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The Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-273-1341

The Phoenix Zoo began in 1962 as the Maytag Zoo, named for founder Robert Maytag who never lived to see it open. Today, some 1.3 million people a year visit this internationally renowned, non-profit conservation institution with 125 acres in Papago Park. The zoo is divided into four sections or trails. The Africa Trail leads you through that continent's many habitats for a look at creatures like lions, cheetahs and rhinos. The Arizona Trail introduces you to the state's own wildlife including bighorn sheep, gila monsters, Mexican wolves and the endangered thick-billed parrot. Kids especially enjoy the Discovery Trail where they can burrow about like prairie dogs or venture into a saguaro cactus. Finally, the Tropics Trail provides a respite from the desert heat, its lush greenery harboring exotic animals like orangutans, Galapagos tortoises and howler monkeys. One of the zoo's most famous residents was the late Ruby, an Asian elephant who wowed visitors with her painting ability.

The Big Thrills:
The zoo features traveling exhibitions, simulator rides and special events throughout the year, including the popular ZooLights during the holidays. It has a large petting area near Harmony Farm, with plenty of critters waiting to meet your kids. The prairie dog village is always a hit, as are encounter programs with, among others, baboons, elephants and giraffes. You can paddle about the lake or rent a multi-seat cycle, too.

Must-Have Admission Info:
With the exception of Christmas, the zoo is open every day, regardless of weather. From September to May, visit 9AM-5PM, and pay $12 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children 3-12; in summer (June through August), hours are 7AM-4PM at $9, $7 and $5. Children under 2 are free all year. ZooLights runs December to early January, 6-10PM.

Tips and Hints:
Unless you don't mind filling zoo coffers, bring lots of snacks -- concessions here are costly. Parts of the trails are unpaved, which makes for a natural look but can be hard on stroller pushers. Given the Phoenix population boom, the zoo can be quite crowded, and, in summer, you may want to get in and out early, or join everyone else in the Tropics section.

Features
• Kid-friendly
• Group-friendly

Hours
• September-May 9AM-5PM; June–August 7AM-4PM, closed Christmas Day

Price Info
• Regular season $12 adults, $9 seniors, $5 ages 3-12; Summer season $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 ages 3-12, children 2 and under always free

Accepted Payment
• American Express
• Cash
• Debit Card
• Discover
• MasterCard
• Visa

Cross Street
• Van Buren & McDowell

Parking
• Free lot

Wheelchair Accessible

ATM Info
On premises in front of gift shop

Official Web Site

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	ARIZONA RESOURCES: AREA ATTRACTIONS: Phoenix Attractions and More
	The Phoenix Zoo 455 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008 602-273-1341 The Phoenix Zoo began in 1962 as the Maytag Zoo, named for founder Robert Maytag who never lived to see it open. Today, some 1.3 million people a year visit this internationally renowned, non-profit conservation institution with 125 acres in Papago Park. The zoo is divided into four sections or trails. The Africa Trail leads you through that continent's many habitats for a look at creatures like lions, cheetahs and rhinos. The Arizona Trail introduces you to the state's own wildlife including bighorn sheep, gila monsters, Mexican wolves and the endangered thick-billed parrot. Kids especially enjoy the Discovery Trail where they can burrow about like prairie dogs or venture into a saguaro cactus. Finally, the Tropics Trail provides a respite from the desert heat, its lush greenery harboring exotic animals like orangutans, Galapagos tortoises and howler monkeys. One of the zoo's most famous residents was the late Ruby, an Asian elephant who wowed visitors with her painting ability. The Big Thrills: The zoo features traveling exhibitions, simulator rides and special events throughout the year, including the popular ZooLights during the holidays. It has a large petting area near Harmony Farm, with plenty of critters waiting to meet your kids. The prairie dog village is always a hit, as are encounter programs with, among others, baboons, elephants and giraffes. You can paddle about the lake or rent a multi-seat cycle, too. Must-Have Admission Info: With the exception of Christmas, the zoo is open every day, regardless of weather. From September to May, visit 9AM-5PM, and pay $12 adults, $9 seniors, $5 children 3-12; in summer (June through August), hours are 7AM-4PM at $9, $7 and $5. Children under 2 are free all year. ZooLights runs December to early January, 6-10PM. Tips and Hints: Unless you don't mind filling zoo coffers, bring lots of snacks -- concessions here are costly. Parts of the trails are unpaved, which makes for a natural look but can be hard on stroller pushers. Given the Phoenix population boom, the zoo can be quite crowded, and, in summer, you may want to get in and out early, or join everyone else in the Tropics section. Features • Kid-friendly • Group-friendly Hours • September-May 9AM-5PM; June–August 7AM-4PM, closed Christmas Day Price Info • Regular season $12 adults, $9 seniors, $5 ages 3-12; Summer season $9 adults, $7 seniors, $5 ages 3-12, children 2 and under always free Accepted Payment • American Express • Cash • Debit Card • Discover • MasterCard • Visa Cross Street • Van Buren & McDowell Parking • Free lot Wheelchair Accessible ATM Info On premises in front of gift shop Official Web Site BACK