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Family Nature Day in Cottonwood!

April 26th - 10am to 3pm - Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood

By Lisa Franz, MacaroniKID Publisher: Surprise-Peoria-El Mirage April 23, 2025

Get ready for a day of adventure, discovery, and fun in nature at Family Nature Day brought to you by the Friends of the Verde River! A great Earth Day related outing and experience. 

If you are looking for an exciting outdoor activity for the whole family, this event is for you. Time spent in natural settings is so therapeutic. Enjoy hands-on activities, live animal exhibits, nature walks, and interactive demonstrations that will connect you to the wonders of the Verde River. The event takes place Sat. April 26th from 10 am to 3 pm at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. Explain that you are there for Family Nature Day at the entrance to the park and the $20 entry fee will be WAIVED.


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. https://verderiver.org/events/family-nature-day-2025/


This state park is really beautiful and it’s generally about 10 degrees cooler than the West Valley there. There are 3 small lakes and a river lined with huge cottonwood trees running through it. Bald eagles, song birds and ducks can be spotted there. From the West Valley it’s about 100 miles/just under 2 hours - so it’s pretty doable with kids. Follow it up with dinner in the city of Cottonwood and you have yourself a beautiful day. 

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Info about the State Park is here.