Phoenix Zoo Hours and Visiting Information

Located in Papago Park, Phoenix Zoo ranks as one of the largest non-profit zoological parks in the United States and one of the top five best family-friendly zoos in the country. The zoo houses more than 1,300 animals including 200 endangered species.

Covering 125 acres of land, the zoo is divided into four trails or sections, rich in a lot of attractions, rides and occasional youth programs. If you are looking for a place where your children can enjoy and learn at the same time, the Phoenix Zoo for certain serves your needs. It has everything for everyone in the family.

To schedule your trip to Phoenix Zoo better, equip yourself with the hours info of the zoo. Phoenix Zoo is open 364 days a year (closing only on Christmas Day). However, during the evening of Christmas Day, the zoo is open for ZooLights from 6pm to 10pm. The general hours of the zoo are:

- June 1 - August 31: from 7am to 2pm on Monday through Friday & from 7am to 4pm on weekends

- September 1 - November 2: from 9am to 5pm 7 days a week

- November 3 - January 9: from 9am to 4 pm 7 days a week

- January 10 - May 31: from 9am to 5pm 7 days a week

Phoenix Zoo members may enter the zoo an hour earlier. Please note during April 19, 2011, the zoo will close at 2pm for Rock The Zoo setup. To learn more about the ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo, click here:

ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/events/ZooLights/

If you want to see everything at the zoo, prepare for several hours and quite a bit of walking. There are a number of attractions and fun daily activities at the zoo waiting to be discovered. Here, some popular attractions and activities are offered to make your trip a bit easier.

Giraffe Encounter - Phoenix Zoo provides visitors with opportunities to feed the giraffes and experience being on a real African Savanna. This activity starts from 10am to 11am and from 1pm to 2pm. To access the Giraffe Encounter, visitors are charged $4 per person. The fees for zoo members are $3. Children 2 and under are admitted free. For more info about Giraffe Encounter, visit this page:

Giraffe Encounter at Phoenix Zoo

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/article.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100702

Camel Ride - Do you want to experience riding a camel? Camel rides are one of the most popular things to do at the zoo, which open daily from 9am to 5pm. The hours are subject to change depending on weather and attendance. The rates are $4 for zoo members and $5 for non-members.

Stingray Bay - Stingray Bay is a fun experience allowing zoo patrons to pet and feed stingrays throughout the year. The admission is $1 for zoo members and $2 non-members.

Animal Meet & Greet - Come to meet and greet animals at Enchanted Forest Ampitheater. Animals on the show include zippy, kumari, custer, tikal, machu and more. This activity starts at 10:30am from Tuesday to Sunday. You can get specific details at this page:

Animal Meet & Greet at Phoenix Zoo

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/article.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100043

Monkey Village - Acquaint yourself with the habitat of the zoo's Squirrel monkeys at Monkey Village. As one of the zoo's most popular attractions, Monkey Village features rainforest exhibit with tree-filled paths and swinging ropes. When you are walking up the paths, monkeys will scamper through the trees beside you or walk on ropes above your head. The exhibit is closed during rainy days but the monkeys can always be seen from the viewing platform outside.

Petting Zoo - If you are visiting Harmony Farm, remember to explore the Petting Zoo at the farm. Visitors can pick up brushes and learn what it takes to care for these animals as they enter the zoo. To explore the Petting Zoo, click here:

Petting Zoo at Harmony Farm

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/article.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100415

The youngest zoo patrons might be happy spending their time at Phoenix Zoo playgrounds, including Yakulla Caverns, Leapin Lagoon and Fisher Price Discovery Farm. To learn more about the playgrounds and other attractions in Phoenix zoo, click here:

Phoenix Zoo Playgrounds and Attractions

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/daily_activities.aspx

Just like other major zoos, Phoenix Zoo also has Safari Train. Visitors can catch the strain and get a fun, narrated tour past most of the major attractions in the zoo. Tours start at Safari Train Station near the zoo's main lake, every 20 to 30 minutes. A ride on the train lasts about 25 minutes, with the fee of $4 visitors and $3 for zoo members.

Safari Train at the Phoenix Zoo

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/article.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100818

As a great addition, pedal boat rental is also available at the zoo. Visitors can enjoy a great day on the lake as you cruise around in these colorful pedal boats which can be found at the Mill House Dock near Harmony Farm. Rentals are available for daily from 9am to 4pm. For more info and details about pedal boat rentals, visit this page:

Pedal Boat Rental at the Phoenix Zoo

http://www.phoenixzoo.org/visit/article.aspx?ARTICLE_ID=100587

There are also picnic areas the Phoenix Zoo. You can find many picnic tables throughout the zoo, which are available on a first-come first-serve basis.

After an exhausted exploration of the zoo, are you tired and looking for eateries to appease your hunger? There is no dearth of great dining places at the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo is anchored by five great dining venues, serving a variety of delicacies.

Savanna Grill - Treat yourself to a tour of America at Savanna Grill. Situated next to the African Savanna, this venue serves traditional American cuisine. You can find burgers, grilled chicken, salads and all of your traditional favorites.

Harmony Farm - Famous for deli sandwiches, this venue carries various foods including fresh slicked turkey, ham and roast beef and fresh vegetables. Don't forget to sample the veggie wrap in tangy raspberry vinaigrette.

Cavern Cafe - The Cavern Cafe can be found right next to Yakulla Caverns. At this cafe, visitors can enjoy fresh hot pizzas, salads, Mexican food and more while appreciating a relaxed view right on the lake.

Carousel Cafe - Come to take a coffee break while your children are playing. Located across from Enchanted Forest, this coffee house carries Starbucks Coffee and baked goods as well as Breyers hand dipped ice cream, with extra shaded seating.

Kettle Corn - Kettle Corn in the central plaza offers fabulous snack food. They provide treats for eating for those who are touring the zoo. Eat it here or take it home? It's all sweet to you.

Phoenix Zoo Tips: If you are planning a visit to the Phoenix Zoo, give a glimpse at the following tips.

- Riding a bike is allowed at the Phoenix Zoo, so you may bring your own bike to use while touring the zoo. However, for the sake of safety, roller blades, roller skates, wheeled shoes, skateboards or scooters are not allowed to use within the zoo.

- Visitors may bring coolers, ice chests and their own food to the zoo. But alcohol or glass is prohibited. Other prohibited items at the zoo include balloons, balls, frisbees, radios, whistles, firearms, rip-sticks, weapons, knives, toy weapons and bare fee. Also, smoking is prohibited on the zoo grounds.