Phoenix Zoo Tours and Activities

Phoenix Zoo showing zoo animals
Phoenix Zoo
Phoenix Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals
Phoenix Zoo showing zoo animals
Phoenix Zoo


This wildlife park often ranks in the top American zoos for families, and is the largest non-profit zoo in the United States.

The 125-acre (50-hectare) Phoenix Zoo houses about 1,200 animals, including many endangered species. You can see most displays along three themed trails that take you from Arizona to Africa to the Tropics. A fourth trail is aimed at small children and includes interaction with farm animals. The family-focused zoo attracts about 1.4 million visitors per year.

Over 50 years ago, Phoenix resident Robert Maytag set out to collect funds for a local zoo. Sadly he died shortly before the opening in 1962, but his vision to have a non-profit zoo without government funding is still alive today. Initially it was called the “Maytag Zoo,” but his heirs later requested it be renamed Phoenix Zoo to reflect its community spirit. For a relatively young zoo, the Phoenix Zoo has already gained a reputation for its wildlife conservation efforts, such as a successful captive breeding program to reintroduce the once extremely rare Arabian oryxes into the wild. 

Explore the 2.5 miles (four kilometers) of trails by foot or jump aboard the safari train for a narrated tour of the attractions. Check out the local coyotes and javelinas or visit the rainforest of Monkey Village on the Tropics Trail. Pay a few dollars extra to pet cownose stingrays in Stingray Bay, ride a camel or feed giraffes from the observation deck. Kids can learn where their food comes from and what farm life is really like at the Windmill House. If you visit during the Christmas holiday period, head to the zoo at night for the ZooLights spectacle, with lights in the shapes of animals.

The Phoenix Zoo is located in Papago Park, a 20-minute drive east from downtown along Van Buren Street. Opening hours vary according to season. Stay for at least three hours to walk all trails, and get there early during summer when the park closes at 2 p.m. Picnic areas are available and the zoo has many eateries. Several bus routes pass the zoo and there is a parking lot.

Plan a trip to see Phoenix Zoo

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Best Lodging Options Near Phoenix Zoo

 Scottsdale Parkview Resort

Scottsdale Parkview Resort

3.5 out of 5
7707 E McDowell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale Parkview Resort
Tempe Oasis

Tempe Oasis

2 out of 5
1635 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ
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Element Scottsdale at SkySong

Element Scottsdale at SkySong

3 out of 5
1345 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ
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SpringHill Suites Phoenix Airport/Tempe

SpringHill Suites Phoenix Airport/Tempe

3 out of 5
1601 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ
SpringHill Suites Phoenix Airport/Tempe
Motel 6 Tempe, AZ - Scottsdale South

Motel 6 Tempe, AZ - Scottsdale South

2 out of 5
1612 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ
Motel 6 Tempe, AZ - Scottsdale South
Papago Scottsdale by Reside, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Papago Scottsdale by Reside, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

3 out of 5
7017 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ
Papago Scottsdale by Reside, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Airport

Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Airport

3 out of 5
801 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ
Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Airport
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Tempe University

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Tempe University

3 out of 5
1429 N Scottsdale Rd, Tempe, AZ
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Tempe University
☆ Heated Pool & Spa! Putting Green! Pool Table! Ping Pong! The Sweet Life ☆

☆ Heated Pool & Spa! Putting Green! Pool Table! Ping Pong! The Sweet Life ☆

Scottsdale
☆ Heated Pool & Spa! Putting Green! Pool Table! Ping Pong! The Sweet Life ☆
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Phoenix Zoo

During your visit to the Phoenix Zoo, you can explore various attractions and enjoy friendly activities such as sports, golf, and running. Be sure to check out the zoo's room rates and read reviews to enhance your experience. Additionally, consider visiting nearby wellness centres for relaxation after a day of adventure. The zoo offers a unique blend of wildlife and leisure activities that cater to all ages.

Shopping

At Phoenix Zoo, enjoy nearby shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, only 6.4km away, featuring a blend of family entertainment and city vibes. Arizona Mills Mall, 8.0km away, offers similar experiences. If you're up for a drive, Biltmore Fashion Park is 9.7km away, presenting more shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Chase Field, where you can catch a game and soak in the sports energy. For relaxation, head to Tempe Beach Park, perfect for a serene stroll or a picnic by the water. The Arizona Grand Golf Course offers a scenic outdoor escape for golf enthusiasts.

Adventure

Big Surf, a vibrant waterpark 3.2km from Phoenix Zoo, offers thrilling slides and family-friendly attractions. For paintball enthusiasts, Xtreme Pursuit Paintball, located 13.2km away, promises an exhilarating adventure. Additionally, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, 11.3km from the zoo, provides a fun-filled aquatic experience for all ages.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement at Casino Arizona, just 6.4km from Phoenix Zoo, where you can enjoy a romantic evening with city vibes. For a family-friendly outing, visit Celebrity Theater for captivating performances, or unleash your competitive spirit at Tempe Paintball, both also 6.4km away.

Find the best attractions near Phoenix Zoo

While visiting the Phoenix Zoo, tourists can also explore nearby urban parks and the stunning mountains that surround the area, perfect for outdoor adventures and family experiences. The zoo itself offers a rich cultural experience, making it a great starting point for discovering local attractions and activities in Phoenix. Don't miss out on gathering helpful information about the zoo and its surroundings to enhance your visit.

  • Arizona State University: This vibrant university is a hub of innovation and culture, located merely 3.2km from the Phoenix Zoo. Explore its stunning campus, enjoy local eateries, and immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of student life.
  • Camelback Mountain: A short 6.4km drive will take you to Camelback Mountain, an outdoor paradise offering breathtaking views and exhilarating hiking trails. Embrace adventure while discovering the natural beauty of Arizona's desert landscape.
  • Tempe Town Lake: Just 3.2km away, Tempe Town Lake is perfect for a romantic stroll or a relaxing day by the water. Enjoy picturesque scenery, outdoor activities, and sandy beach vibes in this charming lakeside setting.

Best time to go to Phoenix Zoo

The best time to visit Phoenix Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Phoenix Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Phoenix Zoo falls in January and December. December has average visitor numbers and sunny weather.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
February58.6°F (14.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
March66.0°F (18.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
April74.5°F (23.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
May82.0°F (27.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June92.3°F (33.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
July95.7°F (35.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
August94.8°F (34.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
September89.8°F (32.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October77.7°F (25.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November65.5°F (18.6°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December55.4°F (13.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Phoenix Zoo

When visiting Phoenix Zoo, consider free activities like Camelback Mountain and Tempe Town Lake to save money. The cheapest months for accommodation are June to August, with Tuesdays being the least expensive days to book. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and filter for eco-certified options if you prefer sustainable stays. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package can also lead to savings. Always check cancellation policies, ensure your booking is refundable, and read hotel reviews to find the best rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Phoenix Zoo are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to April, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Phoenix Zoo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Phoenix Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Furthermore, you can refine your options by hotel type—by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Phoenix Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.