
They even protect it with cholla pieces and dog poop! The house has many rooms in it, including the nest (bedroom) and midden (toilet). These amazing architects construct homes made out of sticks, branches, and rocks. Packrats live in a…house, midden, or nest? Thus, they are considered not just ecological engineers, but a keystone species as well. In areas with a packrat presence, the biodiversity of animals is higher. insects and spiders), and even tortoises do not mind cohabitation with these rodents as their houses are climate controlled and well protected. Room for rent! Packrat homes house other animals. Packrats are an essential part of the food web.
PACKRAT ARIZONA FULL
Those animals rely on these fuzzy furballs for a full belly. They not only help aerate soil, but their poop even helps fertilize the seeds!Īdditionally, packrats are food for bobcats, coyotes, owls, hawks and snakes. Packrats eat plant parts and seeds, and thus are seed and cactus dispersers (they help plants get started in new places).

Learn more about this program here.Packrats are absolutely vital to a healthy desert ecosystem.
PACKRAT ARIZONA FREE
style="display:block text-align:center " data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2805276504128230" data-ad-slot="7654799409">ĭisclosure: Our ASTC reciprocal membership allowed us free admission. I would have loved for it to be located closer to the main entrance so that it can be easily accessed, especially during the summer, if that’s the only reason you’re visiting the museum. I don’t love that Packrat Playhouse is located in the middle of the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum, which is mostly outdoors.Įven in 100+ degree temperatures, you have to walk outside through half of the “zoo” to get to Packrat Playhouse. This makes washing the little ones’ hands very easy and parents can run to the restroom without worrying about leaving their children unattended. I love that they have large, clean restrooms in the building. Packrat Playhouse is a great place for kids to play and parents to also play, or relax. Parents are welcome and encouraged to engage in play and learning activities with their children in Packrat Playhouse. Parents should never leave their children unattended here, or anywhere else. The only people in Packrat Playhouse should be children and their parents.

If you haven’t been to the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum in a while, now is a great time to revisit.Ī greeter will make you feel welcome when you enter, inform you of the liberal rules, and answer any question you may have.Ī cashier at the snack bar will make sure your hungry kids are quickly satisfied. The Packrat Playhouse is an awesome addition to an already incredible “museum”. Several interactive areas provide information on the behavior and importance of packrats.Ī little kids’ area is enclosed by a huge rattlesnake and allows the little ones a space to crawl around and explore.Ī snack bar offers refreshments, clean restrooms, and a small gift shop will give the kids something to beg you for.

With tunnels, climbing nets, and slides, Packrat Playhouse provides hours of fun. Packrat Playhouse is a huge indoor children’s play area that gives the illusion of living underground as a packrat. Rates subject to change, please check their website to confirm current rates. It is home to an aquarium, a zoo, multiple exhibits showcasing reptiles and amphibians, gems and minerals, caverns, an art gallery, an aviary, a hummingbird pavilion, butterfly and bee gardens, a stingray touch station, and a brand new indoor play place for kids called Packrat Playhouse.įor hours of operation or additional information, please visit the Arizona-Sororan Desert Museum website.Īdmission to Packrat Playhouse is included with your Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum admission. The Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum is well-known as a comprehensive experience for all ages.
