Get Involved
Get ready for a day of adventure, discovery, and fun in nature at Family Nature Day! Whether you’re a birding enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for an exciting outdoor activity for the whole family, this event is for you. Enjoy hands-on activities, live animal exhibits, nature walks, and interactive demonstrations that will connect you to the wonders of the Verde River.
Exciting Activities & Exhibitors Include
- BioBlitz Guided Nature Walk: Join a guided nature walk and help collect scientific data on local species using iNaturalist.
- Live Animal Exhibits: See reptiles, birds, and other fascinating creatures up close.
- Educational Displays: Learn from conservation groups, environmental educators, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Interactive Kid-Friendly Activities: From bird identification to watershed models, there’s something for everyone.
Event Details
- Free Entrance to Dead Horse Ranch State Park – Tell the gate attendants at Dead Horse Ranch State Park that you’re attending Family Nature Day.
- Food & Drinks Available – Snacks and refreshments for purchase at the hospitality ramada or food trucks.
- Location: Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, Arizona; between the lagoons.
Don’t miss this fun-filled day celebrating the Verde River! Mark your calendars and bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience.
Things You Might Like
- Verde Community BioBlitz – Participate in citizen science and contribute to habitat research.
- Young Birders Camp Scholarship – A chance for Arizona youth (8-18) to win a scholarship to the 2026 Young Birders Camp! Applications deadline to be announced at a later date.
Vendor Opportunities
Vendors can showcase their products and organizations! Vendor fee: $75; free for nonprofits with an interactive kids’ activity. Deadline: March 23, 2026. Contact registrar@verderiver.org for more info.
How to Volunteer
Ready to make a difference? Whether you’re interested in welcoming visitors, leading BioBlitz field trips, or helping with festival coordination, there’s a spot for you!
Sign up to Volunteer
Friends respects the privacy of individual donors and, except where disclosure is required by law, will not sell or otherwise make available the names and contact information of donors without providing them an opportunity at least once a year to opt out of the use of their names.
Event Details
- Apr 25, 2026
- 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Event Location
Event Sponsors
More Events
See you back at Dead Horse Ranch State Park for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, April 23-26, 2026! Enjoy expert guides, explore diverse habitats, and embrace the beauty of spring in the Verde Valley.
MLK Day of Service, January 19, 2026 volunteers work on projects in the Verde Valley including invasive species removal, gully restoration and trash clean-ups.
Join us for Fiesta de la Garza on December 4, 2025 for a night of awards, auctions, and celebration, as we honor the dedication of our community members and partners supporting our mission.
