The Desert Museum at a glance
The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is at 2021 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743, in the western part of the Tucson area. The operator states that it is open 365 days a year. Hours change with the season, and the summer day starts and ends earlier than the winter day.
Plan a half day or more, and arrive near opening time, especially from June to September. The west side also has other stops along the same road, so the museum combines easily with a drive through the Tucson Mountains.
Tickets and discounts
Prices as listed by the operator for 2026. Bring proof for any discount, because it is checked at the entrance.
| Ticket | Who | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Ages 13 to 64 | $29.95 |
| Child | Ages 3 to 12 | $24.95 |
| Under 3 | Ages up to 2 | free |
| Senior or military | Age 65 and over, or active and former military with ID | $2 off |
| Arizona or Sonora resident | Seasonal offer, with proof | $5 off |
| Community Access | EBT, WIC or SNAP card plus photo ID, up to 3 companions | $20 off standard, $17 off youth tickets |
Members and Native Americans with a tribal ID or CIB enter free. Do not assume the museum has free parking or a booking-free online checkout. Look at the current ticketing page before you buy.
Tucson tours and day trips
Guided trips around Tucson that combine well with a day at the Desert Museum, with live prices and availability.
Opening hours by season
From October to May the museum is open daily from 08:30 to 17:00. From June to September the hours are 07:30 to 16:00. On Saturdays from June to August the museum runs Cool Summer Nights, with hours extended until 22:00. Special events can have their own times, so check the calendar if you plan around one.
In the warm months use the early opening. The sun is strongest in the afternoon, so bring water, a hat and sunscreen, and finish outdoor stretches before midday. Our Tucson weather guide shows average highs by month.
Getting there during the Kinney Road work
Kinney Road is partly closed from 1 October to 24 November 2026 for water line work. The closed section runs between the eastern junction of McCain Loop and Kinney Road and the museum entrance. The McCain Loop is the signed detour. The museum stays open during this time.
The work also affects the Juan Santa Cruz and Brown Mountain picnic areas and parts of some trails nearby. Allow extra time, follow the detour signs and check Pima County's notices if you plan a hike near the museum.
Combine the museum with other west-side stops
The west side of Tucson has several places along or near Kinney Road. Saguaro National Park West is the Tucson Mountain District, and one entry fee of $25 per vehicle covers both districts of the park for seven days. For the park from an Arizona-wide view, read the sister guide on Saguaro National Park.
Old Tucson is also on Kinney Road, at 201 S Kinney Road. Its access is currently limited to named tours and events, so check its calendar before adding it to the day.
Desert Museum: frequently asked questions
How much is a ticket to the Desert Museum?
A standard ticket for ages 13 to 64 is $29.95 in 2026. A child ticket for ages 3 to 12 is $24.95. Children up to 2 and members enter free.
What are the opening hours?
From October to May the museum is open daily from 08:30 to 17:00. From June to September it is open from 07:30 to 16:00, and on Saturdays from June to August until 22:00 for Cool Summer Nights.
Is the Desert Museum open during the Kinney Road closure?
Yes. Kinney Road is partly closed from 1 October to 24 November 2026, but the museum stays open. Use the McCain Loop detour.
Is there a discount for seniors or military?
Yes. Visitors aged 65 and over and active or former military with ID get $2 off. Arizona and Sonora residents have a seasonal $5 offer. Bring proof for all of these.
Is there a reduced price for low-income visitors?
The Community Access offer gives $20 off a standard ticket and $17 off a youth ticket. You show a valid EBT, WIC or SNAP card and a photo ID. The card holder can bring up to three companions.
How long should I plan?
Allow at least half a day. In summer the museum closes earlier, so go in the morning.