Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest privately owned, nonprofit zoos in the United States, sprawling across 125 acres within Papago Park. Home to over 1,400 animals representing 200+ species, it is a cornerstone family attraction in the greater Phoenix-Scottsdale metro area. The zoo is organized into four themed trails -- the Arizona Trail, Africa Trail, Tropics Trail, and Children's Trail -- making it easy to plan your route.

The Africa Trail is the most popular section, featuring giraffes, lions, cheetahs, mandrills, and a herd of African wild dogs. The giraffe encounter station allows visitors to hand-feed the giraffes with lettuce leaves ($5 per feeding); watching a giraffe's 18-inch tongue wrap around a leaf inches from your child's hand is a top-tier zoo moment. The Monkey Village is a walk-through habitat where squirrel monkeys roam freely overhead and occasionally on the path beside you.

The Arizona Trail showcases the Sonoran Desert's native wildlife -- Mexican gray wolves, mountain lions, javelinas, Gila monsters, and a stunning collection of desert reptiles. For kids who have only seen these animals in books, encountering them in habitats that mirror the surrounding desert landscape is educational and exciting.

The Children's Trail and Enchanted Forest area is specifically designed for families with young kids. The splash pad at Enchanted Forest is genuinely excellent -- multiple water features including a waterfall, spray jets, and a wading stream. In Phoenix's extreme summer heat, this is not just fun; it is a necessary cooldown that makes visiting the zoo viable in warmer months.

The area also includes a nature play playground, the safari train ride ($5/person), and a petting zoo with goats and sheep.

Camel rides ($8/person) operate on the Africa Trail and are a unique experience -- the zoo is one of few in the country offering them. Kids must be at least 3 years old to ride. The camels follow a short loop with handlers guiding the route. It takes about 5 minutes and is worth the wait.

Seasonal timing is critical at the Phoenix Zoo. From October through March, daytime temperatures are pleasant (60-80F) and you can comfortably spend a full day. From June through September, temperatures regularly exceed 110F, making extended outdoor exposure genuinely dangerous.

During summer months, the zoo opens early (7 AM) and most experienced families arrive at opening, see the highlights in 2-3 hours, and leave by 11 AM. Bring multiple water bottles, wear sun hats, apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, and take cooling breaks at the splash pad and indoor exhibits.

The zoo is fully stroller-accessible with wide paved paths throughout. Stroller rentals are available at the entrance ($10/day). Nursing and changing facilities are in the restroom buildings near the Enchanted Forest and main entrance.

Several food stands and a sit-down cafe serve standard zoo fare -- burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, and ice cream ($8-14 per meal). The zoo allows outside food and drink, and many families bring a packed cooler.

Parking is free in the large lot at the entrance -- one of the few Phoenix attractions that does not charge for parking. The zoo sits adjacent to the Desert Botanical Garden and Papago Park's Hole in the Rock trail, making it easy to combine attractions in a single day (in cooler months).