PHOENIX — Around 35,000 people are expected to explore the expansive grounds at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility throughout the weekend of Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 for some all-ages, hands-on adventures at The Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo, presented by Shikar Safari Club International.

Admission and parking are free.

There will be all sorts of live wildlife. Kids will be all smiles at the huge kids’ fishing tanks. Target archery and other shooting sports will be held in a safe, supervised environment on the range. Get a feel for specialty shooting disciplines like clay target, cowboy action, practical pistol, black powder, and air gun.

Don’t miss the always popular cowboy mounted shooting competition. See OHV and ATV exhibits. Give kayaking a try at the “Lake Paddlemore” kayaking pond. Hike a field course and learn cool camping tips. Get information about boating and how to stay safe on the water. Talk to experts about wildlife, hunting and fishing tips, and more.

You can also visit with more than 150 exhibitors, including outdoor recreation and conservation groups, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

Once again, admission and parking for the Expo are free! You may want to bring some cash for the many food and beverage concessionaires that will be on-site, or for the commercial vendors who will be selling outdoors-related goods or services. For those who want to try shooting sports, there is a nominal charge for ammunition at some of the target shooting venues.

Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 3. The 2015 Outdoor Expo is easy to get to, located on Carefree Highway, about 1/2 mile west of I-17 in Phoenix.

The title sponsor for this year’s event is Shikar Safari Club International. Gold sponsors are Cabela’s, Arizona State Credit Union and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.