Fall break is coming up for many students around the state and that means many parents will be looking for something to keep them occupied. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity that gets the kids out of the house and into nature, you’ll want to check out this one nature center sitting in the heart of Phoenix.

It's not often you can say that a large nature preserve sits in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the country but that's just what you'll find in Phoenix.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District/Flickr
Located right along the Salt River in Phoenix on Central Avenue, the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is a surprising find just south of downtown.
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Here, you'll find a peaceful nature area dedicated to reinvigorating the natural riparian habitat that existed here for centuries before Phoenix was built. Around the restoration area is a visitor's center and hiking trails.
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center/Yelp
The Rio Salado Audubon Center at the restoration area is the main office for the Arizona Audubon Society and inside you'll find interactive exhibits and guest lectures.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnida/14269495686/
The center often hosts events that are family-friendly, educational, and fun!
Audubon Arizona/Facebook

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Outside of the center are miles and miles of trails that line the Salt River and are fairly easy to hike.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District/Flickr
On some trails, you'll find murals related to birds, water, and the state, so remember to bring your camera!
Nicole G./Yelp
And, of course, we can't forget nature's little beings! Depending on the time of year you visit, you'll encounter dozens of different birds and other animals that call this place home.
Audubon Arizona/Facebook
Birds are the most common but other animals like javelinas, rabbits, frogs, crayfish, and more!
Audubon Arizona/Facebook
And, if you're looking for a place to grab lunch before heading back home, we recommend checking out Comedor Guadalajara or Lo-Lo's Chicken and Waffles.
Joseph P./Yelp
Comedor Guadalajara is located at 1830 South Central Avenue and Lo-Lo's is located at 1220 South Central Avenue.

The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is located on Central Avenue, just south of Interstate 17 and you can find details about it on the City of Phoenix website. The Rio Salado Audubon Center is located at 3131 South Central Avenue in Phoenix and you can visit their website for hours and events.

Have you visited the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area before? If you want to check out another cool nature destination in another area of Phoenix, you’ll want to visit Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert. Read more in This Hidden Destination In Arizona Is A Secret Only Locals Know About.

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