Activity Backpacks & Kits

Each library location has a display containing a card for every available backpack/kit. Take the card for the backpack/kit you want to the library service desk to check out with your library card. Library staff will inspect the backpack/kit to verify that every item is inside when you check out. This process may take several minutes.

Please note that you must be at least 18 years old to check out a backpack/kit. You may have a maximum of three backpacks/kits checked out at any one time.

You may keep a backpack/kit for up to three weeks. No renewals are allowed.

Backpacks/kits must be returned to the library service desk. They cannot be returned inside the book drop. Backpacks/kits and their contents must be returned clean and in the same condition as borrowed. The staff at the service desk will inspect your backpack/kit to verify that every item is inside when you return it.

You may have holds on up to three backpacks/kits at any one time.

Backpacks/kits contain many different items. If you check out a backpack/kit and lose or damage some of the contents, you will be charged for only those individual parts. If you lose the entire backpack/kit, you will be charged the full replacement cost. Prices vary but are generally $100-$300 per backpack/kit.

Discovery & Exploration Backpacks feature a variety of books, hiking resources and tools, including trail guides, binoculars, flashlights, telescopes, bug magnifying viewers and more. They can be used to explore the great outdoors at any of Arizona’s many parks and recreational sites or even in your own backyard. Each backpack even includes a free Arizona State Parks Pass!

Arizona Bird Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 203KB)

Arizona Tree and Plant Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 161KB)

Arizona Wildlife Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 164KB)

Family Bug and Insect Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 157KB)

Family Outdoor Exploration and Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 160KB)

Microscope Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 214KB)

Night Sky Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 160KB)

Rockhounding Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 161KB)

Yoga and Meditation Discovery
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 246KB)

This project is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

Dungeons & Dragons Essentials Backpacks contain everything you need to start and run a Dungeons and Dragons role-playing campaign with your friends, including three D&D game guides, a campaign starter set for 2-6 players, miniatures, dice and maps.

Availability | List of contents(PDF, 235KB)

Ghost Hunting Backpacks contain everything you need to start ghost hunting.

Availability | List of contents(PDF, 2MB)

Let's Talk About Diversity Kits are literature collections designed to support families in learning about culture and inclusion.

Baby and Toddler
Availability

Elementary School-Aged
Availability

Preschool
Availability

Tough Topics
Availability

Pickleball Backpacks contain everything you need to start playing pickleball.

Availability | List of contents(PDF, 194KB)

Play at the Park Backpacks include a variety of sports equipment to enjoy while playing at the park.

Availability | List of contents(PDF, 202KB)

Sensory Backpacks are designed for neurodivergent people and anyone who may feel overwhelmed or stressed by their surroundings. If you or your child is feeling overwhelmed, please ask for a Sensory Backpack. Sensory Backpacks are for in-library use only, and must be returned before leaving the building.

Image of contents(PDF, 618KB)

Featuring dementia-friendly activities for adults, Stay Sharp Kits include everything you need to stay on top of your game.

Explore the Art World
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 84KB)

Garden
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 66KB)

Homemaker
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 88KB)

Let's Move!
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 79KB)

Senior Game Night
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 81KB)

Sports: Fishing
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 69KB)

STEAM to Go! Kits include books, manipulatives, and equipment that will encourage kids to get hands-on with learning.

All About Dinosaurs (preschool through third grade)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 65KB)

Animal Games (fourth grade and up)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 71KB)

Build and Stack (Early Start: two years old and up)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 90KB)

Building and Design (first grade through fourth grade)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 63KB)

Early Motor Skills (Early Start: one year old and up)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 81KB)

Electronics, Coding, & Bots (fourth grade and up)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 114KB)

Explore Circuits (fourth grade and up)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 94KB)

Lace, Stack and Sort (preschool)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 63KB)

Let's Learn Spanish (kindergarten through sixth grade)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 91KB)

On the Farm (Early Start: two years old and up)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 82KB)

Play and Explore (Early Start: one year old and up)
Availability | List of contents(PDF, 110KB)