Most kids are animal lovers and the Phoenix area has plenty of zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and other options that many species call home.
Ready for your next family adventure? Check out this list of fun places to see animals in and around Phoenix where kids, and adults, will also learn tons of new interesting facts!
Butterfly Wonderland is the largest indoor butterfly conservatory in America!
Kids and adults will have a magical and unique time surrounded by thousands of butterflies, reptiles, birds, fish, and more. 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 all over the world flying freely in a tropical rainforest environment!
A visit to the Phoenix Zoo is an opportunity to see more than 3,000 animals and 400 species!
As it is the largest privately-owned zoo in the country, you can explore the zoo all day and will always find a new species to see and learn about!
In addition to seeing amazing and exotic animals, Phoenix Zoo offers a variety of programs and camps for kids to keep on learning and having fun!
Sea Life is a 26,000-square-foot interactive aquarium that contains thousands of aquatic creatures, interactive touch pools, and a 360º ocean tunnel!
Sea Life Arizona features many different amazing animals such as sharks, seahorses, clownfishes, jellyfishes, sea turtles, and so much more! At this amazing aquarium, you will get to see them all up close, from the curious and the rescued to the enigmatic!
Location:
5000 S Arizona Mills Cir, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
Hours:
Open Daily Monday-Saturday: 10 AM-7 PM | Sunday: 11 AM-6 PM
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is home to Arizona’s largest collection of exotic animals with more than 600 species.
The aquarium offers over 75 indoor exhibits, and you can get to feed stingrays, penguins, sharks, and otters, and enjoy great attractions such as rides, a petting zoo, a safari park, and more. There’s even a train ride through the Safari Park in which you’ll get up close to cheetahs!
Location:
16501 West Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, USA
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday: Zoo Exhibits: 9 AM- 6 PM | Aquarium Exhibits: 9 AM- 7 PM | Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium, & Safari Park is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays.
Southwest Wildlife Conservation rescues native wild animals that have lost their homes or are found injured, orphaned, or abandoned.
When possible, the animals are rehabilitated and released back where they belong. Those animals who could not survive in the wild can live at this amazing accredited sanctuary.
The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is not open to the public without an appointment or an event reservation. All tours, visits, and donation drop-offs must be scheduled in advance.
Bearizona is a drive-thru wildlife park that allows you to see North American mammals exhibited in natural environments from the comfort of your vehicle!
You will drive through miles of beautiful Ponderosa Pine forest or hop on the Wild Ride Bus Tour that has no windows so you can feel the cool mountain breeze. If you prefer to walk, you can discover Fort Bearizona, the heart of the park, and enjoy shows and activities, a petting zoo, and many animal exhibits!
The wildlife park was founded in 1988 and it offers shows during the day and an African Bush Safari as part of the general admission.
Families love visiting the Wildlife Preserve, which can be explored by foot or by park vehicle. Kids will love the Creature Feature experience, where they will enjoy an interactive animal encounter!
Location:
3505 Camp Verde Way, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA
Hours:
Open Daily: Daily, 9:30 AM- 5 PM
Superstition Farm is a working dairy and rescue farm that offers family-oriented tours as well as many other activities such as a friendly petting zoo with rescued animals like a miniature donkey, potbelly pig, goats, sheep, free-range chickens, a bunny, tortoises, and Toby the Farm Dog!
This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility features over 65 exhibits, and kids will get to see 370 species and over two million gallons of water.
All ages will have an absolutely great time at OdySea Aquarium thanks to the wide variety of entertaining, interactive, and educational experiences that combine theme-park-style amusement with amazing presentations of aquatic life.
Robinson Ranch is an Equine Assisted Learning and Horse Therapy Center.
It provides comprehensive educational programs for under-privileged, disabled, and able-bodied children and adults, utilizing horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing.
Rio Salado Audubon Center is located less than two miles from downtown Phoenix and is used by over 200 species of birds and other wildlife.
Its mission is to protect birds and the places they need using science, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
Location:
3131 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
Hours:
Tuesday–Friday 9 AM–4 PM | Saturday 9 AM–1 PM | Sunday–Monday | Closed
