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    Phoenix Zoo

    3.8 (1.1k reviews)
    Closed • 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Phoenix Zoo Photos

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    Agnes K.

    Roars and Pours is a 21yo and over event and is so much fun. Happy hour at the zoo!! They have their Safari Cruiser spilling fun facts about animals some so inappropriate that you understand why its a no kids allowed event. Hilarious, love it. Drinks and food at happy hour prices, free yard games, camel rides, lots of animals are out on exhibit so get there right as they open. But remember you're here for the games food drinks and music not the animals so don't be too disappointed that they are not all out or hard to see, come back during the day for the animals. Have fun tonight! Perfect for parents or people who get up early because it runs 530pm to 830pm so you're not out partying late.

    Food menu
    Alyssa W.

    I haven't been to the zoo in over ten years, so we were excited to experience it again and take our 2 year old daughter. Definitely a letdown. I appreciate that kids 2 and under get in free, honestly it should be like 4 though. It's SO expensive! We got a discount through work and it was still over $50 for 2 adult tickets. And then there's all these extras to buy in the zoo like feeding the giraffe, riding the camel, etc. really? Why not just have it included in general admission pricing? I also appreciated being able to bring in food and water because the cafe was also so expensive! Was also weird to see a random Toyota truck just chillin on the side of the walking path at one point. We get it. You're sponsored. Everyone says Wildlife is better so we will be trying that next.

    Lea C.

    What can I say? We have a great zoo. As the weather is cooling down, we get back into our rhythm of trying to pop in here as often as we can. We love the new big cats area and got a glimpse of the year-old kittens that are new to the zoo. We also wanted to take the time to go see the lion Cubs one more time as they are now old enough to be transferred to a different zoo and cannot believe how big they've gotten! We were also very sad to hear the news that Fernando the sloth had passed away :(

    Giant turtles
    Steve S.

    If you want to get your steps in, this is the place to do it. Wear your good walking shoes and be ready to shed clothing 1/2 way through the day. They do offer strollers and 4 wheel electric carts (animal themed) for an extra price but you can't take them to all of the exhibits. There is also a team of sorts that you can ride, and that is narrated by staff. That being said, a few of the animals we wanted to see, weren't in their habitats. The Zoo isn't affiliated with the city, as it's a private company, but otherwise it's very well done. There are a few park like areas for the kids to burn off some energy which is nice. You can bring a cooler with you, in case you have dietary restrictions, or if you're just cheap like we are. All in all it's a good way to spend an afternoon and maybe the kids will learn something along the way.

    Christina S.

    We loved the zoo. It was so much fun. I just wish I had a better sense of direction because I kept walking in circles lol. I eventually made it through the entire zoo! Def worth checking out.

    Jim R.

    We spent a morning strolling through the zoo in the warm January sunshine. The zoo layout promotes meandering as you wind in an out of the exhibits. Because of the rock and roll marathon, we had to park over at the ASU baseball parking lot and walk the 15 minutes to the zoo entrance because of road closures. The upside of this is after arriving around 9 when it opened, we had the place largely to ourselves for an hour or so which was fantastic. The zoo's marque animal in my opinion are the two Sumatran rhinos and the lions. Sadly the are still exhibiting orangutans. Birds feature significantly across the collection including some people friendly flamingos that came right up to the fence as we observed them. There are also quite a few types of monkeys, hoofed stock and a tiger, leopard a small pride of lions.

    Tammy M.

    I love the Phoenix Zoo. It had been years since I last visited and they have made some major upgrades. The workers we interacted with were friendly and helped us with questions. My favorite area is where the horse stables are!

    Gabby Z.

    Loved this zoo! You can really tell they take good care of the animals, and all of the enclosures looked very well maintained. Our favorites were the little monkeys and, of course, the stingrays. It was a very hot day, so I definitely recommend bringing sunscreen -- we were glad we did!

    Plan appropriately for the heat! I recommend a UPF umbrella and a fan to go along with the usual sunblock, water, etc.
    Diele K.

    For the last 5+ years, I've been a Phoenix Zoo member. Ironically, Pokemon Go got me to visit after almost a decade and become a member. Though, I've been coming since I was in a stroller and included a fun photo! Loved visiting as a kiddo, and glad I found myself visiting a few times a year as a Phoenix Zoo member. Definitely suggest if you are an individual to get the individual plus as you get a free flexible guest. Love the ability to bring along a friend, family member like my mom for Mother's Day recently, or even a coworker. I find if I go 2-3 times, then the pass price evens out. Plus, I know it's going to help maintain and preserve the quality of life for these amazing animals. Check out this zoo if you are local or visiting. It's not a large city zoo like San Diego, but still a great zoo!

    Mickie A.

    This is a lovely zoo. The staff is so well informed and friendly. It was a great place to spend an afternoon with the family. It's Time for zoo lights, so it's in the plan to go back. It looks like it's a good one.

    John B.

    I really do love this zoo. It is small enough to wander through without feeling like you're going on a marathon hike. The animal enclosures are quite spacious and the animals have room to wander as well as hide from the humans. There are a number of places to get food and drink. Parking is easy, except during zoo lights during December.

    Jullissa B.

    I LOVE OUR ZOO - as someone who grew up with Zoo passes I told myself I'd be a zoo mom. And I sure have become one. It's the safest most clean place to be at and if I can recommend anything if you can afford it is to get the family plus membership. The kids love it. We get a Ari ride every single trip we go to the zoo. I can take up to six kids with me at all time 3 adults. It's great. I couldn't ask for a better zoo. The staff is amazing. Everything is amazing. I love it.

    Dwayne O.

    Phoenix Zoo This Zoo has all kinds of animals on display from turtles to monkeys to lions to elephants to giraffes. the Zoo has a lot of inclines and hills, so get your walking shoes ready and hop on the tram, it is well worth it especially on the many warm days there. Took my 91 year old mother there, she told me she has never seen a live giraffe, not only did she she the giraffe up close but actually fed the giraffe. There is also Zoolights during the holidays, something very nice to share with the family

    Bird taking donations and stuffing it in the cash box.

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    Phoenix Zoo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Phoenix Zoo

    How much is admission?

    When purchased at the zoo: Adult (14+): $39.95 Child (3-13): $29.95… 

    Aceptan entrar con perros?

    En el zoológico de Phoenix solo se permiten animales de servicio vacunados oficialmente que estén incluidos en la (ADA). Esto excluye el apoyo emocional. Los guardaparques validarán antes de conceder la entrada.

    By any chance, is it a possibility where I can ride an elephant or be very close to it? That has always been his dream.

    Hi Aislinn, You cannot ride elephants at the Phoenix Zoo. We do offer a Backstage Adventure where… 

    Are Service dogs allowed?

    Yes, trained and vaccinated service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are permitted with visitors with disabilities. The Zoo follows AZA guidelines, which is for the protection of the animals. When a guest brings a… 

    What kind of shoes should I wear to zoo lights?

    You can wear any shoes! Usually I wear tennis shoes or closed toe shoes because it can be a decent amount of walking! I've also gone in flip flops too!

    Do they accept Apple Pay when Purchasing Tickets?

    Unfortunately, at this time we do not accept Apple Pay.

    Is there a nursing room for moms and babies?

    No there's not unfortunately. But there's plenty of places, some secluded, that are perfect for nursing!

    What is the best time of day to go on a Monday?

    I'd recommend calling and asking if they are expecting field trips on said day. If so, and if you want to avoid the school crowds, then after 1pm. But honestly anytime on a Monday is fine. The Zoo is pretty big and spaced out.

    How much for adult and kids?

    Hi Kellyn, thanks for reaching out! General Admission:… 

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    Review Highlights - Phoenix Zoo

    “Our favorites are the orangutan, giraffes, monkey village, camels, elephants, tigers and baboons.”

    Mentioned in 24 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park - Lory

    Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

    3.7(1.1k reviews)
    27.5 mi

    We stopped by the zoo a few months ago and wanted to give a review of all the amazing animals and…read morethe fantastic staff! We have been here a few time over the years. We love the conservation efforts Wildlife World zoo does and does consistently. They are always trying to improve living quarters for the animals. They always have many toys for the birds, which is so great to see, since exotic birds need lots of metal stimulation. We fed the lorikeets this time around and that was so fun and beautiful. We can't wait until we stop in again for a fun day trip to The Wildlife World Zoo.

    It's a giant zoo & the aquarium has some really cool features. However, I just don't think it's…read moreworth the cost. I purchased the annual membership and it costs more than the family plan at the Phoenix Zoo. As a stay at home mom, I was looking for things to entertain my daughter during the week. Most of the restaurants and exhibits were closed the days I came by. I purchased a membership so of course I want to come on a day other than Saturday to avoid the huge crowds, but I felt like I couldn't use my membership to its full advantage because it was practically deserted during the week staff/amenity wise. Could only buy a drink/food at one of the food courts at the front of the zoo which was frustrating considering how huge this place is and when it's hot, the rides were closed most of the time (plus they cost extra, even for members), and the giraffe feedings weren't ever available either. I tried multiple days during the week as well and had the same experience. I'm not sure if the little snack shacks & places are open on Saturdays or if they are closed permanently, but there were a ton of unused/unopened spaces that look like they'd be cool... if they were operable. $261.59 felt like a lot to just walk around in dirt to look at animals in an outdated space. Plus only I could take my daughter alone or else we would need to spend an additional $262 for my husband to have a membership. If you have kids 3+, it would be an additional $133 per child! Greeeeeedy if you ask me considering the Phoenix zoo prices. We didn't renew and will make the drive to the Phoenix zoo. The gas money will be worth the much lower membership price over there.

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    Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park - Feeding the Lorys. 11am, 1pm, and at 3pm

    Feeding the Lorys. 11am, 1pm, and at 3pm

    Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
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    Butterfly Wonderland

    Butterfly Wonderland

    4.1(689 reviews)
    8.2 mi

    As a butterfly fanatic, I was in heaven!! There are so many beautiful species in the garden, there…read moreis no bad direction to look in. The staff were so knowledgeable and truly cared about all the animals in their care. Highly recommend, especially as a break from the heat!

    This experience starts with a 3D movie about the migration of monarch butterflies, then a stop in…read morethe Emergence Gallery, where you can see caterpillars and chrysalis (aka cocoons). From there, visitors can access the Conservatory through the doors. Though a bit humid, it is such a magical environment with concrete pathways, a few seats, a koi pond, and lots of greenery. Various plants creating a beautiful setting, including flamingo flower, panama rose, purple heart, and sandpiper vine. And informative signs are posted throughout, educating visitors about the conservatory and butterfly care. Visitors are given a butterfly guide in the beginning, but some of the butterflies fluttered their wings so quickly nonstop, it was sometimes hard to identify. The big blue one (blue morpho, I believe) looked like a bird as it soared in and out of the plants and overhead. There were so many butterflies in the air, on the leaves and flowers, they even had signs noting how you could get them to land on you as well. The random music in the background wasn't too loud. At some point, the Harry Potter theme song came on, and what an enchanting vibe in the conservatory! They had bees in there too (behind glass). Once you exit the butterfly conservatory, there was much more to see. The Rainforest reptile gallery included awesome turtles (like the mata mata turtle camouflaged with the rocks), snakes, and even amazing axolotls on display. And the Tropical Waters room was delightful to view, with fish, stingrays, and more. There was also a gift shop, cafe, and vending machine selling edible bugs. Butterfly Wonderland is great for all ages, and I had such a memorable time here this past weekend.

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    Desert Botanical Garden - Desert Pulse exhibit

    Desert Botanical Garden

    4.5(2k reviews)
    0.7 mi

    I've been to the garden a number of times specifically for the night lights exhibit this summer…read more They did such a great job! This is always such a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the plants and seasonal exhibits. While I'm sad to see the garden lights exhibit go, I'm excited to see what's next, and for nice weather activities! They've re-opened the garden cafe with Mark Tarbell in charge so looking forward to trying that out, and added a Cantina with cocktails, beer, wine, and a mocktail. And have a gelato and coffee shop coming soon. I love seeing the changes and always done so well.

    This one's a bit iffy for me. The scenery was genuinely beautiful, but I don't think appreciating…read moreArizona's nature should cost so much. Without the coupon I got from my local library, I would've paid $60 just to walk around and view the wonders of AZ. I get that it's a non-profit and that's not really an "issue," but if this is supposed to be for the community, there should be some kind of discount for AZ natives or ID holders. I took my bestie here for her birthday and we still had a good time -- the views are lovely, there are restaurants on site, and happy hour drinks are $6. The frozen prickly pear margs are especially enjoyable while you're strolling around. Just a heads up, there's construction happening right now. Parking is plentiful though, so that's not a concern.

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    Carl's Damaged Pet Warehouse - Making funny faces

    Carl's Damaged Pet Warehouse

    4.8(65 reviews)
    14.2 mi

    How could anyone not love this place? Yes, Carl's Damaged Pet Warehouse is the actual name and no,…read morethis is not an outlet store where the pets have minor cosmetic imperfections and are 40% off. It's actually a little animal rescue tucked into the backyard of a private property, where you can visit rescued Highland cows, pigs, goats, donkeys, tortoises, ducks, sheep and assorted other members of the Island of Misfit Pets. It's completely free to visit. You stay outside the fence for safety, but you can still pet and feed the animals (and it's okay to get emotionally attached to them!) Sometimes Carl leaves food outside for visitors to hand out to the "damaged pets" or you can bring your own approved snacks like apples, zucchini, carrots and cucumber. Basically a very wholesome BYOS situation. I posted a photo of the full approved-food list so you too can trick some furballs into becoming your new best friends. You can also leave a monetary donation to help with the cost of caring for the animals. You can visit at any time, but remember this IS someone's private property, so obviously be respectful of the home and neighbors.

    Finally decided to stop by and feed these cute animals! It was pretty busy when I stopped yesterday…read moreafternoon and many people were there also feeding them. I saw two turkeys, a rooster, ducks, goats, donkeys, a piggy, and a bull. *Free, just follow the posted rules

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    Arizona Boardwalk

    Arizona Boardwalk

    3.9(55 reviews)
    8.3 mi

    1 Star - Dangerous and disappointing experience on the Big Wheel…read more I rode the Boardwalk Big Wheel at Arizona Boardwalk today with my two young boys, ages 2 and 4. The experience was honestly terrible and, more importantly, felt unsafe. It was 105°F outside, and we were placed in the orange #15 gondola. The gondolas are primarily enclosed by glass and have no effective air conditioning. The AC in ours was clearly broken and was blowing hot air instead of cooling the cabin. Within minutes, all three of us were drenched in sweat and the heat inside was becoming extremely uncomfortable. The biggest issue was that the attendant locked us inside the gondola despite the extreme heat. We waved at her to let us out, but she didn't. We went around the entire wheel and, when we came back around, we waved again. She saw us, but still didn't open the door. I ultimately had to yell and knock on the glass to get her attention before she finally let us out after the second trip around. When we got off, I explained what had happened to the attendant. Her response was essentially an unenthusiastic, unapologetic "sorry." There was no concern about whether my children or I were okay, no offer to move us to a functioning gondola, and no refund or other attempt to make the situation right. I paid $22.71 for the ride, but the money isn't really the issue. What concerns me is putting young children into an enclosed, extremely hot gondola with a malfunctioning cooling system and then failing to respond when the passengers are clearly asking to get out. I would strongly recommend that Arizona Boardwalk inspect and properly maintain these gondolas and, more importantly, make sure attendants respond immediately when passengers are signaling that they need to exit. I would not recommend riding the Boardwalk Big Wheel, particularly with young children in extreme heat.

    Such a fun place to visit! There are so many restaurants and activities all in one area, plus…read moreparking is easy. Not too fun during the summer though because it's open parking! It's also a great spot to entertain and tire out the kids! Lol There's even a Ferris wheel, but it was way too hot for us to ride. We also found a photo booth near the restrooms ($8), which was a fun little bonus. It's conveniently located near OdySea, Topgolf, and Talking Stick, and it's super easy to get to from the freeway. If you're visiting during the summer, I'd recommend saving the outdoor walking for the cooler months and spending the hotter afternoons indoors at OdySea.

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    4.7(472 reviews)
    6.1 mi
    Kid friendly
    Locally owned & operated

    We had such a fun experience here today! We came from out…read moreof town and wanted something fun for the kids today and this place hit all the marks. Train, playground inside and outside, splash pad, carousel and lots of lunch picnic tables. It was great to see everyone out enjoying summer. Bathrooms easily accessible for the littles. Great experience overall! If we lived closer we would definitely be here more.

    WOW !!! Way more than expected when looking for something to do with an extra day in Phoenix area…read more Decided to visit on a whim (saw Free, Trains, Park). Really glad we did as we spent the better part of the day with no kids/grandkids (hope to bring them one day) enjoying the park. The locals are really lucky to have such a gem near-by to enjoy. So many things to enjoy from a train ride ($3) per ride or you can buy a day pass for $12 which includes the Carousel (pretty sure). There is a shaded playground and splash area (free) with picnic tables located throughout the park. We saw several parties going on at different covered areas (assume u can rent), and there is the Family Circus pavilion with tables near the snack bar Snack Bars (2) - one building and one in a Caboose near playground. The prices are really reasonable and a nice menu (chicken tenders, corn dogs). The ice-cream sucked us in with "Superman" which takes me back to childhood in the mid-west. Prices were great and the Staff even greater as they were super friendly (could be a name of a new ice-cream flavor). Tables located inside if needed to beat the heat. There is a gift shop with unique items to the park(t-shirts. stickers, stuff animals, puzzles etc.) a museum with the history of the park & the Family behind it. We spent the best part of the morning walking around the park, riding the train and exploring the miniature train building which in itself is amazing and beats some that we paid to visit. They have all the sizes on displays that I am sure a lot of spouses are happy that they are there and not in the basement or family room. These dioramas are intricate and beautifully done for each gauge of train with historic scenes to cool pop-culture ones. You could walk around a dozen times & probably see something you missed each time. They definitely spend a lot of time, money & energy to keep it up. Restrooms located throughout the park, easy free parking and a lot to see & do, if you have kids or grandkids or just a big kid yourself.

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    Phoenix Zoo - zoos - Updated September 2026

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