Sweetwater Strings delivered again! April 2025 - performed hits of Coldplay! Eily is the best! Jen Kevin and Myra all delivered! We will be back! read more

See all

We had a great experience coming to the zoo! I do still feel like the tickets are a little pricey, considering there wasn't a lot of animals in their habitats. I do wish that they would've let us know before buying the tickets that there wasn't any big cats available to see. The workers were so kind and the zoo also had fan misters available to keep us cool. Due to their environment this is definitely the place to see a lot of desert, safari animals! There are so many activities and things to do for the kids. We were able to pet the goats however, the feeding the giraffes was closed. If you're wondering if you can bring outside food and drink, you definitely can! Right now they have a coupon cover. You can get $10 off a zoom membership as well! read more

See all

Surprisingly my favorite exhibit wasn't even alive albeit live like. I found the dinosaur section to be memorable. Although the Phoenix Zoo pales in comparison to the San Diego Zoo, it's an affordable option for AZ residents. I bought my tickets online and I noted that they close at 1PM. Notably online tickets cost $2 less but there was also a $2 convenience fee so there wasn't a difference. It was best to arrive early to beat the heat and many animals get fed then. I was able to observe all the exhibits over the span of 3 hours. The gift shop was near the entrance and they had a huge collection of strollers and rentals. Most of the food options and souvenirs were located at the front. I recommend starting on the left trail with larger children and on the right with younger children. Younger children could enjoy the children's trail, park, carousel, and petting zoo. The large mammals were located in the center of the zoo while the more Arizona exclusive animals were on the left. I especially enjoyed the recreations and animatronics of the dinosaurs. The tortoises were amongst the liveliest creatures so look out for them. There were a lot of activities that families could pay extra for although I didn't find them necessary to have a good time. If you have money to burn, ride a camel or feed some animals. Although the desert animals seemed to be fine, I noticed that the tropical animals were on the leaner side. I hope that the zoo manages to keep them cool and full with the infamous AZ heat. Some exhibits had only 2 animals and they looked a bit lonely. There weren't many covered areas or seating so it wasn't disability or walking friendly. Volunteers were concentrated near the entrance and it would be more enjoyable if more staff members were spread throughout. I don't know if it was just during my visit but the cafes were closed so it was difficult to grab a snack or drink. While I always love a good zoo, the Phoenix zoo could make it safer and more pleasant for their patrons. The price tag was a bit high but there are unique exhibits and animals that were worthwhile. read more

See all

I had an absolutely amazing time at the Phoenix zoo. I took seven members from work and I can't say enough good things about this place. It's clean. There's plenty of bathrooms. When the weather is nice, it's just so wonderful to be outside and be amongst the animals! My favorite exhibit was the monkey exhibit because the monkeys got really close to us and it was just so cool. read more

See all

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

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

I wrote a review a couple of years ago and since then I've had a chance to get to know the animals and their keepers - they do an amazing job at this zoo and you can clearly tell the animals here are happy and well cared for. There have been a few major updates since my last review - including updates to the visibility of enclosures - while also keeping the animals' health and wellbeing in mind. read more

See all

One of the best experiences. The staff were friendly and helpful. It's a wonderful zoo with habitats similar to the San Antonio Zoo so it's easier to see the animals. The fare was reasonable for the experience they had concessions like margarita and cold beer. The animals look very well taken care of and they are building new exhibits. We spent 2.5 hrs just soaking in all in. Great job Phoenix Zoo! Great job. read more

Phoenix Zoo - After a long day they needed to rest. - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We went on a Saturday and it was not too busy! We got to see so many cool animals, reptiles, etc. I have been to several zoo's and this zoo definitely is up there with some of the bests. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

Took my girls to the zoo! They had a blast! First thing you walk into is the stingray bay to pet the stingrays! What a slimy experience. Since I was a kid, the layout has changed tremendously. Get your steps in! And go early. By mid afternoon it's toasty. Even in February. Plenty of rest stops, food and drinks available. They also have a new splash pad area and a carousel (closed at this time of year). Riding the camel was a cute experience. My daughter loved it! And of course the crocodile walk out. It was neat to see they have two rhinos! They also have a petting zoo! With goats! read more

See all

We went to the Phoenix Zoo Lights last night, and we loved it, however, while paying admission, they would not accept cash and then charged us a hefty fee to use our debit card. I feel this is unjust. If a business does not accept cash, they should take responsibility for paying the usage fee. This actually tainted our visit. As much as the Zoo Lights display was spectacular, I won't go to the Phoenix Zoo again. read more

As a resident I don't come out to Zoo Lights every season but am glad I did this year. Only change I'd like to see is directional signs to the exit since one can get easily disoriented in the dark. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Beautiful light display for Zoo Lights 2024. - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Great zoo with a lot of wonderful animals to see. The place is very well maintained and the animals are taken care of really well. The place is not too large to make it hard to manage in a day or less with your family. They do have extra pay to ride or do experiences but the zoo is good without it. read more

Phoenix Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Would give it six stars if it was possible. Phenomenal zoo, experience, a great walk and lovely layout of the overall zoo. I am particularly fond of the Jaguar exhibit as you can get a great view of the two Jaguars they have in their enclosure. Very friendly staff, and overall a very pleasant experience highly recommend to anyone visiting Phoenix or people who live in the Arizona area. Also, highly recommend feeding the rays if you have a chance. A really fun and kind of scary experience in a fun way! Kids and adults will love it! read more

I love the zoo! They have such a beautiful chunk of land and have done great with it! The mountain lions need more room but other than that all the animals seem pretty happy! I love to go just to walk too. Maybe give a better discount in gift shop to members but that's okay ! Keep feeding the animals!We love you guys anyway! read more

See all

I have been visiting this zoo since I was a kid. I went on so many field trips as a little boy growing up here in the Valley. The Phoenix Zoo is a non-profit zoo and was established in 1962 in Papago Park. They have over 3,000 animals that include tigers, lions, elephants, Komodo dragons, monkeys and giraffes. The Phoenix Zoo hosts lots of community events like ZooLights, Roars & Pours, Night Camps and an annual 5K. Some of my favorite attractions are Stingray Bay, the Safari Cruise, Monkey Village, the petting zoo and the Giraffe Encounter. The Phoenix Zoo does a lot for animal conservation efforts and provides sanctuary to animals that need a place to live for various reasons. Even though I frequent ZooLights a lot during the holidays, I was able to visit during the day recently. I enjoyed my stroll down memory lane and interacting with the animals. I wasn't aware that they erected a Wallace and Ladmo statue here in the zoo. This statue honors "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" - a longtime Valley children's show that us Phoenix natives grew up watching. Ladmo was present at my 10th birthday party and I received a Ladmo bag full of goodies. There is lots to do inside Papago Park. Have a picnic lunch or visit Hole in the Rock after your visit to the zoo. The Desert Botanical Garden is also in Papago Park and is just north of the Phoenix Zoo. read more

See all

Very big and lots to see. Currently many improvements going on, but it's the time of year for that. They say the holiday lights are a very good attraction. IMO - a bit pricey, but you have to spend a lot to keep this type of attraction going! read more

Phx residents know how amazing the zoo is, but if you're visiting it really is worth a trip. They have a section for local desert animals so you can see animals unique to the desert and a lot of African animals that aren't always seen elsewhere. Monkey village where one can walk in and be with the monkeys beyond cool. It is large and takes multiple hours to explore all the exhibits. (3yo and 5yo did 6hrs and still didn't get to everything). Strollers available to rent. It is a partner zoo with others, so may be able to use other memberships for a ticket discount if just visiting once. read more

My wife and I visited the Phoenix Zoo while in town for a vacation. Zoos are one of our favorite places to go, so we've seen our share of them around the country. We were excited to see the Komodo Dragon, which you don't find very often. The little guy didn't disappoint, he wandered around his enclosure putting on a show for us. I fell in love with the prairie dogs and would have spent the entire day watching them nibble on their leaves and scurry about. And the variety of snakes was pretty great too-so many beautiful nope ropes. When we visited in late November, there were very few food stands open-perhaps that was just the time of the year. It wasn't crowded at all, which was nice-so we were able to quickly get some lunch at the main food court. Parking is a breeze and the size of the zoo is just right-not too big, not too small. It would have been cool to see more interactive options or staff members throughout the zoo sharing facts about the animals on display. read more

See all

Great zoo, Barbra at the front was so nice! Wouldn't recommend wearing heels, my wife has never had so many blisters she's stubborn.

Positives about the Phoenix Zoo: You can bring in food and drinks. There was plenty of parking. The gift shop is well laid out with plenty of walking space. The prices are high but not ridiculous. We visited the bathrooms twice and they were clean. There was an attendant stationed there that was keeping things neat. She was doing a great job!! The photo that was taken at the entrance was super well done! Areas of Opportunity: The lack of paper maps makes it difficult to navigate the zoo. I did use the QR code and the picture of the map provided at the entrance that I took with my phone. But, trying to chart where we were in relationship to the picture was very frustrating because the sidewalks aren't clear. We arrived around 10:30am and it seemed the animals had already eaten and were all hiding. There was so much side moneymaking happening - trolly, little drive-able animals, camel rides it was a bit distracting. I do recommend the zoo but I do see some areas for growth. read more

See all

This is way underrated on YELP. If you want a great time of sight seeing animals this is the place to go for fun, sun, and adventure. Great place for ages all alike. Even if they are in a wheelchair. It's very super friendly atmosphere, best when it's not too hot outside but still great animals and exhibits which are improving at the zoo to accommodate the animals in more comfortable conditions and space through private donations. If you haven't been to the Phoenix Zoo it's. time to either join if you have kids, visit once if you have out of town guests, or a family membership. Some activities cost a little out of pocket like petting the water animals such as stingrays and the train tram is extra, but overall worth every penny giving to this great organization overall because if you LOVE animals, this is the place to be and visit. Kids, adults, high school, and elderly will LoVE this place. Come visit. You won't be disappointed at all, other than a very hot hot day. read more

See all

Visited the zoo for the first time and left feeling pretty sad. I had heard this zoo was one of the better ones and regarded highly for conservation. Instead animals paced, swayed, looked poorly. The jaguar paced back and forth, shaking its head and shaking. Flamingos had sludge for water and most exhibits I just saw dirty enclosures and lack of water. Most animals are alone. Just 1. Pack animals seemed lonely. I'm not sure but my heart feels pretty broken after leaving. I wish animals weren't alone. I wish they had adequate water. I wish their exhibits were clean. I wish they weren't showing zoo psychosis signs or something similar. It just felt lonely and sad. read more

See all

We went to Zoo Lights after Christmas. This was my first visit to the Phoenix Zoo. I've been to the Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo which has millions of lights and offers special glasses for cool 3D effects. I didn't see anywhere that the Phoenix Zoo does this. There weren't as many lights because there aren't as many trees but the do have some really cool lighted displays. The zoo wasn't crowded at which allowed us to leisurely stroll by and view all the neat displays. I can't wait to visit the zoo during the day so I can see the animals and surroundings in the light. read more

See all

This zoo and layout has a lot of unmet potential. There are large enclosures with few animals. I'm not convinced they have an elephant. Could be a great zoo, but needs work. read more

See all

Love the place. We have passes, and the ability to go an hour early before the zoo officially opens is amazing. It's like having an entire zoo to yourself. Great place, beautiful animals, and the staff seem very friendly. read more

See all

Hands down the BEST zoo I've been too! There's sooo much to do! The zoo itself is spacious and you can tell workers take pride of their work. All the animals were visible during our visit and their enclosure made it easy to access them but still built so they are unbothered. Highlight was the walking monkey enclosure. The staff was very informative and willing to educate people. read more

See all

This zoo is AMAZIING!! I wished we went earlier in the morning. Unfortunately we arrived around noon, so don't do what we did! I was really reluctant to go to a zoo as I have seen some where the animals did not look so happy. However, there is so much to do at this zoo, and the staff is so friendly. We were able to go and feed the manta rays, view the safari animals, and we did the tour as well. I am really impressed by this zoo the animals looked very well taken care of, I spoke to a staff member who worked there for ten years, just so much. I highly recommend going to this zoo if you are ever in Phoenix. read more

Was excited to be exploring the zoo and was looking foward to seeing the wildlife animals. Only saw a few animals not much to see. Little overprice with photos and the food as well. It was beautiful to walk around very clean. Somewhat crowded. read more

See all

The area of the zoo is in such a beautiful part of the city. It is part of the area of Papago Park and one of the prettiest places in the city. The area is composed of the Botanical Gardens , the Zoo, Papago Park, Hole in the Rock, and wonderful background scenery. I know Zoos are a tad controversial but I will note some positives and negatives from my perspective. When I taught we took so many field trips here. lol 1. The entrance is fun to check out the lake and turtles. Pretty 2. Many of the animals have more free range roaming areas rather than small cages. 3. They have a lot of activities and the holiday events like zoo lights and Snow Day are very popular and fun. Check their online calendar. 4. They have a cool carousel. 5. Negatives- they have gotten pretty expensive the last few years. However, check your local library and see if they still do the Culture Pass. Or if you plan to go more often, a membership is probably the way to go. 6. Parking can be a mess on popular event days. The last time we went there was a fight in the parking lot over a parking space. Sheesh people. Usually not an issue on regular, non weekend days. To be honest the 4 stars is more for how pretty the area is for me. The zoo is older and not invested in being a top notch zoo like say the ones in The Bronx or San Diego. Still, always great to see animals in my book. Okay Zoo just not one of the best I have ever seen. read more

Most animal enclosures were empty, the ones that had animals were dirty. Would be curious to know how many animals Phoenix Zoo really has??? Took our 4 year-old granddaughter and the highlight of the day was the carousel ride and a random ground squirrel by the sidewalk. Walked three hours to see one lion, three giraffes, three turtles, two monkeys and one rhinoceros. Paid $105 admission for two adults and one child. Water is $5 a can and cup of ice cream is $10. Needed to be a LOT better. We're Scottsdale residents, it's not mid-summer, it's March, prime in-season and the zoo should be at the top of their game for all the tourists in town. read more

I've been to zoos all over the United States. This was literally the biggest disappointment of ALL the zoos. Most of the animals weren't out or were "out of habitat". The only shining spot was being able to pet a stingray. However, there was even an extra a charge for that. Horribly dissatisfied. For $50 tickets, not worth it!! read more

We do not like this zoo. The enclosures are super far from one another so with young kids it's a nightmare to see everything you want, due to the distance. Very little shade throughout the park (some areas more than others) especially for a place as hot as Arizona it makes no sense they didn't think to provide more shade or shaded areas. We have been a few times over the years and every time is underwhelming and forgettable. Tucson's small Reid Zoo is much more enjoyable and far better priced for the experience and environment. read more

We had a family zoo day, and we had a great time at the Phoenix zoo. We came on Memorial Day, considering it was a holiday, we came in early in the morning roughly 0930 am, to beat the crowd and the heat. I spent roughly 3 hours at the zoo, looking at all the animals and just exploring. I think we saw all the animals that held our interest. I loved how clean the zoo was, even the restrooms. The offered discounts to first responders and people over 60. Also like how they had an area for kids to rest. Definitely worth my while. read more

See all

We were visiting and I Brought my family to the zoo. The employees were very nice and they explained well if you had any questions. We had fun watching the animals. The park was well kept and very clean. We recommend this zoo for people to come visit. They have different kind of animals. read more

Came here with the Kindergarteners from the school I work for. I quickly discovered that my knee would not like the walking and I didn't. There's so much to see and do, yes, but way too much walking for me. There are food places for your eating pleasure and also a pavilion for outdoor eating and a good meeting place for groups. There is a gift shop but we were not allowed in there (by school rules) so I can't say much about it unfortunately. My experience was not the greatest between all the walking that took a toll on my bad knee, to me getting overheated & nearly fainting despite drinking 3 bottles of water. Take the kids and have fun. read more

Very few animals to see, most exhibits are empty. Difficult to navigate the zoo to see different areas because there are no physical maps, must use online map and then try and figure out where you are and where to go. Food options are terrible and overpriced with zero semi-healthy options for kids and adults. Terrible fair food only, can't get any fruit bowls or something other than a hot dog? The food lines are long and the eating areas are dirty. The zoo feels understaffed unless you buy an excursion or experience. There are great things to do in Phoenix/ Scottsdale, this was a waste of a day and our first time and last time we will go to this zoo. read more

Reaching for 10,000 steps a day? This is the place to hit that goal easily! Showed up around noon this Saturday, and it was jam-packed. This is the place to be for families and those who want to see the cute animals, even those exotic ones. Most of them animals were sleeping but got some good interaction with the Giraffe getting their afternoon snacky. If you're coming here towards the summer months (basically anytime after March), bring an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen. I left basically all of these items and wished I had them on this sunny hot day. This place is basically like a Disneyland. It costs $ to do most things, even to pet the sting rays, which I remember being free back in the day. Always a fun adventure, but be prepared to be around a lot of people. read more

See all

The experience was very fun and this might've been a better experience if we went in the winter. A lot of the animals had gone inside cause it was hot but we did get to see some of the animals. The main thing that I would say that prevented a 5 star review was that the map we were given was not up to date with the maps and signage they have around the park. The animals that were on the map we were given were not in the areas we physically were at. So was a bit of a disappointment read more

Our family had an amazing time at the zoo! We went on New Years Day. The crowds were fairly light. Loved the free parking and we scored a parking close to entrance. We purchased our tickets on Groupon which saved us a $2 processing fee. Woohoo. Entrance was easy with ticket scanning on our phone. There are no paper maps so you have to scan a QR code and use your phone. I would have preferred a paper map. First exhibit walking in is the petting/feeding of stingrays. The cost was $4 to pet plus another $4 to feed. We felt it was a reasonable expense. They do however schedule groups to go in together so there was a short wait. They had Starbucks coffee onsite which was great but to can't use your m the Starbucks app since they are a 3rd party. The grounds were very clean, including the restrooms. We got to see almost every animal up and about. All animals appeared to be well fed and healthy. We were there for about 3hrs and saw almost all animals probably could have used another hour or so to see everything. We didn't see any shows going on. Lots of places to sit and rest in shaded areas. Enough places to grab drinks/snacks. We walked through the gift shop as we exited which was large and looked like it had lots of nice items to purchase. We didn't stop. Overall, super great experience. Beautiful park. I would definitely recommend and come back. read more