Just to the side of a quiet neighborhood, near where the 101 and 17 connect, is the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. The Preserve is owned by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, and operated by Arizona State University and is a special place because of the hundreds (yes! Hundreds!) of petroglyphs on the rocks. It is not a huge site (one of the reasons it’s so kid friendly) so a visit of just over an hour will give you time to see everything.
This month is National Native American Heritage month. What a great reason to go to the Preserve and explore! Homeschoolers can make a lesson out of it and all families can learn about the site and the tribes that used to travel through and live in the area.
On each Saturday this month there are special events occurring for the public. Local Native American artists will be at the Preserve sharing their work and techniques with everyone. Giving your kids the chance to watch people make things as they have done for centuries and being able to ask them questions is a valuable learning experience.
- Nov. 8: Pottery & Basket Weaving Demonstrations 10 am - 1 pm
- Nov. 15: Weaving Demonstration & Flute Performances 10 am - 1 pm, Pottery Demonstration 11 am - 1 pm
- Nov. 22: Basket Weaving Demonstration 10 am - 1 pm
When you arrive, you’ll pass through the museum first and then go out to the ¼ mile self guided trail that skirts the huge mound of rocks where all the petroglyphs are. Believe it or not, those rocks are there naturally, not piled up by some huge modern bulldozer! There is both a free audio tour and some interpretive signs to help you make the most of your visit. They have viewing telescopes to help you see some of the petroglyphs too. (It’s nice some one thought to have kid height ones!)
Your family might also enjoy taking the AR tour and playing along with the Preserve’s 3 “Mission” options. The Agents of Discovery app is free. When you are at the Preserve, open the app, select the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve, and start exploring. As you head back to the museum, look to your right and you’ll see picnic tables that make a perfect little snacking spot if the weather is nice, too.
The Practical Info
Address: 3711 W Deer Valley Rd
Phone: 623-582-8007
Hours: Wed - Sat, 8 am - 2 pm
Admission: $14 Adults, $5 Ages 7-12, 6 yrs and under Free
Discounts: With a Culture Pass from your local library, 2 people can get in free / Military & Educators with ID get $1 off / The Preserve participates in the Museums for All program - With a photo ID and EBT card 4 people can enter at the discounted rate of $5 for adults and children 12 and under free.
Website: https://deervalley.asu.edu/
Before you leave, take a look at their little gift shop and see if there are any books, gifts, or toys you want to take home. Thank you ASU for maintaining such a nice facility and preserving some of our country’s heritage!
