We have gone to the Phoenix Zoo three times over the years. This was the first time bringing our kids to enjoy it. There are a lot of great animals at the zoo. Most seem to have comfortable exhibits as well. The orangutans are our favorite exhibit to visit as the four orangutans are fascinating to see up close. They can be seen wandering their yard climb on the activity's or inside avoiding the heat. The animals of Arizona section is really well done. Much more walkable than much of the rest of the zoo and provides ample shade for guests and animals. The zoo is pretty hilly in many sections including the farm and the Sahara exhibits. Be prepared to walk a lot. There are restrooms and zoo stands around, but many were closed on a Wednesday. It is a fun zoo, but definitely harder during the summer months to fully enjoy. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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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. read more

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Arizona weather is just perfect around this time of year and I felt like a perfect day to go to the zoo. This was our second visit to this zoo. The first time, it was way too hot to enjoy anything that I planned for a re-do in the "winter." We got a high of 69 with a nice breeze. We even got a little bit of that sweater weather in the morning. The paths are hilly and the trail is pretty long. There are lots of animals to see, so, pack a lunch and wear good walking shoes. We did everything in about 6 hours and even had time to take a few breaks which included allowing my kiddo to play at the cave slides and at the creek. We got in 1 carousel ride and had time to buy a souvenir before we left. My kid's favorite animals were the mountain lions, mercats, tortoises, the orang-hutans and the flamingos. I'm pretty sure we saw every exhibit. We did skip the camel ride and the stingray exhibit because you have to pay extra for those. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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This zoo was very interesting. It had a lot of native wildlife. The animas were also very good variety's of desert reptiles. They had great enclosures just most of the animals weren't out. They had a lot of good food options for any age. There was a lot to do for kids as well. The only thing I didn't love was the health of the farm and petting zoo with the goats not looking in the best condition they could be in. The parking was also full so we had to walk a ways to get to the part. The last thing is that is very expensive to get in but if you have another zoos membership you get a discount. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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 :( read more

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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! read more

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We love this zoo! So many animals and during great weather they're super active. We got to see a lot of them out and about today. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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 read more

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We visited today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and had a great time exploring the different animals and enjoying lunch at the Savannah Café. The kids' meal was a great value, and I loved that apple juice was an option for the fountain drinks. Don't miss the 10:30 a.m. Animal Encounter show at the amphitheater--it's a fun opportunity to see a few of the creatures up close. Be sure to bring a little cash so the bird can "take your donation" and drop it in the box--it's adorable! Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a towel and change of clothes for the kids. There are playgrounds and splash pads that make it easy for little ones to get wet and have fun. read more

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Overall, the zoo was underwhelming for me in years past, but I see they recently have been making an effort with some updated exhibits and guest experiences. Zoo Lights is always a fun addition to our holiday activities; I just wish it was more affordable and parking didn't have to be so far away for those who can't arrive earlier in the afternoon. October, November, February, and March are great months to visit with smaller crowds. read more

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I went to Phoenix zoo lights with some friends so the first time ever and it was such a cool experience. We arrived at 6pm, which I highly recommend as the parking lot filled up fast, and went in at about 6:30! They have different stands where you can buy popcorn, hot cocoa, and Starbucks coffee so I got a peppermint mocha to sip while strolling through. The entire zoo is filled with light exhibits and different stations for kids, making it super enjoyable and fun to see. I loved seeing all the families there. I also loved how they had different experiences at specific times like a magical book reading at 7:30pm for the kids. This is a really cool place to go with your family or with friends like I did! read more

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Honestly, I don't feel bad for writing this review. If you, The Phoenix Zoo, are wondering why attendence is low, here is the reason. #1 The enclosures are too damn small for the species of animal. That leopard is VERY stressed and needs a significantly bigger enclosure. So many animals look miserable and for how old this zoo is, this should have been remedied 20 years ago when I moved to this state and said the same damn thing. We all know that World Wildlife is a HUGE problem with how they treat their animals and animal husbandry. Why didn't you guys build more complex or bigger enclosures when you guys are 21 years older than them? It's abhorrent. #2 I got food poisoning. On 2/14/2026 I ate the pub burger and had food poisoning the REST OF THE DAMN DAY. Which is wild because that was the day the 20th anniversary of the Autism event occured. I'm just thankful it wasn't one of the Autistic kids or adults that got sick. #3 What does this zoo NOT have that the Tucson Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo does have? There is little to no shade in this zoo due to local plants and trees. Why don't you guys allow the trees to grow for natural shade? Oh yes because you'd have to pay people to trim them. I know so many people who have lost their jobs at this zoo and to hire younger and younger and younger staff is gross. Quality staff and quality enclosures should be paid for WELL before the medical facility being built now. #4 Speaking of the medical facility, why wasn't one ALREADY BUILT? This should be required before a zoo is built. #5 This zoo is depressing in the summer and half of these animals should not be here in the insane heat. A semi-indoor enclosure does not a life make! 2 stars because you guys at least care more about conservation than WWZ. read more

We had a blast on today's adventures to the zoo. We got an educator discount when checking in. So that was helpful. The sweet gal that was checking is in was truly a gem. I like her pink that she had in her hair its so cute. Then we entered the park. I was so excited to see these animals. I'm just like a huge kid. We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, tortoise and flamingos. There's to many to nave but those are done of the favorite animals that we saw. We hoped on a large trolly that took us around the zoo. The girl working was so sweet she made cute comments about the animals. We'll be back to bring family and friends r we do. read more

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Over the weekend, we took a trip to the Phoenix Zoo! My little one has been interested in animals and has started recognizing them. So instead of spending another afternoon watching Safari and Nature Documentaries, we opted to get tickets. Tickets are steep - $39 per adult, but if you buy online it's only $37! Children under 3 years of age are FREE (good for us!) The great thing about the zoo, you can bring in your food and drinks! We brought my son's own drinks and some snacks, but we wanted to eat at the zoo. We went to the food court area first which is indoors. The pricing for the food wasn't surprisingly high, but expected. We got a burger and chicken sandwich - both pretty good and kept us all pretty full. Afterward, we walked around the zoo and saw plenty of animals (some very exotic ones and some I did NOT like lol). My son had a great time and I think that's all that mattered. The zoo is HUGE. My husband and I had been here for Zoo Lights before, but because those events were at night, we did not see the entire zoo. I absolutely recommend, and I definitely recommend bringing lots of drinks and cold water! read more

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The Phoenix Zoo is awesome! They have a ton of animals and they keep their zoo in excellent condition! We go quite a few times a year and are never disappointed. read more

I really like that they have the splash pad for the kids, I mean we are in Az it's HOT as heck most days, I noticed they added a shade over the area as well which is nice. Tons of animals and few rides and play area for the kids. They have a food court and also have adult bevies to choose from. You can opt to take a ride through the park as a tour guide shows you around, which I've never done but see ppl do it all the time, I like to walk, they also have strollers available up front for kids and adults, and animal mobiles to ride around the park lol. Fun for kids. read more

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A lot of construction the day I went and a lot of exhibits were a far walk in between so I missed a lot. The little scooters were very expensive to rent and shuttle not included in admission. The animals I did see were great and staff very friendly and knowledgeable. The shower monkey exhibit was amazing! I could have watched them for hours! Appreciated the collaboration to host the Make A Wish Volunteer appreciation event. That was a nice treat :) read more

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I haven't been to the Phoenix Zoo in years. While there have been a lot of improvements since I was last there, many things haven't changed at all. We were there towards the end of the day, so we were lucky to see a lot of animals out moving around. My biggest criticism would be the cost. Admission is already expensive and then there are additional costs inside the zoo. It was an extra charge per person to see the stingray exhibit and even more if you wanted to feed them. Like most zoos, there were camels you could pay to ride. I believe that was $7.00 per person. It felt like the extra charges never ended. Overall, it is a pretty nice zoo but go when you don't have to worry about money. It is definitely not a good choice if you are on a budget. read more

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This specific review is for the Phoenix Zoo lights! It had been a few years since I have gone, but it definitely did not disappoint and is such a fun holiday activity. They have so many installations and it really feels never ending - in a good way! The whole thing took our group anoud an hour in a half or two. It was a leisurely pace, thought it was absolutely packed as it was opening weekend, so I would recommend timing it out better if possible. They have a few musical/water elements that go off on a timed schedule which is fun. They also have a ton oh various photo ops that are great for groups or couples. They do sell food and beverage during the festivities as well. The prices really aren't too bad and under 10 bucks for a beer, which isn't too bad for the location. I also tried one of their chocolate chip cookies which was surprisingly delicious! Overall a really fun evening spent with friends and family. Tickets are not cheap, at around $35 dollars, but parking is free and it does help support the zoo. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Lots of fun at the Phoenix zoo. Many animals to see and things to do. I loved going into the exhibit with the tiny monkeys. They were very cute. It was about 90° when we went and the animals were hiding in the shade so I can't imagine what it's like on scorching hot summer days for them. The staff member working at the flamingos section was super friendly and informative. Went to the cafe for some lunch and had the Buffalo chicken fries which were yummy. read more

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Came here for Zoo Lights event! We loved strolling around and enjoying all the displays. They also have light shows and animal shows during Zoo Lights. I was so impressed by how large the zoo was as well as how elaborate the Christmas lights were. Highly recommend! read more

Being from San Diego it's hard to find Zoos in other US cities I like but I LOVED the Phoenix zoo. It was a pretty big size, the shows were great, and I got to feed a giraffe (one of my bucket list goals I did not expect to do in Phoenix!). Definitely would recommend, it's one of the best Zoos in the US. Also extremely child friendly. There were play places and bathrooms EVERYWHERE. read more

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Lions and tigers and bears oh my...ok well no bears here but the lions and the tigers are! The Phoenix zoo has been a staple in my life for over 30 years and now I get to share it with my family; it just keeps getting better! First off the price for a family membership cannot be beat. One reasonable price and you can come every day at any time if you like for the entire year. The Phoenix zoo is tucked in the mountain preserve and surrounded by the beautiful Arizona desert. The exhibit's boast animals like gorillas, baboons, sting rays, giant desert tortoises, giraffes, flamingos, baby lion cubs, tigers, birds of all kinds, reptiles (with all the az rattlesnakes..:yikes), rams, camels (you can ride), rhinos, elephants, and the only mingle with the monkeys habitat in the entire U.S. There are so many more animals to see and things to do and explore including a petting zoo area as well as various splash pads and playgrounds throughout the park; there is so much you'll want to get a membership to come back to see and enjoy it all. Along with the animals and fun activities there are also several places to get food, coffee, and treats to sustain you during your adventures and all the steps you're taking. However this is where they get you to take out your wallet and pay the big bucks, the food isn't cheap. The staff couldn't be nicer and more helpful; they are there make sure you have a wonderful time. The property is clean and inviting around each and every corner. The Phoenix zoo invites visitors to travel to far away lands where the wildlife appears right in front of you; it's magical for adults and children alike. They also have special events such as zoo lights around Christmas time that members get first dibs on. Visit for fun all day long , and experience up close and personal encounters with the animals that make lasting memories. read more

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We love coming here for a nice walk, lunch, and to see the animals. Luckily one of my favorites (the otter) was up and roaming around today. They were flint circles in the water and being super active. I love how they have its enclosure feeling like a nice livable environment for it. My other favorite (the groundhogs) were also active and super cute as usual. They were squeaking, eating and being cute fitting their runner fortress. The zoo is well maintained and the animals seem healthy and well taken care of which is great to see. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Groundhogs. - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The level of greed is unreal. After paying a hefty fee to enter, the totally rip you off if yiu choose to grab a snack or soda. It's literally $6 (SIX) for a can of soda. Not even a fountain drink for that price. Oh and want to grab dippin dots for the kiddo on a warm afternoon? It'll be.... $14 (FOURTEEN) for that six snack. We all know attractions and venues like this are overpriced, and to an extent some inflated pricing extent is expexted in exchange for the convenience. BUT this is a whole new level of taking advantage of the customer who otherwise is supporting the business. There is no need to be so greedy when you already have a hefty admission and corporate sponsors and donors, keeping everything running. Speaking of corporate sponsors, you have a Toyota pickup truck parked randinly in the middle of the actual zoo, for no reason other than to advertise for the Toyota dealerships. Talk about ruining an otherwise somewhat immersive experience in exchange for your stupid marketing partners wants!? Why don't you put this truck out front of the zoo and guests can see it when they walk up rather than wreck.the animal experience inside the zoo? When you have this type of income from these big.sponsors, even more reason NOT to screw over your customers. Stupid leadership ruined a once good experience. I'll be making a point to share these.comments on other review sites too, to reach as many people as possible. read more

A great place to get your steps in! Don't go on 602 day (like I unfortunately did) unless you get there an hour before the gates open otherwise there are more people than animals to see. You can bring all food and drink items except for glass containers. Download the zoo campus map so you can plan your visit to see everything. Parking is free and the later you arrive the further out you might have to park. Overall the zoo is nice but the zoo is best experienced earlier in the day or during our cooler months here in Phoenix. read more

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Spent a wonderful day at the Phoenix Zoo for 602 day! The staff was incredible. They were helpful and organized during a very busy day from the ticket booth, to managing lines, to even helping organize the parking situation. The zoo is clean and large with a ton of animals to visit. They also offer some cafes/booths to buy food and vending machines for drinks. The zoo offers a ton of picnic and seating areas for guests who bring their own food and coolers. Every staff I interacted with was friendly and even though there were a ton of people there, the zoo was clean and well kept. Visiting the zoo is a great activity for people of all ages. It was a very fun experience for us. read more

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If you're looking for a fantastic place to take your kids, the zoo is a must-visit! It's the perfect spot for a family outing, filled with exciting attractions for children and relaxing areas for parents. One of the highlights for kids is the giraffe exhibit, located right at the beginning of your walk through the zoo. Arriving early is a great idea to make the most of this popular spot! The zoo also offers coffee and snack shop, where you can take a break and recharge, as well as a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs before you head home. For families with young children, bringing a stroller or wagon is highly recommended. The zoo is spacious, and kids might need a break from walking--it's a lifesaver for parents during a long visit. If you plan to visit more than twice a year, consider becoming a member. Memberships are worth the cost and offer excellent benefits for frequent visitors. Whether you're a local or just visiting the area, this zoo is a must-see destination for families. The walking paths are enjoyable, the exhibits are engaging, and it's an experience both kids and adults will love. Don't miss out! e it. read more

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Yes it's a nice zoo. Poor layout. Very very very boring for little kids. Definitely a lot dinner choices for toddlers in Phoenix

It was a beautiful day to go to the zoo and we had a wonderful time. We haven't gone to the Phoenix zoo in many years. It has changed so much over the years and I would say it's better than ever. Many of the exhibits are open so you can see right into the enclosures and there are options to feed some of the animals. Very spacious in certain areas but some of the exhibits are inside of tight quarters (such as the reptiles enclosure). We loved seeing all of the animals, most were out and active during our visit. We felt very lucky because we got to see most of them. We have visited many zoos over the years in different states and countries -- the Phoenix zoo does not have too many exotic animals or rare animals but it is still a very fun zoo to visit with family and friends. We love reading the facts about each animal and you can learn the names of certain animals that are living at the zoo. It is a lot of cardio and I was able to get about 10k steps in during my visit. Wear comfortable shoes because there are stairs and some elevation in the walk. There are stands and restaurants throughout the zoo for pit stops and breaks. A lot of side attractions such as the safari ride, the camel ride, and feeding the giraffes. Everything costs extra. $39 for adults and $29 for children. $5 off for military, first responders, college students, or teachers! (Must show ID) Starting March 6, adults 21+ have the option to join them for Roars and Pours between the hours of 5:30pm-8:30pm to walk the exhibits and have a few brews from local breweries around the state with a discounted admission ticket of $13. We are planning another visit with friends and family for this event. read more

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The price is definitely on the steep side, but honestly, we visit a lot of zoos that cost $25-$30 and don't even come close to what this place offers. There's a ton of ground to cover, but you get to see so many different animals, and there's plenty of shade and benches when you need a break. The train ride is a nice touch -- it takes you through the park and gives a rundown of the different enclosures. We went on a Friday with tons of kids on field trips, but the space is so spread out that it never felt annoying or crowded. You'll definitely get tired from all the walking, but if you make it through everything, you'll see a huge variety of animals, reptiles, and even insects. All in all, a full, worthwhile experience. read more

Went to Phoenix zoo which is located in Tempe on a Sunday and luckily still not over crowded. Surprised by the size of the zoo being in that location. It's a very big zoo with wide variety of animals. Pretty much all kind of animals. And there are many interactive activities you can do like feeding giraffes and playing with stingrays etc which cost about $5-10 which is extremely reasonable. Have seating everywhere to relax in shade and still watch the animals. You can also ride a bus inside or rent vehicles to go around. Lot of food places inside which also doesn't rip you off. Worth every penny and have to appreciate the management for how well it's maintained. All animals look healthy. You can also use pogo pass which makes it even more worthy. Very happy with the visit. read more

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We just went there on a weekday and the problem we had was a good third of the park was either under construction, or the exhibits were closed, or you only saw a statue of an animal instead of a live one. If the zoo is going to do this they should seriously lower their admission price of $40. Because it's just not worth it. Otherwise the zoo is easy to walk all the grounds and see things in about 90 minutes. There are also plenty of areas where you can sit and eat and have a view if you bring your own food. There are covered gazebos, and assorted tables and benches. We also didn't like that we had to pay extra for the manta ray petting area. Come on! We just got SOAKED for $40 per person. Didn't even bother with the food due to the reviews and the crowds and noise levels. Wednesday and Thursday are the best days to go to limit the amount of kids in the park. read more

My grandkids really enjoyed our afternoon together. Lot's of activities and animals to see. Only complaint we had was the bathrooms are very dirty read more