As the pandemic endures, travel plans have been on hold for over a year, however, there are many places in Arizona who are striving to bring excitement and activities indoors with virtual options for everyone to enjoy. Here are 10 virtual activities designed to give you the best “in-person” experience at home!
Grand Canyon Tours
The Grand Canyon is one of the greatest landscapes in the world. While the pandemic halts all travel plans for some, you can explore the Grand Canyon at home, or anywhere virtually. Brought to you by Arizona State University, register now to take a hike down South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, raft in the Colorado River through the canyon, watch archaeologists dig up remains in the canyon and more.
Phoenix Zoo Programs
The Phoenix Zoo is bringing the zoo to you with virtual activities! There are a total of 11 different activities you can sign up for. Please keep in mind that animals vary on the days and times they are able to meet you. Registering for the “animal zones” will allow you to meet select animals accompanied by a Zoo staff member who can answer questions and facts about the animal and you can ask a Zoo expert about certain topics. Each hour session includes animal ambassadors and bio-facts to help you or a group gain a deeper understanding of that animal.
Wright Visits
Join two Frank Lloyd Wright sites on Facebook Live on one Thursday each month to hear about a particular theme, comparing/contrasting how that theme is expressed in Wright’s design. The next event will be on March 11 on the theme of Family Living Spaces. Keep in mind that events are always being updated, so check the website before choosing your visit.
Herberger Theater Center
The Art Gallery is closed to all visitors. However, you can still purchase and look at artworks like paintings, woodworks, and photography through a Virtual Exhibit on their website. A portion of the proceeds from each artwork bought will help the Herberger Theater Center’s outreach programs. You can also meet the artists virtually through videos posted on their website.
Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum will be holding multiple events through March. The next event will be on March 8 at 6 p.m. celebrating International Women’s Day. The museum will present a virtual screening of Pat Steir, a film about the groundbreaking artist who is leading the way in the development of Conceptual Abstraction. This is a free virtual event but a $5 donation is appreciated! Click here for tickets.
Art Detour
The Art Detour in Phoenix has returned for its 33rd year as a 33-day celebration! The event will go through the end of this month to provide the best in-person and virtual experience. The new format will showcase highlights from the 21st Annual Juried Exhibition, Governor’s Awards, Creative Art, and more activities hosted by artists. Once you register, you’ll receive a real-time event calendar directory with all the events and online experiences to tune into the event virtually.
OdySea Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium is holding online Zoom animal encounters! Register now to get a chance to see penguins and sloths roam around with animal care specialists. These 30-minute sessions with at most four people per computer also include Q&A sessions. Keep in mind that these private virtual encounters are typically held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and weekends are limited.
FitPHX Fitness Series
The City of Phoenix is holding free fitness classes on Zoom through April! A variety of workouts such as cardio, Zumba, ballet, and POUND classes are available to join. Register and participate through a Zoom link and get ready to have fun! The series is open to all ages and fitness levels.
Speed Networking: Business Professionals
Networking has shifted from in-person to virtual. With the help of video technology, networking can still be just as effective in a remote setting. At this event, you can virtually meet business professionals and network in 7-8 minute increments. Whether you’re just starting out, a seasoned entrepreneur or a small business owner, this event will help you make connections.
Visit Mesa
Visit Mesa is bringing the city to your home! Register now to get a chance to experience distinctly-Arizona attractions and places, including going up into an air balloon over the Sonoran Desert, roaming through the Musical Instrument Museum, taking a tour of the goat farms, and seeing the blooming flowers at the Rose Garden at Mesa Community College.
