Best Zoos & Aquariums in Phoenix for Kids & Families

2 family-friendly zoos & aquariums with age ratings and parent tips.

1 listing is indoor. 1 listing is outdoor. Every listing includes age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and parent tips.

By Kit, KidPaths editor

Covers 71 cities. Reads a lot of parent reviews.

Looking for the best zoos & aquariums in Phoenix for kids? As a sprawling Sonoran Desert city built around pools, desert trails, and hands-on museums, Phoenix offers animal encounters and conservation education that families won't find anywhere else. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for something new, we've rated every option for age-appropriateness, stroller access, and value so you can skip the guesswork.

Timing matters at zoos — animals are most active in the morning. Check feeding schedules and keeper talks before you go. Many zoos offer behind-the-scenes encounters worth the splurge. In Phoenix, expect mild, sunny winters and dangerously hot summers; outdoor family time belongs in the early morning from May through September. Pro tip: Plan outdoor stops at opening time, carry more water than you think you need, and move indoors or to a pool before midday in hot weather.

Below you'll find our curated list of zoos & aquariums in Phoenix, AZ — each with detailed age ratings (infants through teens), cost estimates for a family of four, and the practical parent details that matter: parking, stroller access, nursing rooms, and honest reviews of what makes each spot worth your time.

Top Picks

Lizards for Kids and More

5 stars

Almost every kid has a phase where lizards are the most interesting thing on earth, and this is a room built entirely for that phase. Instead of watch

Best for about ages 5 to 15, and specifically for the kid in your house who already knows the difference between a bearded dragon and a leopard gecko. Little kids from 5 up can hold a calm animal with a hand under it and an adult beside them. Big kids and tweens are the core audience, since this is where the questions get good. Reptile-obsessed teens do fine here too. Toddlers and infants are a hard sell, because the whole experience depends on gentle, controlled hands.IndoorWalking in and looking at the animals costs nothing, so a browse is a free stop in Glendale

The Phoenix Zoo

4.6 stars

Phoenix Zoo has over 3,000 animals across 125 acres in Papago Park, including a Safari Train that kids treat as a major attraction, giraffe feeding, a

Best for ages 2 and upOutdoor$90-150 (adults ~$30-35, kids 3-12 ~$20-25, kids under 3 free, parking ~$10, food adds $25-40)

Age Group

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Partially Free

Lizards for Kids and More

5.0(14)

Ages: Best for about ages 5 to 15, and specifically for the kid in your house who already knows the difference between a bearded dragon and a leopard gecko. Little kids from 5 up can hold a calm animal with a hand under it and an adult beside them. Big kids and tweens are the core audience, since this is where the questions get good. Reptile-obsessed teens do fine here too. Toddlers and infants are a hard sell, because the whole experience depends on gentle, controlled hands.

IndoorRainy Day