Phoenix Zoo
add photosThe Phoenix Zoo was recently voted one of the top 5 zoos in the nation. Lions, elephants, monkeys and more.
Jun-Sep: 7am-2pm weekdays, 7am-4pm weekend
19 Reviews for Phoenix Zoo
6
00 families found this helpful
"Always Fun At The Zoo"
Great, spacious zoo! Go early morning so all animals will be wide awake. Lot's of shade if needed. I recommend feeding the Giraffes before they get bored of seeing people.
We enjoy the Zoo Lights in winter and the Zoo Family Days in summer. They always have some kind of fun activity going on so make sure and check the website first.
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1 family found this helpful
"Phoenix zoo"
This zoo is very kid-friendly - lots of shade, play areas, splash pad and picnic areas etc. As zoos go, it's a little dissapointing for a large metro area but you can get up close to the giraffes, monkeys and a few others plus they have a petting zoo. They also have some very creative kid camps and events. It's hard on kids and animals to do the zoo during the summer but they do have some after hours events that make is accessible. Over all, a fun place to visit with kids!
'11, '12
1 family found this helpful
"Big zoo, lots to do"
We went here on a weekend in January, and the weather was perfect. I was expecting more people at the zoo, and there were lots, but it’s so spread out that it wasn’t crowded. The walk from the parking lot was short & parking is free. The animals were plentiful, though lots were napping...next time we'll go earlier in the day. There was an ‘Arizona’ section with local wildlife like coyotes, plus all of the standard animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, etc. The Savanna exhibit was huge & included giraffes, some Texas long-horn cows, ostriches, etc. There is a lookout you can climb up into to see the Savanna area better, and we were there right when they were being fed, so the giraffes were really close! There’s also a cute kid’s section of the zoo with a petting zoo, tractors to climb on and a small shaded playground- our 2 & 4 year-olds had a blast! Surrounding it were some kid-sized shaded tables- perfect for bringing a picnic lunch to. We bought lunch at the zoo, which seemed pretty expensive & took FOREVER to get - the chicken fingers & sweet potatoes fries were tasty, but the grilled cheese sandwich was the worst I’d ever had (dry & tasteless). I think next time we’ll bring our own picnic lunch to save time & money. There was also a super cool-looking playground with a treehouse that we’ll have to check out next time- it was nap time for us.
0 families found this helpful
"Not just another trip to the ZOO"
I love going to the Zoo and the Phoenix zoo is no exception.
Start by traveling over the bridge just to get to the gate and you will be stopping to peer over the edge. You never know what might be lurking below. The children's petting zoo is a great place to take the kids. If it is hot out, check out the train, which will take you around the park and well worth it if you go in the middle of the summer. Take a water bottle or you will be stopping way to often. There are plenty of small eateries along the way, but keeping hydrated in the desert is always a challenge - even at the zoo. The giraffe exhibit is by far my favorite and the kids can't get enough, especially when they get the chance to be there for feeding time. If you ever get the opportunity to go in the winter, check out Zoo Lights. Going to the zoo at night is a whole new experience, but be sure to dress warm as it does get cold in the winter - even in the desert.
0 families found this helpful
"Maybe when the kids are a bit older"
I was impressed with the zoo but I think my kids will have more fun when they are a bit older. They are 3 & 1. We'll try again later in the year. :~) I liked the open exhibits & the fact that you can get up close to so many of the animals. We also went on a free/discount special day. It was crowded but I thought the staff was helpful & the even planned well.
0 families found this helpful
"Animals? What animals?"
The animals at the zoo are always hiding. In the summer, it 's just too hot for all the animals with their fur coat to come outside. In the winter, it seems that they are cold and hibernate. I've been to the zoo a handful of time and I never really get to see a variety of animals. The flamingos in the front are always pretty as are the giraffes. Other than that..everyone always hides. Oh and in the summer, there is also a nice water park area for the younger kids to cool off. Overall, go to the zoo on the first Saturday of the month when it's free, otherwise don't waste your money.
0 families found this helpful
"The Phoenix Zoo..not in the summer"
My family of 5 love this zoo. There are several activities for children other than just animal exhibits. I have been several times during the year and would suggest not going in the summer. It is extremely hot and uncomfortable. We could barely make it through the entire park. There are lots of fun season-themed events that are fun, such as Zoo Lights. Any other season is perfect for this zoo.
0 families found this helpful
"Great Zoo!"
This is a great place for the kids. The zoo lights were fantastic. My son loved the "twisty" slide on the playground. He never wanted to leave! The animal exhibits are easy for any age to view. Good food, reasonable prices, fun for the entire family! We can't wait to return!
0 families found this helpful
"Excellent Zoo!"
Huge zoo with tons of animals and activities for kids. Plenty of hands on exhibits and experiences for kids (stingray "petting", giraffe feeding, camel rides, etc..). There are a few splash pad areas, to keep cool in the AZ sun. Never feels crowded because it is big! Love this zoo!!!
0 families found this helpful
"Great Times!!"
As long as it is not too hot-a good time will be had! We went on safari train around the whole park then went to areas we wanted to hit. Great petting zoo. Paid extra for camel rides which was a hit. Spray pad was very fun when weather is warm. We always have had a good experience at the zoo.
1 family found this helpful
"had a great time"
I took my 6 year old son here in January 2010 and he loved it. Although there were a few closed exhibits, he thoroughly enjoyed himself. We paid the extra $3 to ride the bus around the park, which was nice. We learned a lot and it was great to be off our feet for a little bit. We were able to see the whole park in one day - got in about 10am and left by 4pm. The monkey habitat was fun - just don't touch anything! The petting zoo was one of my son's favorite things to do here. Also, when you first arrive, they take your picture that you can buy before you leave. I paid a little less than $30 for 3 5x7s and they turned out very nicely.
0 families found this helpful
"One of the best zoos we have visited"
I consider myself a bit of a zoo aficinado and the Phoenix Zoo is one of the best we have been to. I was expecting a nice zoo but nothing of this caliber. Many of the exhibits were large and updated. The Arizona Trails area was a great introduction to the animals of the desert from coyotes to cougars to big horn sheep. There are plenty of typical zoo animals from giraffes (which you can feed) to elephants to cheetah to rhinos. The camel rides were a big hit with my kids. So was the farm area. But honestly I think the playground with the two story treehouse and tunnel slide was their absolute favorite. I have to admit, if I were a kid I would never want to leave either. My favorite was the squirrel monkey enclosure. It was sort of like an aviary but with monkeys. The monkey were running around free all around you (I never saw any come in close contact with any humans) and it was so neat to look in a tree a few feet away and see a monkey. Another neat feature about the zoo is that you can bring bikes or rent them (they have those fun four person bikes) and pedal around the park. Its a large zoo and having a bike would certainly be a fun way to explore it. Another fun feature are the paddle boats in the lake in the middle of the zoo. We spent a full day at the zoo and didn't come close to seeing or doing everything. As a matter of fact I had to drag my son out of there kicking and screaming. I can't think of a bigger vote of approval than that!
1 family found this helpful
"Great Zoo"
The zoo had a lot to offer. I enjoyed that they had exhibits and shows around the clock. Unfortunately we went in July and it was extremely hot and it was hard to enjoy ourselves. The exhibits are pretty for apart so prepare for tons of walking. My son loved the camel rides, the cost was about $20 which included a photo. They also allow you to rent little floats for the "lake".
0 families found this helpful
"Phoenix Zoo"
The Phoenix Zoo (AZ) is a nice zoo to visit if you are in the area October-May. During the hottest months of the year June-September it is not a place to go with small children! If you go, bring your kid's swim suits as there are several different water play areas through out the zoo! A great way to cool off! There are also a few nice playground areas. Whenever you visit do not forget a cooler of waters -AZ is a hot dry place dont under estimate that! This zoo has the nicest and cleanest petting zoo I have ever been to! They have purell pumps throughout and large sinks stocked with soap and paper towels in the barn. Refreshments are pricey so we pack our own. It is not a huge zoo and there are no colder climate animals. If you own a zoo pass to your local zoo and this is on the reciprocal list it is definately worth going.
2 families found this helpful
"Wonderful Place for Families"
The Phoenix zoo is one of the largest zoos we have visited. There is so much to see that after four hours we still hadn't seen everything. Unfortunately, the heat became too much for us and we called it a day around 2 PM. The heat was a bit much for the animals, too. Sounds funny, but a lot of park rangers told us that day that the animals were sleeping in the shade/in their den because of the heat. Definitely a consideration - everyone goes to the zoo to see the animals.
One tip that I wish I had known before I got there - there are water parks through out for the kids. So, bring or let them wear bathing suits and be sure to bring towels. The water park makes the day easier to enjoy with the option of cooling off. I hope we have the chance to go back again.
0 families found this helpful
"Animals Galore!"
The Phoenix Zoo is one of our favorite places to visit from October-May! My kids (2,4,6) love to see the animals. We usually bring our sketch pads and cameras to help us really study the different animals. Our absolute favorite exhibits include the Monkey Village, the petting zoo, and the worms in the compost exhibit in the Children's Zoo area! We usually pack a lunch and eat near the lake in the center of the zoo so that we can watch the monkeys on Monkey Island while we eat. Overall, this is a wonderful place to visit.
2 families found this helpful
"Fun times at the zoo"
We have many favorite sections of the zoo: the monkey village, Children's Trail, Arizona Trail and the open air Savanna in the Africa Trail.
The Monkey Village is a unique way to see how the animals interact with one another.
The Children's Trail includes Harmony Farm with a terrific petting zoo, Little Tykes children's sized play area, and the favorite of all are the real farm equipment tractors. We could spend a couple of hours in just this area of the zoo.
The Arizona Trail is a terrific way to see the animals of Arizona including coyotes, javelinas, mountain lions.
The Savanna is a fantastic example of how Africa truly is with the animals interacting with one another.
On hot days, be sure to bring swim suits and towels or a change of clothes so your kiddos can enjoy the Leapin' Lagoon water splash pad area.
Endangered Species Carousel is also a hit, but be sure to have dry clothes.
An area that we think is difficult to keep track of your children in is the Yakulla Caverns Play Space. Unless you have 2 adults, avoid this spot.
We like to bring snacks - there are many places to picnic or enjoy a quick bite.
2 families found this helpful
"Excellent spot to play with the kids!"
We just got home from a trip to Mesa, Arizona to visit family, and the Phoenix Zoo is a great place to take the kids. There's a train that'll take you on a tour, a petting farm, a place to interact with Sting Rays, and a trail into the dessert, as well as all the great animal habitats. There are many places to eat throughout the zoo, and we found prices not to be too outrageous. We loved all the unique places to take photos of the family - sculptures, farm machinery, building facades, etc.
1 family found this helpful
"Roaring good time"
I took my toddler there with my two nephews in December and they all had a blast. There are a good number of animals to see and a bunch of fun areas for them to burn energy as well. All the signs are easy to read for a 1st grade level reader. The zoo is large, so our little guys got tired of walking by the time we were about halfway through. But, the popcorn stand helped them to power through. In retrospect, it would have been smart to bring/rent strollers. I looked fantastic in my black patent leather flats, but my feet definitely were in need of some sneakers.
There's a great Sting Ray Exhibit at the entrance of the zoo which I thought was the closest because they swim up to you. It costs extra, but the kids loved watching and feeding them shrimp to eat (extra for the food too).
My almost two year old's favorite was the monkey area where you are actually let into their habitat. He loved trying to find them and watch them swing and scamper from tree to tree. I guess there's a lot of monkey pee in there, so be sure to wash everyone's hands including your own when you exit!
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