Giraffe at the Phoenix Zoo
Whether you have children with you or not, a zoo can be a fun place to visit. Most zoos have come a long way in providing healthy habitats for the animals so viewing is much more pleasant. The Phoenix Zoo, promoted as one of the Top 5 Zoos for Kids, is close to downtown yet has 125 acres of land devoted to the animals.
One sunny day in March I visited the Phoenix Zoo. I didn’t have children with me so decided it would be fun to photograph the animals. It was a Spring Break crowd yet we could get close enough to enjoy the antics and behaviors of the animals and even capture some of them in photographs. Be sure and walk all the paths and spend time observing the animals.
Seeing the Phoenix Zoo
The zoo has approximately 2.5 miles of walking trails and has been divided into four different trails; usually the Africa and Tropics Trails take about an hour each and the Arizona and Children’s Trails take about a half hour each. We recommend approximately 2 and a half to 3 hours to see the Zoo, depending on the size and ages of your group, and how fast you walk. Because the zoo has created exhibits that replicate the natural habitats of the animals, some can be difficult to see and visitors may be required to spend more time in observation.
Tiger at the Phoenix Zoo
We were lucky to see a tiger running around his compound and climbing a tree, captured the fun face of a Giraffe in a photo, and marveled at the size of the Komodo Dragons.
When You Visit
Opening and closing hours differ according to the season. Check the website before you visit.
Admission is usually $18 per person with children ages 3-12 charged $9.00. Younger children are admitted free.
Huge Komodo Dragon at the Phoenix Zoo
The Desert Botanical Garden is also in the area. If you have a full day to spend and lots of energy, you can visit both places.
Getting to the Zoo
The Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix, Arizona. The entrance to the Zoo is off Galvin Parkway in the heart of Papago Park, between McDowell and Van Buren. You can take a city bus there. More directions.
More Information
Zoo Website
Photo Credit: Elizabeth R. Rose
