About Phoenix Zoo

Home of 3,000 animals & a petting zoo. 125 acres of animal exhibits, including a children's area & petting zoo, plus a narrated tram ride.

💬 What Parents Say

• 💡Plan for 2.5-3 hours to comfortably experience the zoo from parking lot to parking lot. This timeframe allows you to view major exhibits without feeling rushed, though you can skip optional activities like camel rides and petting zoo if time is limited.
• 🕐Visit during Zoo Lights (Christmas season) for a different experience that works well for mixed-age groups, but plan a separate daytime visit to see the animals in their natural daylight settings, as these are two distinct experiences.
• 💡Budget carefully for food and beverages—snacks are significantly marked up ($32 for 2 drinks, 3 chicken strips, and fries). Consider bringing your own snacks or eating before/after your visit to reduce costs.
• 💡Take advantage of the informational placards throughout the zoo at animal exhibits—they provide valuable educational context about the animals, fish, and birds. Reading these enhances the learning experience, especially for families with children.
• 💡The petting zoo and camel rides are optional add-ons. Young children may enjoy the interactive lizard exhibits and stingray interactions, which are included in general admission and offer hands-on learning opportunities.

Hours