests, music, dancing, and interactive games for kids of all ages! Free Outdoor Event. No Admission Fee Required!
FREE Bubble fest
Jan. 11
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Millions of bubbles will fill the air at this FREE one-of-a-kind, multi-layered, interactive family event! Enjoy live bubble entertainment, a variety of hands-on stations, learn about the science of bubbles, create a take home project, play in a foam zone, and more. Free Outdoor Event. No Admission Fee Required.
FREE Conservation Expo Sponsored by OdySea Aquarium
Jan. 18
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
This FREE outdoor event will feature tons of animal appearances and interactions, and 30+ local organizations who are making a difference! Free Outdoor Event. No Admission Fee Required!
FREE Movies at the Boardwalk: “Wish”
Jan. 25
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Come experience “Movies at the Boardwalk,” sponsored by Valley Toyota Dealers, a free family event with music, games, and tons of prizes. There will be plenty of options to grab a bite before the movie begins at dusk. Other pre-movie activities include meet & greets, winter scratch art area, learn to draw Olaf activity and a giveaway table with prize wheel. Come early to claim a spot, as space is limited. Bringing personal folding chairs and blankets is highly recommended. Free Outdoor Event. No Admission Fee Required!
