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Family Fun Seasonal Things To Do

The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not

Growing up, we used to watch the TV show – Ripley’s Believe It or Not. It was creepy and cool all at the same time. We were fascinated by the abnormal and freaky. When we heard they were opening a Ripley’s exhibit at the Arizona Boardwalk, we were instantly excited!

The Arizona Boardwalk is full of incredible exhibits and museums that will entertain children for hours. It’s located just off of Via De Ventura in Scottsdale. They have cute shops, yummy food, endless treat options and a wide variety of entertainment that is all family friendly.

The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not exhibit will only be here for a limited time. It is not a permanent exhibit. That being said, we definitely recommend you take your kids before it leaves! 

It is full of the weird and abnormal and our children were fascinated at every turn. We saw a giant T-Rex, made from tire rubber, a two-headed calf, a life-size autobot made from actual carparts, an animatronic of the world’s tallest man, the jaw casting of the megaladon and so much more. There were things for science fanatics and animal lovers, shark enthusiasts and even dancers. There were exhibits you could touch and endless cool photo opportunities. 

Our kids loved crawling through the plastic mold of a hollowed out python, figuring out several optical illusions and looking at the deformed animals. Ash and I enjoyed the interesting artwork, some made from toast, some from human hair. We also loved the educational videos that kept our kids entertained throughout the exhibit like discovering how much energy is in a gummy bear!

Your children will not be bored. They will be thoroughly entertained, sometimes grossed out (sword swallowing and bugs), and always fascinated.

Ticket Info

Guests can save 20% when you purchase tickets online at ripleysaz.com You can save even more if you combine Ripley’s Believe It or Not tickets with other attractions at AZ Boardwalk. Tickets are $21.95 in person and $16.95 for ages 2-12. Under 2 are free. This exhibit is open 9am to 7pm and parking is free. Arizona Boardwalk is located at 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not

How much do tickets cost?

In person, tickets are $21.95 for adults and $16.95 for ages 2-12. Under 2 years old are free.

Guests can save 20% when you purchase tickets online at ripleysaz.com. You can save even more if you combine Ripley’s Believe It or Not tickets with other attractions at AZ Boardwalk

What are the hours for the attraction?

The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not exhibit is open from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. The last entry time is 45 minutes before closing time.

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE

What are their mask requirements?

Masks are required for children over the age of 6.

Where is the exhibit located?

The Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not exhibit is located inside of the Arizona Boardwalk, which is located in Scottsdale. The address is listed below:

Arizona Boardwalk

9500 East Via De Ventura Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Do I have to pay for parking?

Arizona Boardwalk provides free parking on site for all of their attractions and exhibits.

We hope you and your family enjoy The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not exhibit for a limited time at the Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale! Have you been to the exhibit? Let us know in the comments!

Categories
Events Family Fun Seasonal Things To Do

Santa Claus in Arizona

One of our favorite holiday traditions is taking the kids to see Santa! Unfortunately, among other things, this year brings lots of changes to this timeless tradition.

We did some research on not only where, but how you can visit St. Nick this season.

Here are some of the best places in the valley where you’ll be able to get that timeless Santa picture with the kids!

While you’re in the holiday spirit, be sure to check out our latest post of the holiday boutiques going on around the Valley!

Bass Pro Shops – Santa’s Wonderland

  • Where: 1113 N Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ
  • When: November 7th – December 24th
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Must make reservations within a 7-day period. Santa will be behind a partition and children can sit on a bench in front of it for photos. Face coverings are required and they will submit you to a temperature screening.

Superstition Springs Center – Photos with Santa

  • Where: 6555 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ
  • When: December 4th – December 24th
  • Cost: Free visit, photos purchased from professional photographer
  • Details: Reservations recommended, masks required, contactless visit

Doughnuttery of Chandler – Socially Distanced Santa and Doughnuts

  • Where: Various locations
  • When: Multiple visits around the valley – some are still being announced.
  • Cost: Pre-order donuts to purchase and say hello to Santa
  • Details: Drive thru event. 12/5 @ Finley Farms from 9-11 am, and 12/12 @ Autumn Park from 9-11 am. Other locations TBA.

San Tan Village – Photos with Santa

  • Where: 2218 E Williams Field Rd, Gilbert, AZ
  • When: December 4th – 24th
  • Cost: Free to visit, photos only taken by professional photographer that must be purchased
  • Details: Contactless visit, masks required, reservations recommended
man in santa claus costume

Mesa Convention Center – Breakfast with Santa

  • Where: 263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ
  • When: December 12th, 8-11 am
  • Cost: $3 per person – includes a to-go breakfast and goodie bag
  • Details: Drive thru event, participants must pre-register

Merry Main Street – Visits with Santa Claus

  • Where: 1 North MacDonald, Mesa, AZ
  • When: December 4-5; 11-12; 18-19
  • Cost: Free visits, cell phone pictures allowed
  • Details: Contactless visit, face coverings required

East Valley Santa Claus – For Hire!

  • Where: Anywhere! He will do virtual visits, home visits, and parties
  • When: Anytime
  • Cost: Go to www.eastvalleysantaclaus.com to get a quote for your specific needs
  • Details: Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Mesa, and San Tan Valley

Westgate – Santa Saturdays

  • Where: Westgate Entertainment District
  • When: November 28, December 5, 12, 19
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Catch Santa cruising by on a fire truck and snap a socially distanced picture at designated “Santa stops”. You can also sign up to receive a call from Santa November 27 – December 24.

Chandler Fashion Center – Photos with Santa

  • Where: 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ
  • When: November 20 – December 24
  • Cost: Free visit, purchased professional photography
  • Details: Contactless visit, masks required, reservations recommended. Visit is free, photos only allowed from professional photographers and must be purchased.

Tempe Marketplace – Virtual Photos with Santa

  • Where: 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ
  • When: Everyday through December 24
  • Cost: Free visit
  • Details: Virtual Santa photos only

Merchant Square – Noel Night

  • Where: 1509 N Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ
  • When: December 4th, 6-8 pm
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Guest appearances from Santa and the Grinch! Storewide sale going on December 3rd – 6th.

Christmas at the Princess

  • Where: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ
  • When: November 20 – December 31
  • Cost: Various packages
  • Details: One digital photo included, personal photos allowed. Must make reservations. Various Christmas festivities to take part in so be sure to check their website to see what they offer.

Christmas at Schnepf Farms

  • Where: 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, AZ
  • When: November 24 – December 31
  • Cost: $15/person
  • Details: Admission includes meet & greet with Santa, Christmas movies, hayride, cookie decorating, carousel, bonfires, and more!

Christmas Photo Sessions

  • Where: Phoenix, AZ
  • When: November 28th
  • Cost: $60 for all digital photos from your session
  • Details: Limited space available to pose with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. Call or text for additional details or to book your session.

We hope you have an amazing, safe holiday and get to continue the tradition of visiting Santa. If you end up going, please leave a comment with your review of that specific location or tag us on Instagram so we can share!

Happy Santa visit!