The connection humans have with nature and animals is something that can be encouraged from the very first steps taken in life. So, it is a fantastic idea to take your little one to a place where they can experience the joy of seeing all kinds of animals.
The city of Phoenix is not only full of places to visit with kids, such as indoor playgrounds, arcades and many more where fun is completely guaranteed! But if you want to take them to an educational, yet cool place, an animal-focused attraction like a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife sanctuary is a perfect fit!
Ready for a new family adventure? We bring you a complete guide of kid friendly places perfect to take them to see all kinds of animals! Even adults will get the chance to learn new interesting facts! Let’s get started!
TOP 11 Places to Go See Animals with Kids in Phoenix
1
9500 East VÃa de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA
Butterfly Wonderland
Butterfly Wonderland is America's largest indoor butterfly conservatory! Kids and adults alike will have a magical time surrounded by thousands of butterflies, reptiles, and birds at one of the most popular places to see animals in Phoenix. As you explore the entertaining, interactive and educational exhibits, you will be on your way to an amazing experience: walking among thousands of fantastic species of butterflies from around the world, flying free in a tropical rainforest environment!2
9500 East VÃa de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, USA
OdySea Aquarium
With more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, and more than two million gallons of water, kids will have a thrilling experience at this place to see animals in Phoenix. All ages are welcome to have a great time at OdySea Aquarium! Uncover exhibits that combine theme park-style fun with unique displays of marine life.3
5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
Sea Life
Sea Life can’t be missed out when looking for places to see animals in Phoenix. The facility is a 26,000-square-foot interactive aquarium featuring thousands of marine creatures, interactive touch pools, and a 360-degree ocean tunnel! Take the kids to see sharks, seahorses, clownfish, jellyfish, sea turtles and much more! From the curious to the rescued to the enigmatic, you can get up close and personal with them all at one of the best places to go see animals in Phoenix!4
1500 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046, USA
Bearizona
Bearizona is a drive-through wildlife park that allows you to view North American mammals in their natural habitat from the comfort of your vehicle! Drive through miles of beautiful ponderosa pine forest or take the Wild Ride Bus Tour, which has no windows so that you can feel the cool mountain breeze. If you prefer, walk through this place to see animals in Phoenix while enjoying shows and activities! Kids will love the petting zoo area as well!5
455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, USA
Phoenix Zoo
Perhaps one the most captivating places to see animals in Phoenix. It’s the perfect opportunity to take the kids to check out more than 3,000 animals and 400 species! As the largest privately owned zoo in the country, you’ll have all day to explore it. Additionally, to see exotic animals, the Phoenix Zoo offers a variety of programs and camps for kids to keep learning and having fun!6
3131 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
Rio Salado Audubon Center
Located less than two miles from downtown, the Rio Salado Audubon Center is one of the most biodiverse places to see animals in Phoenix! It's home to more than 200 species of birds and other wildlife. Its mission is to protect birds and the places they need through science, education, and on-the-ground conservation.7
27026 N 156th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85262, USA
Southwest Wildlife Conservation
Southwest Wildlife Conservation rescues native wildlife that has lost its home or is found injured, orphaned or abandoned. When possible, the animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild where they belong. Those animals that could not survive in the wild are able to live at this amazing accredited sanctuary. However, this place to see animals in Phoenix is not open to the public without an appointment or event reservation. Be sure to schedule a tour or visit in advance!8
16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is home to Arizona’s most extensive collection of exotic animals, making it one of the most biodiverse places to go see animals in Phoenix, which has more than 600 species! The aquarium features more than 75 indoor exhibits. Feed stingrays, penguins, sharks, and otters. Kids will enjoy attractions like amusement rides, a petting zoo, a safari park, and more. There’s even a train ride through the safari park where you can get up close and personal with cheetahs!9
1231 E Ardmore Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA
Robinson Ranch
Robinson Ranch is an equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding center. It provides comprehensive educational programs for underprivileged, disabled, and able-bodied children and adults, using horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing.10
3440 S Hawes Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
Superstition Farm
Superstition Farm is a working dairy and rescue farm that offers family-friendly tours and many other activities, including a friendly petting zoo with rescued animals such as a miniature donkey, pot-bellied pig, goats, sheep, free-range chickens, a rabbit, turtles, and Toby, the farm dog! Don’t miss out on this kid-friendly place to see animals near Phoenix!11
Camp Verde Way, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Established in 1988, the park offers daytime shows and an African bush safari as part of the general admission. Families love to visit the Wildlife Preserve, which can be explored on foot or by park vehicle. Kids will love the Creature Feature Experience, where they can interact with animals, making it one of the most popular places to see animals in Phoenix!Luckily for parents, when it comes to finding safe, comfortable, and fun places for kids, from kid-friendly hikes to restaurants that cater to their needs (like a playground!), Phoenix has a little bit of everything.
Whether your child is fascinated every time they visit a zoo or aquarium, there are plenty of places to take them to see animals in Phoenix! Best of all, this plan is educational, interactive, and fun for the whole family!
