There are many place is Arizona to see animals either in the wild or in a Zoo type setting. I see wild animals from my front porch but I’m in a rural setting so coyotes and javelina are common sights along with smaller critters like jackrabbits, squirrels and road runners. Going through Pine, AZ there was a ‘traffic’ jam as a herd of elk crossed the highway. Zoo’s play an important part of animal conservation and are great places to go to learn what is being done to save animals in the wild and the treatment and release of injured wildlife as well.
These are the best places to go in all parts of the state in all seasons!
The Phoenix Zoo 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Hours are 9-5 7 days a week. Admission is $37.95 for Adults and $27.95 for Children. https://www.phoenixzoo.org/
They have over 3000 animals is residence. There are 2.5 miles of trails to walk, a splash pad for kids, picnic tables and ramadas for rent for special occasions. Plan on spending the day as this is a large facility with a lot to see and do. It gets really hot in the summer so if that’s when you are going to go, plan on early in the day and take a re-fillable water bottle.
Out of Africa 3505 AZ-260, Camp Verde, hours are 9:30 – 5, Admission is $47.25 for Adults and $27.95 for Children. https://outofafricapark.com/
There are over 400 animals in residence and they have a lot of interactive experiences included with your admission. For an extra fee you can take a jeep tour, feed the predators and even zipline over them!
Navajo Nation Zoo 34 AZ-264 Window Rock Arizona. Hours are 10 – 4:30 Monday thru Saturday Admission is FREE. https://navajozoo.org/
This is a delightful small zoo and botanical garden with over 100 native species of animals to see. It is recommended that you bring water.
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium 16504 W. Northern Ave, Litchfield Park AZ Hours are 9-6 7 days a week. Admission Adults $48 Children $27 https://www.wildlifeworld.com/
They have over 600 species and have a lot of interactive things to do included with admission. There are some paid activities as well. They have some of the best aquarium set ups in the state!
Heritage Park Zoo, 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott AZ Hours are 9-5 7 days a week. Admission is $15 for Adults and $12 for Children, they often have specials like dollar day https://www.heritageparkzoo.org/
This small zoo is a great experience because of its size you can really get up close to visit with the animals. They have a nice variety of animals and experiences to enjoy
Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, 2021 N Kinney Road, Tucson. Hours are 8:30 – 5 October-May and 7:30-2 June-September Admission is $29.95 for Adults and $19.95 for Children https://www.desertmuseum.org/
This is an amazing experience! With over 20 different things to see and do besides the animals plan a very full day, a worthwhile trip!!
Reid Park Zoo 3400 E Zoo Court, Tucson Arizona Hours are 9-4 7 days a week Admission is $10.50 for Adults and $6.50 for Children https://reidparkzoo.org/
This zoo features animals from all over the world and has just opened World of Play, an interactive playground that kids will Love! They have a picnic area and ramadas available for special events and parties
Odysea Aquarium 9500 E Via de Ventura Suite A-100, Scottsdale Arizona Hours are 9-7 7 days a week Admission for Adults is $45 Children are $35 https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/
This Aquarium is home to over 6000 animals and is an amazing place to spend the day! They have interactive activities and touch pools to explore.