1 / 3Phoenix Zoo
📍 Camelback East Village, AZ
Home to over 3,000 animals across nearly 400 species, including threatened and endangered wildlife, set across expansive desert grounds with stroller rentals, quiet zones, and seasonal events like Zoo Lights.
I enjoy having a membership so I can take my husband, mom or friend in free with me. This zoo is amazing. The animal enclosure are very nice. They truly think about giving the animals the very best habitat. The desert gardens are beautiful and there are sculptures, flowers, a lake and lots of huge shady trees. I like bringing a picnic lunch as there are many pretty spots to eat and enjoy your surroundings. They also have a Cafe and Jungle Java plus other food spots. There are so many animals at this zoo it's hard to see them all in a day. I had a recent surgery and the scooter rental made my day a pleasant one.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children of all ages who want a full-day zoo experience in a genuine desert setting. The stroller rentals and quiet zones make it workable for toddlers and sensory-sensitive kids. Local families get strong value from a membership given the grounds' size — it's hard to cover everything in a single visit.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →23,790 Google reviews
4Giacintos
2 months ago
“I enjoy having a membership so I can take my husband, mom or friend in free with me. This zoo is amazing. The animal enclosure are very nice. They truly think about giving the animals the very best habitat. The desert gardens are beautiful and there are sculptures, flowers, a lake and lots of huge shady trees. I like bringing a picnic lunch as there are many pretty spots to eat and enjoy your surroundings. They also have a Cafe and Jungle Java plus other food spots. There are so many animals at this zoo it's hard to see them all in a day. I had a recent surgery and the scooter rental made my day a pleasant one.”
Chavez Web Design, LLC
2 months ago
“It was such a beautiful experience taking my family to the Phoenix Zoo for the first time. They have so much to offer—from first aid and lost-and-found to great places to eat, gift shops, and plenty of restrooms. One thing that makes a huge difference is being able to rent a stroller for the little ones. The headphone/quiet zone was new to me and a great addition. The Wild Walk was my absolute favorite! With plenty of gift shops and souvenir photos available, just be ready to have the best time of your life.”
Darlene Burgess
2 months ago
“The Phoenix Zoo was awesome! My husband and I joined 8 members of our family (including 2 young children) to enjoy a day at the zoo. We were all very pleased with our experience there. The facility is clean. The animals are in interesting, clean, comfortable surroundings. We read the placards placed at many of the sites that identified and gave us information on the animals, fish and birds. We enjoyed an exceptional experience at the Phoenix Zoo.”
Nichole Nunes
a month ago
“We went to the Zoo Lights around Christmas time when visiting family, and it was an amazing time. The lights were beautiful, the themes were great, and the length of time it took to do the entire walk was not overwhelming. It was great for both kids and adults alike. Now I just have to go during the day for the next visit to see the actual animals, lol.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest privately funded zoos in the US, housing over 3,000 animals from nearly 400 species across its expansive desert grounds. Standout habitats include large animal enclosures, desert gardens with sculptures and a lake, and interactive areas. Stroller rentals, quiet zones, and multiple dining spots are available on-site. The annual Zoo Lights event draws families through the holiday season.
