Planning a trip to the Valley of the Sun? Add the Phoenix Zoo to the top of your must-see list. As the only zoo in the Valley accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), it’s home to over 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species and it’s just a short drive from your Phoenix vacation rental. Whether you’re traveling with kids, chasing golden-hour photo ops, or timing your trip around the dazzling ZooLights display, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Why the Phoenix Zoo Belongs on Your Itinerary
The Phoenix Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals it’s one of the largest nonprofit zoos in the country, actively involved in conservation work both locally and globally. Every ticket and membership helps fund the care of endangered and threatened species, so a day at the zoo genuinely supports something bigger than a fun family outing. Add in walking trails, immersive art installations, seasonal exhibits, and rotating events, and you’ve got a destination that rewards repeat visits during any Phoenix stay.
Phoenix Zoo Hours & Location
- Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Phone: 602.286.3800
- Hours: Open daily, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. (hours shift seasonally, so confirm the current schedule before you head over)
Pro tip: Arrive early. Mornings in Phoenix especially spring through fall are cooler, less crowded, and give the animals a better chance of being active before the desert heat sets in.
Phoenix Zoo Ticket Prices
Daytime General Admission:
- Adult (14+): $44.95
- Child (3–13): $32.95
A few things to know before you book:
- Guests under 14 must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
- EBT Discount: Arizona residents with a valid physical or digital EBT card and photo ID can get up to four tickets for $10 each but only on Tuesdays and Sundays. (Note: P-EBT is no longer accepted.)
- Group tickets are available for parties of 50+ purchased in advance a great option if you’re coordinating a family reunion or larger group stay. Reach out to groupevents@phoenixzoo.org for details.
- The Phoenix Zoo is now cashless, so make sure you’re set up with a card or digital payment before your visit.
Is a Phoenix Zoo Membership Worth It?
If you’re staying in Phoenix for a while or you know you’ll be back a membership can pay for itself in as little as two visits. Here’s the breakdown:
| Membership Level | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $149 | 1 Adult (18+) |
| Dual | $189 | 1 Adult (18+) + 1 named individual (3+) |
| Household | $329 | 1 Adult + 1 named individual + up to 4 children (3–17) |
| Household Adventure | $449 | 1 Adult + up to 2 named individuals + up to 6 children (3–17) |
Children 2 and under are always free.
Membership perks include:
- Free daytime admission, 364 days a year, with early entry
- 50% off same-day general admission for guests (purchased in person)
- Up to six $10 tickets on select ZooLights Member Mondays
- Discounts on encounters, experiences, camps, and rentals
- Invitations to member-only events and exhibit openings
- Reciprocal admission to 150+ zoos and aquariums nationwide
- Access to the Pass Play loyalty rewards app
If your travel dates line up with a longer stay or multiple visits, this is one of the best-value add-ons in the entire Valley.
Beyond the Animals: Things to Do at the Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is far more than an afternoon of animal-watching. Build a full day around:
- Zoo Trails – Wander scenic, shaded paths that wind through themed habitats.
- Zoo Tours – Guided experiences for a deeper look behind the scenes.
- Art on the Wild Side – Rotating art installations woven throughout the grounds.
- Enrichment & Animal Healthcare – Learn how the Zoo keeps its 3,000+ residents happy and healthy.
- Lakeside Carousel & Stingray Bay – Bonus experiences for Household-level members and up.
Programs for Every Age
Traveling with kids, teens, or looking for something a bit more hands-on? The Zoo runs year-round programming for:
- Kids & Families
- Educators
- Teens
- Adults
- Volunteers
- Horse Hands
- Camps (perfect for extended stays during school breaks)
Don’t Miss: ZooLights (November – January)
If your trip falls between late November and mid-January, you’re in for a treat. ZooLights, presented by SRP, transforms the Zoo into a two-mile trail of five million lights — one of the most beloved holiday traditions in the Valley.
Event details:
- Dates: November 25, 2026 – January 15, 2027
- Hours: 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
- Ages: All ages (children 2 and under free)
- Pricing: General $35 · Member $30 · Member Mondays $10 (limit six tickets)
- Member tickets go on sale September 17; general tickets on sale October 1
Highlights not to miss:
- Lake Lights Show – A 50-ft. LED tree with synchronized music and imagery, plus six new 24-ft. trees added this season
- Glow Garden – A glowing dance floor and interactive glow swings
- Wander the Wonder – A brand-new immersive trail full of surprises
- Photos with Santa – Available November 25 – December 23, 2026 (separate fee)
- Dinosaurs in the Desert – A lit-up prehistoric trail running alongside the holiday lights
- 170-foot immersive light tunnel, giant Three Story Christmas Tree, and nightly animal presentations at the Doornbos Discovery Amphitheater
Special ZooLights nights:
- Sensory Friendly ZooLights – Tuesday, December 8: Smaller crowds, quieter music, and reduced flashing lights (separate ticket required)
- Cruise ZooLights – Sunday, January 17: A drive-through experience featuring the light tunnel, animal sculptures, and the lake light show — no walking required
- Member Mondays: November 23 (member preview), November 30, December 7, December 14, January 4, and January 11
Heads up: most animals aren’t out and about during ZooLights, since it runs after dark. If seeing the animals is the priority, plan a separate daytime visit.
Other Seasonal Events Worth Planning Around
The Phoenix Zoo’s calendar stays busy well beyond the holidays. Recent and recurring events include:
- Zoo Move & Groove – A fitness and family movement event
- Dinosaurs in the Desert – A life-sized dinosaur trail experience
- Roars & Pours – An adults-night-out with drinks and animal encounters
- Rotating art exhibitions, such as past features from acclaimed wildlife photographers
Because these events shift seasonally, check the Phoenix Zoo’s events page close to your travel dates so you can build them into your itinerary.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Payment: The Zoo is fully cashless — bring a card or mobile payment.
- Accessibility: The Zoo offers accessibility accommodations; check their accessibility page ahead of time if you have specific needs.
- Parking, shopping & dining: On-site options are available for a full day without needing to leave.
- Souvenir photos: Photos taken at the Zoo can be looked up and purchased afterward through the Zoo’s photo partner site.
Make the Phoenix Zoo Part of Your Phoenix Stay
Whether you’re chasing daytime animal encounters or bundling up for a night under five million ZooLights, the Phoenix Zoo is an easy, unforgettable addition to any Valley getaway. Book your stay with us and you’ll be just minutes from one of Phoenix’s most iconic attractions — plenty close enough for an early morning zoo trip and an evening back to relax before round two.
Ready to plan your Phoenix adventure? Stay with us at Rove Living (rove-living.com) and start your trip just minutes from one of the Valley’s best attractions.
