One of the nice things about our city planners is how they often cluster family friendly destinations together. (Think Sunrise Mountain Library and Surprise Regional Library both with parks and playgrounds right next door.) This is exactly what they have done with the White Tank Library in Waddell because it shares the building space with a Nature Center!
Explored together the Nature Center and Library make for a great morning or afternoon summer outing with the kids. They are located at the very end of Olive just before it ends at the pay booth for entering the White Tank recreation area. It’s a bit off the 303 freeway so this location is definitely a “destination” and not a place you might by driving by as you run around town. But, I promise, it’s worth the trip.
The library has wonderful panoramic views of the mountains. It’s so nice to sit indoors where it is fully air conditioned and still be able to see and appreciate the desert and mountain scenery in complete comfort. They have children’s programs that are very popular. Several fill to capacity in advance so make sure to secure your spot by registering early (for those events that require registration). June’s kid focused events range from a baby story time to a robot soldering class for teens! link here
Sharing the same building with the library is the White Tank Nature Center. It’s a kid pleaser because they have a wall display that includes live desert animals like snakes and tarantulas, plus an outdoor enclosure with a desert tortoise. There are interpretive displays about the plants, animals and the native Americans of the region. This nature center is only one room but there is lots for a family to look at and learn about! And, if you are wondering, there is no cost or “suggested donation” needed to enter.
Besides a vending machine in the entry area, there's not much else is out this far in Waddel so be sure to bring some food in case the kids get a snack attack while you are visiting. And in the fall, when the temps have dropped, this library/nature center combo makes a great launching point for exploring the kid friendly parks and trails that are sprinkled throughout the White Tank Mountain Recreation Area. The Corral, is just a hop skip and jump away if you wanted to take advantage of that. Info on The Corral can be seen here.
Hope you get the chance to check this library out! It’s a pretty special place.
LIBRARY INFO
20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ 85355
Open Mon – Wed 10 am – 7 pm, Thu – Sat 10 am – 5 pm, and Closed on Sundays
https://mcldaz.org/white-tank/
NATURE CENTER INFO
20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ 85355
Hours: May 1 to Oct. 31 7 am - 2 pm, Closed Sundays / November 1 - April 30. 8am - 4pm daily
