Discover Arizona's premier collection of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries featuring desert animals, exotic species, and conservation programs across the state.
Major Zoos & Wildlife Parks
AZA-Accredited Facilities
Animals on Display
Most Open Daily
Arizona's top-rated zoos and aquariums offer world-class exhibits, conservation programs, and unique wildlife experiences.
Location: 455 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Hours: Daily, seasonal hours (7 AM summer hours, 9 AM fall/winter)
Admission: Adults $22.95 (online), Children $14.95, Seniors $20.95
Phone: (602) 286-3800
Largest privately owned non-profit zoo in the US with over 1,400 animals, 3,000+ total animals representing nearly 400 species. Features 125 acres with 2.5 miles of walking trails. Organized into four themed trails: Arizona Trail (native species), Africa Trail (lions, giraffes, zebras), Tropics Trail (elephants, monkeys), and Children's Trail.
Location: 2021 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM-5 PM (Oct-May), 7:30 AM-4 PM (Jun-Sep)
Admission: Varies by season (check website)
Phone: (520) 883-2702
Unique 98-acre combination zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden. Features 300+ animal species and 1,200+ plant varieties across 21 acres of desert landscape with 2 miles of walking paths. Includes walk-through aviaries, Warden Aquarium, mineral cave exhibit, and Packrat Playhouse for children. Ranked #1 Tucson attraction.
Location: 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Hours: Daily, 9 AM (open 365 days/year)
Admission: Check website for current pricing
Parking: Free
Southwest's largest aquarium with over 2 million gallons of water across 200,000 square feet. Houses 6,000+ animals representing 370 species in 65+ exhibits. Features world's only rotating aquarium (OdySea Voyager), SeaTREK underwater walking experience, four touch exhibits, and giant submerged escalator. First Arizona attraction to become Certified Autism Center.
Address: 455 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Phone: (602) 286-3800
Hours: Daily except Christmas. Seasonal hours: 9 AM-4 PM (Nov-Jan), 9 AM-5 PM (Jan-May, Sep-Nov), 7 AM-2 PM (Jun-Aug)
Admission: Adults $22.95 online/$24.95 gate, Children (3-13) $14.95 online/$16.95 gate, Children 2 & under free. EBT discount: $10 tickets on Tuesdays/Sundays
Highlights: Only Valley zoo accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Conservation leader breeding black-footed ferrets and Mexican gray wolves. Member early entry at 8 AM. Free parking in Papago Park. Wheelchair and stroller rentals available. Sensory bags available for guests with sensory processing needs.
Address: 3400 Zoo Court, Tucson, AZ 85716
Phone: Check website
Hours: Daily 9 AM-4 PM (last entry 3:30 PM), closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission: Adults (15-61) $11.25, Seniors (62+) $9.25, Children (2-14) $7.00, Under 2 free. One of lowest admission prices among local attractions
Highlights: 24-acre zoo with 400+ animals including rhinos, elephants, anteaters, polar bears, lions. African, Asian, and South American regions. Cox Jungle Carousel and Reid Park Zoo Railway. Free admission for K-12 field trips, $3 Ticket Tuesdays in summer. Wheelchair/stroller rentals available. Accessible via Sun Tran bus routes #7 and #17.
Address: 16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Phone: (623) 935-9453
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9 AM-6 PM
Admission: Check website for current pricing
Highlights: Arizona's largest collection of exotic animals with 600+ species, 6,000+ individual animals on 215 acres. Features aquarium (180,000 gallons), safari park (15 acres), adventureland rides, and dragon world reptile exhibits. Safari train (0.6 miles), boat ride through Australian habitat, African tram. Feed giraffes, parrots, and stingrays. Personal encounters with sea lions, sloths, reptiles.
Address: 2021 N Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
Phone: (520) 883-2702
Hours: Open 365 days. Oct-May: 8:30 AM-5 PM Sun-Fri. Jun-Sep: 7:30 AM-4 PM Sun-Fri. Saturday hours vary by month
Admission: Seasonal pricing. Discounts for AZ/Sonora residents, seniors (65+), military, Native Americans (free with Tribal ID)
Highlights: 98-acre zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden. 300 animal species, 1,200 plant types, 56,000 plant specimens. Walk-through hummingbird aviary, beaver/otter underwater viewing, Warden Aquarium (Colorado River ecosystems), mineral cave. 85% outdoors. Wheelchair/scooter rentals. Nearly 400,000 annual visitors. Go early or sunset for cooler temperatures.
Address: 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott, AZ 86301
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website for current hours
Admission: Check website for current pricing. Combined membership with Highlands Center for Natural History available ($155)
Highlights: 10-acre zoological sanctuary north of Prescott overlooking Willow Lake. Naturally landscaped enclosures for close-up animal viewing. Covered picnic pavilion with BBQ grill, children's playground. Members receive discounts at many other zoos nationwide.
Address: Hwy 264, Building 36A, Window Rock, AZ 86515
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Admission: Check website
Highlights: Only tribally-owned zoo in the US. Operating since 1962 as sanctuary for nature and spirit. Animals native to Navajo Nation in natural habitats with native vegetation and rock scenery. Exhibits animals and plants important to Navajo history and culture. Rescue zoo providing permanent homes for displaced wildlife.
Address: 3505 W SR-260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Phone: (928) 567-2840
Hours: Daily 9:30 AM-5 PM
Location: 30 minutes from Sedona, 90 minutes north of Phoenix
Highlights: 100+ acres in Verde Valley against Mingus Mountains backdrop. Hundreds of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles. African Bush Safari tour with giraffe and camel interactions. Tiger Splash show, Predator Feed show, Giant Snake Show, Wonders of Wildlife Show. 1-hour Unimog Adventure safari, 3-hour VIP Behind the Scenes tour. Predator Zip Line over animals. Photography platforms for unobstructed shots.
Address: 1500 E Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046
Phone: (928) 635-2289
Hours: Daily 9 AM-4 PM (closed Dec 31-Mar 1)
Location: Historic Route 66, 60 miles south of Grand Canyon South Rim
Highlights: 158-acre drive-through safari park featuring North American animals. 3-mile drive through ponderosa pine forest viewing black bears, bison, wolves, elk. Fort Bearizona: 20-acre walk-through area with jaguars, grizzly bears, otters, smaller animals. Wild Ride Bus Tour (open-air bus, windows removed). Founded 2010, famous for black bear cubs. Over 50% rescued animals. Conservation: northern leopard frog pond, wildlife rehabilitation.
Address: 6769 E Deer Farm Road, Williams, AZ 86046
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Admission: Check website
Highlights: Interactive petting zoo experience near Grand Canyon. Walk among deer, touch them, hand-feed animals. Family-friendly attraction focusing on close encounters with gentle deer and other farm animals.
Address: 13441 E Highway 66, Valentine, AZ 86413
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Admission: Check website
Highlights: Wildlife sanctuary providing permanent homes for exotic animals rescued from abuse, abandonment, or retirement from entertainment industry. Focus on large carnivores and exotic species conservation.
Address: 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Phone: Check website
Hours: Daily from 9 AM, open 365 days/year
Parking: Free parking available
Highlights: Opened September 2016. Southwest's largest aquarium with 2,000,000+ gallons across 200,000 sq ft. 6,000 animals, 370 species in 65+ exhibits. World's only rotating aquarium (OdySea Voyager). SeaTREK underwater ocean walking, four touch exhibits, giant submerged escalator, longest acrylic tunnel in Arizona. Sharks, otters, sea lions, penguins, sea turtles, sloths. First Arizona Certified Autism Center. Located at Arizona Boardwalk entertainment complex.
Address: Tempe/Scottsdale area (across from Legoland)
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Admission: Check website
Highlights: Family-friendly aquarium featuring marine life exhibits. AZA accreditation ensures highest standards in animal care and conservation. Interactive experiences for all ages. Conveniently located near other family attractions.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website for tour availability
Highlights: Largest reptile sanctuary in the US. 501(c)(3) non-profit promoting conservation and preservation of native and non-native reptiles through education, rehabilitation, rescue, and relocation. Surrender facility, education programs, summer camps. Live cameras featuring alligators, giant tortoises, capybara. Rescue and rehabilitation services.
Address: 6924 E Speedway Blvd #1, Tucson, AZ
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Highlights: Wildlife sanctuary focused on reptile rescue and public education. Reptile rescue and rehoming services. Partnerships with Arizona Herpetological Association, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, PACC, Tucson Wildlife Center, and other Arizona rescues. Educational programs available.
Location: Payson, AZ
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Highlights: Rim Country's only reptile/exotic-specific rescue and sanctuary. Free educational meet and greets for community programs and schools. Help identifying native species. Available for reptile-related questions and education.
Location: Verde Valley, AZ
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Highlights: Sanctuary and educational organization for reptiles. 24/7/365 rattlesnake removal services. Reptile adoption services matching surrendered reptiles with responsible homes. Education and conservation focus.
Location: Arizona
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Highlights: Wildlife education, reptile rescue, and snake removal services. Sanctuary for sick, injured, or surrendered reptiles and amphibians. Rehoming services for various species. Educational programs about Sonoran Desert wildlife.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Phone: Check website
Hours: Not open to public (not a zoo)
Highlights: Bird sanctuary providing lifetime care for parrots and other exotic birds. Does not have regular public visiting hours as it focuses on animal care and welfare rather than public exhibition.
Address: 2114 W Grant Road, #39, Tucson, AZ 85745
Phone: Check website
Hours: Check website
Highlights: Private non-profit environmental and science education institution founded 1986 by Steve Prchal. Focus on arthropods (insects, spiders, scorpions). Educational programs about desert invertebrates and their ecological importance.
Optimal Seasons: February through April offers ideal temperatures (mid-60s to mid-80s°F) when animals are most active and weather is pleasant.
Summer Considerations: June-August temperatures exceed 105°F. Many zoos open early (7 AM) and close early (2 PM). Go first thing in morning.
Fall/Winter/Spring: Best overall experience October-May with fantastic weather for outdoor activities.
Special Events: ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo begins November featuring spectacular holiday light displays.
Phoenix Zoo: Approximately 3 hours to see entire zoo, depending on group size and pace.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Plan at least 3 hours for highlights, can easily spend full day.
Reid Park Zoo: About 2 hours to see complete zoo.
Bearizona: Plan 2-3 hours for drive-through plus Fort Bearizona walk-through area.
EBT Cardholders: Phoenix Zoo - $10 tickets on Tuesdays/Sundays with valid Arizona EBT card (up to 4 tickets).
Military: $5 discount per ticket with valid military ID at Phoenix Zoo. $2 discount at Desert Museum.
Students: $5 off daytime tickets at Phoenix Zoo with proof of academic status (ages 14+).
Seniors: Phoenix Zoo Senior Sundays (free admission ages 60+, select dates). Desert Museum $2 senior discount (65+).
Free Days: Reid Park Zoo $3 Ticket Tuesdays (June-July), annual dollar day in fall, free K-12 field trips.
Phoenix Zoo: Free daytime admission, early entry (8 AM), discounts on encounters/camps/rentals, reciprocal admission to 150+ other zoos. 20% discount for seniors/students/military/educators with ID.
Reid Park Zoo: Individual $40, Senior $30, Family $90, Gold $145 (includes guest passes). Free Summer Safari Nights, member activities, camp discounts.
Wildlife World Zoo: Unlimited access, 15% gift shop discount, complimentary pass with each adult membership.
Reciprocal Admission: AZA members receive discounts/free admission at 150+ participating zoos nationwide.
Phoenix Zoo: Free parking in Papago Park main lot off Galvin Parkway. Overflow lots available when main lot full. Do NOT park on Galvin Parkway (illegal, tickets/towing).
OdySea Aquarium: Free parking available.
Reid Park Zoo: Parking lot north of zoo entrance (moved 2023). Accessible from 22nd St/Lakeshore Lane or 22nd St/Randolph Way. Sun Tran bus routes #7 (22nd St) and #17 (Country Club).
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Free parking on-site. Located 14 miles west of Tucson off Hwy 86 near Saguaro National Park.
Phoenix Zoo: Sensory bags (fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones) available at Reception and Safari Cruiser Station. Weighted lap pads on request. KultureCity partnership for sensory-inclusive experience. Two aviaries wheelchair accessible. Tropics Trail shadiest with rest areas.
Reid Park Zoo: Wheelchair/stroller rentals at Gift Shop. Sensory maps available for planning visits.
Desert Museum: Wheelchair rentals $8 ($7 members), electric scooter rentals $25 ($20 members). 85% outdoors with walking paths.
OdySea Aquarium: Certified Autism Center (first in Arizona). Accessible throughout facility.
Essential Items: Sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes.
Hydration: Bring water bottles (refill stations available at most zoos) or purchase at concession stands.
Summer Extras: Umbrella for shade, misters at many facilities, but personal cooling items helpful.
Weather Prep: Layers for cooler mornings/evenings in spring/fall. Rain gear rare but useful during monsoon season (Jul-Sep).
Phoenix Zoo: Children's Trail, Safari Cruiser rides, educational programs, ZooLights (Nov-Jan).
Reid Park Zoo: Cox Jungle Carousel, Reid Park Zoo Railway, playground area.
Desert Museum: Packrat Playhouse (4,000 sq ft air-conditioned play space for ages 0-12, open 10 AM-4 PM).
Wildlife World Zoo: Petting zoo, 10 rides, giraffe feeding, parrot feeding, stingray feeding.
Arizona Science Center: Nearby attraction with 300+ hands-on exhibits, IMAX Theater (great combo with zoo visit).
Arizona zoos lead critical conservation efforts for endangered species through breeding programs, research, and habitat restoration.
Black-footed Ferrets: One of only 6 facilities worldwide breeding black-footed ferrets for wild release. Over 600 kits born at Phoenix Zoo, many released to wild. Funds plague prevention for ferrets and prairie dogs.
Mexican Gray Wolves: Recovery program for North America's most endangered land mammal (endangered since 1976). Currently 286 wolves in wild between Arizona and New Mexico. Partnership with Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.
Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl: Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Arizona. Partnerships with outside organizations for recovery.
Global Projects: Supports 100+ conservation projects worldwide including California condor lead poisoning treatment (Peregrine Fund), Grevy's Zebra Warrior Program in Kenya.
Mexican Wolf Reintroduction: Actively involved since before first 1998 release. Wolves returned to portions of historical range.
Apache Trout Recovery: Once near extinction, now restored to historic range in White Mountains through decades of cooperative protection.
Bald Eagle Recovery: Large population increase since 1978 Endangered Species Act listing.
Nongame & Endangered Wildlife: Programs protect, restore, preserve, and maintain nongame and endangered wildlife as part of Arizona's natural diversity.
Northern Leopard Frog: Partnership with federal/state agencies to create safe pond habitat for recovering populations.
Wildlife Rehabilitation: Provides habitat for animals unable to be re-released into wild.
Rescue Animals: Over 50% of animals are rescues given permanent homes. Conservation through animal welfare and public education.
AZA Accreditation: 5 Arizona facilities accredited (Phoenix Zoo, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Reid Park Zoo, OdySea Aquarium, SEA LIFE Arizona). Fewer than 10% of 2,800+ USDA-licensed wildlife exhibitors achieve AZA accreditation.
Standards: Thorough review including detailed application and multi-day on-site inspection by expert team. Ensures highest animal care, welfare, conservation, and education standards.
National Network: 240 AZA-accredited institutions across US and internationally as of September 2025.
Last updated on November 27, 2025