Real Life in the Old West

Review for Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

Phoenix, AZ

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum in Phoenix, AZ

by WillyCaraFridays July 25, 2012

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

What we loved:
The re-creations of the real buildings

What we didn't love:
We missed the "shows" and characters and no tour guide

My Girl Scouts made aprons and bonnets to really get into the Pioneer spirit before our trip up to the Arizona Living History outdoor museum, to see how they lived in the west before bathrooms, water faucets, grocery stores, phones, radios and classes with different teachers. Unfortunately, there were no tour guides available for us and no shows available the day we went. It was really hot-good for teaching the girls how to appreciate our air conditioning but they were tired and uncomfortable very quickly. The Blacksmith was there and they enjoyed talking to him and asking questions but were hoping for the sheriff and bad guys, etc. We ate lunch in the restaurant and it was very good with reasonable prices for the portion sizes. We took lots of pictures and helped the girls "step back in time" for the day. Several said they didnt like it very much, but a few years later they are now asking if we can go back again when its not too hot. I had called and said we were coming to schedule a tour and get the show times but was told it was a regular event-we just had bad luck. The leaders read the signs for all the buildings, we made up questions for the girls to think about and then found our own points of interest to engage them. We would like to go back and try for a full experience!