Hidden Habitats: Life in the Caves

Hidden Habitats: Life in the Caves is open at the Arizona Science Center in downtown Phoenix, and it's more than just a walk-through exhibit. It's actually two experiences in one. The first part is a network of twisting tunnels and hidden caves where you crawl, climb, and slide through structures built entirely from ordinary packing tape. The second part opens up the thriving ecosystems of the world's most mysterious underground environments, and that's where the live animals come in.

You'll find live troglobites—creatures that spend their lives in caves—including Egyptian fruit bats, long-tailed chinchillas, Kimberly rock monitor lizards, red-tailed green rat snakes, tailless whip scorpions, vinegaroons, and Chinese cave geckos. The exhibit was developed at the Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota and designed by artist Eric Lennartson, with the Hidden Habitats portion created by Little Ray's Exhibitions. If you're planning to hit the climbing areas, keep in mind that socks are required.

There are also daily demonstrations to catch. 'Let's Get Batty' runs every day at 12 PM, and on Tuesdays, there's a 'Snake Spotlight' at 3 PM. From Wednesday through Sunday, the 3 PM slot is 'Meet Our Animal Ambassadors.'

You'll find the whole thing in the Sybil B. Harrington Gallery on Level 3. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday, and the exhibit is an $8 add-on to general admission, though it's included if you have a Discovery Pass or Member Pass.