Phoenix Arizona skyline and Greater Phoenix attractions

Phoenix Zoo In Papago Park Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 26, 2026

Arizona Coyote. © Robert Body

The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest nonprofit zoos in the United States and one of Greater Phoenix's most popular family attractions. Located in Papago Park, the Zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, including many threatened and endangered animals. Visitors can explore wildlife along the Africa, Arizona, Tropics and Children's trails, enjoy interactive animal experiences and discover the Zoo's conservation work. The adjacent Papago Park area is also home to the Desert Botanical Garden and other popular Phoenix attractions.

Zoo Attractions
Animal Trails
Animal Experiences
Family Activities
Planning Your Visit
Directions & Parking
Visitor Tips
FAQ

Phoenix Zoo Attractions & Animal Experiences

From expansive animal habitats and themed walking trails to hands-on encounters and family-friendly rides, the Phoenix Zoo offers experiences for visitors of all ages. Highlights include native Arizona wildlife, animals from Africa and the tropics, Stingray Bay, Harmony Farm, the Safari Cruiser, Lakeside Carousel and seasonal activities throughout the year.

Animal exhibits and visitor attractions at the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona

Animal Trails At The Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo's major walking areas include the Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, Tropics Trail and Nina Mason Pulliam Children's Trail. The Africa Trail features many of the Zoo's large mammals and predators, while the Arizona Trail highlights wildlife and native plant life from across the state. The Tropics Trail winds through lush habitat areas, and the Children's Trail introduces younger visitors to smaller animals from around the world.

The Children's Trail also includes Harmony Farm, where families can see farm animals, visit the petting zoo and learn about farming, agriculture and animal care through kid-focused demonstrations.

Animal Encounters & Interactive Experiences

The Phoenix Zoo offers a changing schedule of animal presentations and interactive experiences that can include giraffe encounters, Monkey Village, Harmony Farm, Stingray Bay, camel rides and other opportunities to learn more about the Zoo's animals. Activities and operating times can change because of weather, animal care needs or seasonal schedules, so check the Zoo's daily activity schedule before your visit.

Stingray Bay

Stingray Bay is an interactive experience featuring a 15,000-gallon pool of cownose stingrays. Visitors can watch the rays glide through the water, gently touch them and, when available, purchase food to feed them. The attraction operates seasonally and may close because of weather or other conditions.

Lakeside Carousel

The Lakeside Carousel is a popular family attraction featuring animal-themed ride figures rather than a traditional lineup of horses. It operates weather permitting, and a separate ride fee may apply in addition to Zoo admission.

Safari Cruiser

The Safari Cruiser offers a narrated, non-stop tour of the Phoenix Zoo and is a convenient way to learn about the animals, Zoo layout and conservation programs. The ride typically lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and operates weather permitting.

Camel Rides

Camel rides remain one of the Phoenix Zoo's optional animal experiences and provide visitors with an opportunity to ride and photograph these distinctive animals. Rides are weather permitting, seasonal schedules vary and temporary closures can occur because of construction or animal-care needs.

Phoenix Zoo animal habitat and family attraction in Papago Park

More Family Activities At The Phoenix Zoo

Beyond the animal exhibits, visitors can enjoy additional experiences such as the Safari Cruiser, Lakeside Carousel, splash pads, ScooterPals and special guided tours. Dining and refreshment locations are available throughout the Zoo, and seasonal programs add more reasons to return during the year. ZooLights is one of the best-known annual events, transforming portions of the Zoo into a nighttime holiday-light experience.

Planning Your Phoenix Zoo Visit

The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway in Papago Park. Hours change significantly by season, with earlier closing times during the hottest summer months and longer daytime hours during cooler weather. The Zoo is generally open throughout the year except Christmas Day.

Check current Zoo hours and ticket prices before leaving home.
Arrive early during warm-weather months when operating hours are shorter.
Allow several hours to explore the major animal trails and attractions.
Some animal experiences require an additional fee beyond general admission.
Animal visibility and activity schedules can change throughout the day.
Download the current Zoo map before your visit because printed entrance maps are no longer routinely provided.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection and drinking water.

Phoenix Zoo Directions & Parking

The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway in Papago Park, near the border of Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. Visitors arriving from central Phoenix can generally reach the Zoo from Loop 202 and Galvin Parkway. Because freeway construction and traffic patterns can change, use current navigation directions or the Phoenix Zoo website when planning your route.

Parking is available near the Zoo entrance. On especially busy days, overflow parking may be directed to Phoenix Municipal Stadium near Van Buren Street and Priest Drive, with a paved walking route to the Zoo. Watch roadside message boards for parking instructions when approaching the area.

Phoenix Zoo Visitor Tips

Visit early in the day during warm weather for cooler temperatures and potentially more active animals.
Check the daily activity schedule for animal presentations, encounters and ride availability.
Wear comfortable walking shoes because the Zoo covers an extensive area.
Bring sunscreen, a hat and water for outdoor walking.
Download the Zoo map before arriving to help plan your route.
Allow extra time on weekends, holidays and special-event days.
Check weather conditions because some rides and animal experiences operate weather permitting.
Do not expect every animal to be visible at all times; animals have access to off-exhibit areas.

Phoenix Zoo FAQ

Where Is The Phoenix Zoo Located?

The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 North Galvin Parkway in Papago Park, east of central Phoenix and near Tempe and Scottsdale.

How Many Animals Are At The Phoenix Zoo?

The Phoenix Zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, including many threatened and endangered species.

What Are The Main Trails At The Phoenix Zoo?

The Zoo's primary exhibit areas include the Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, Tropics Trail and Nina Mason Pulliam Children's Trail.

Does The Phoenix Zoo Have A Petting Zoo?

Yes. Harmony Farm on the Children's Trail includes a petting zoo with farm animals and kid-focused educational experiences.

Does The Phoenix Zoo Have Stingrays?

Yes. Stingray Bay features a 15,000-gallon interactive pool of cownose stingrays where visitors can observe, touch and, when available, feed the rays.

Does The Phoenix Zoo Have A Train?

The Zoo currently offers the Safari Cruiser, a narrated vehicle tour lasting about 20 to 25 minutes. It replaces older references to the attraction as the Safari Train.

Are Camel Rides Available At The Phoenix Zoo?

Camel rides are offered on selected days and seasons, weather permitting. Availability can change, so check the Zoo's current activity schedule before visiting.

What Is The Best Time Of Day To Visit The Phoenix Zoo?

Early morning is often a good choice, particularly during warmer months. Summer Zoo hours begin early and end much earlier in the day because of Arizona heat.

Is Parking Available At The Phoenix Zoo?

Yes. Parking is available near the Zoo entrance, with overflow parking sometimes used at nearby Phoenix Municipal Stadium during busy periods.

Is The Phoenix Zoo Open Year-Round?

The Zoo operates throughout most of the year with seasonal hours and is generally closed on Christmas Day. Always check the official schedule before visiting.