Calling all fun seekers, Gilbert is upping the ante with an assortment of vacation experiences that add excitement to any travel itinerary. From public star parties to hand-crafting your own jewelry or basking under a full moon in a pitched tent, Gilbert provides plenty of options for an authentic Arizona retreat.

ENJOY A GLASS OF MOON MILK, GO URBAN CAMPING AND FIND CONNECTION IN THE PRESERVE
Hosted at Gilbert's Riparian Preserve, on the full moon, visitors are invited to honor the cosmic cycle with community gratitude ceremonies. In partnership with naturalists, participants will be guided through sensory awareness, gentle movement, and reflective nature connection activities which will nurture and support the energies associated with the moon cycle. The session closes with warm and healthful Moon Milk while taking in the beauty of the full moon. If celestial celebrations aren't your thing, enjoy the Riparian's full calendar all year-long featuring Family Bird Walks, Parent & Tot hikes, weekly Qi Gong and Tai Chi, Adaptive Recreation Hikes or tour the grounds solo at your pace. Want to really soak in the Sonoran Desert environs? Urban campers have not one, but two campsites inside the 110-acre Preserve for overnight guests. Visitors can connect with Pitched Phoenix on their glamping and tent rentals and make it an experience to remember. Pitched Phoenix does the set up and take down, visitors just show up for check-in. New in 2023 is the Gilbert Hope Walk - a fully accessible .75 mile loop within the Gilbert Riparian that includes three main features: positivity pylons which offer positive messaging and visual beauty folded into the desert landscape; desert-toned mental health tips intended to offer inspiring and realistic ways to promote positive mental well-being; and a HOPE mural by locals.

WE BUILT A ZOO…GOAT YOGA ADDS ALPACAS, COW CUDDLING AND OTHER RESCUE ANIMALS FOR EVEN MORE ZEN
Arizona Goat Yoga, established in Gilbert, Arizona, is hosting weekly classes in Gilbert, Arizona and mixing it up to ensure the fun keeps on going. Find all your neon leggings and head to their '80s inspired classes where goats and alpacas don their best retro attire. Or, put on your jewels and sparkle like Taylor at their 'Swifty' inspired classes. Even goats sporting Hawaiian shirts make an appearance at Arizona Goat Yoga. Established in Gilbert in 2015, Goat Yoga has also debuted cow cuddling with resident heifer Maisy. If your visit is timed to the appearance of their resident giant desert tortoise, consider yourself lucky! This immersive experience brings out all the positive hormones – and guests get an hour of guided yoga in the process.

LOOK UP! MONTHLY PUBLIC STAR PARTIES
Fans of the night sky will want to head to Gilbert's Riparian Preserve and the Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory where the East Valley Astronomy Club hosts a free public star party each month. The event is scheduled on the second Friday of each month, weather permitting, and begins at dusk. Attendees can enjoy peeking through member telescopes set up on display and hear from sky watcher enthusiasts. Engage in fun and informative discussions on celestial observations and the Cosmos.

GET YOUR SPARKLE ON!
New to Gilbert is The Gem Studio, where visitors can take time out of their day to create their own one-of-a-kind memento in a hands-on jewelry workshop. The Gem Studio is a creative space where you can either make your own jewelry or get permanent jewelry welded on. From silver and gold chains to an incredible assortment of charms, decide between designing a ring, bracelet, necklace, earrings, bolo tie, key chain, pet collar…the list goes on! Silver never tarnishes, and your jewelry creation will last a lifetime. Guests to the Southwest studio can even choose Arizona's state gemstone – turquoise!

For more Gilbert, Arizona experiential offerings, visit www.DiscoverGilbert.com. Media Tours available, contact Michelle.Streeter@gilbertaz.gov.