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Discover Endless Family Fun at the Phoenix Zoo: Animals, Activities & Events

Nestled in Papago Park just north of downtown Tempe, the Phoenix Zoo offers easy access with ample parking, making it an ideal spot for a morning or afternoon family outing filled with educational and entertaining experiences.

Highlight exhibits feature orangutans, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, stingrays, and elephants. Monkey Village allows visitors to walk through the habitat, watching monkeys swing from tree to tree up close. The orangutan exhibit provides two prime viewing areas to observe their playful interactions and climbing. Stingray Bay offers hands-on fun, where guests can touch and even feed the stingrays.

Families with children will enjoy dedicated play areas. The Children’s Trail leads through Wallaby Walkabout, Harmony Farm Petting Zoo, and a lake with pedal boats. Two water playgrounds add excitement: Leapin’ Lagoon splash pad and Yakulla Caverns, featuring a cave with waterfall and splash zone.

Kids and Family Programs cater to all ages. Breakfast with the Animals and Gifts for the Animals suit ages 2-5; Lunch with a Keeper targets 6-10; Wild Science Academy is for 5-13. Visit the zoo’s website for full schedules and events.

Seasonal events enhance the experience. Fall highlights include Howl-O-Ween (late October) for ages 8+, with activities sorted by scare levels (1 least scary, 3 scariest) offering Halloween-themed fun. Zoolights dazzles with Music in Motion: 12-foot light tubes, a 24-foot shimmering sphere, and 52 dancing trees synced to music.

Open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission: adults $27, kids 3-12 $17, under 2 free. Memberships start at $55/year for unlimited visits.

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