Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix

Lots of fun for the whole family! The Phoenix zoo is a gigantic open interactive zoo filled with tons of family friendly activities to do. There is giraffe feeding, stingray petting, and even a safari train! This place is huge though and can get hot so make sure you bring water!

I've been going to the Phoenix Zoo since it opened in 1962. What makes it even more fun now is when there is someone working in an exhibit, they stop and talk to the visitors and answer questions. I've been very fortunate to have learned so much having one on one chats with the keepers. You feel closer to the animals when you know their histories, feeding habits and daily activities. Having varied open hours throughout the year gives you a chance to see all animals, even the ones that are awake at night.

We had most of a day before our flight left at 6pm and the zoo was the perfect place to spend it. It is only a 10 minute drive from the rental car return and airport. We spent 4 hours and felt that was just the right amount of time. This is a very big zoo with many unique and interesting animals in addition to the expected exotics. Our favorite was the interactive monkey area. So fun to be in the cage with the cuties! We were very impressed with the 50 years of effective conservation efforts for endangered species and felt the price ($25 per adult) was worth every penny.

The Phoenix Zoo at Papago Park is a unique and distinctive place to visit. What is really delightful is the beautiful garden and the greeneries which reflect the natural habitat of animals. It may not be possible to see everything in one visit but you get an idea. If you visit the place in the middle of the day you may find out that most animals are resting and are away from the curious eyes of the visitors, however, you could still see a few such as the charming Giraffe who proudly presents itself while busy eating. There are discovery tours, safari train, narrated tours, and specific trails to walk through and enjoy. Children and others will learn about the endangered species by riding a special carousel of their favorite animals. Dining, shopping and a lot more are available to make your visit a truly enjoyable one.

I really love this zoo during the holidays. They really go all out with the lights and its amazing. There is also a large variety of animals here. I feel you're just farther away from the animals than other zoos. I have been to many zoos across the country and this one just seems very distant. But the atmosphere is great/