Special Event
Winter in July
Saturday, July 21
7 - 11 a.m.
A winter storm is predicted to hit the Phoenix Zoo leaving massive amounts of snow behind! - Come play in over 20 tons of snow! (There will be a separate snow play area for toddlers).
Among many different attractions, you can build snowmen, make snow angels, or even practice your aim at the snowball spinning and twirling targets! This event isn’t just for the humans—our animals are all getting special ice treats as well. Ice machines start blowing snow at 2 a.m. so that it is ready by 7 a.m. when everyone arrives. The animals alone get around 35 tons of snow to play with! Our commissary works diligently to create ice masterpieces, with colorful fruit and treats hidden inside the ice to give to the animals as well. This arctic event is from 7 to 11 a.m., featuring dancing and fun with Radio Disney, but the fun will continue all day.
Although the event is all fun and games, there will be “creature features” around the Zoo where educational staff at certain exhibits will give a presentation about how the animal copes with changing temperatures. Also during this time, you can visit the elephant shower with the fire hose—a highlight many visitors look forward to. The creature feature time slots are:
- 7:30 a.m. – Otter
- 8:00 a.m. – Tiger
- 8:30 a.m.– Mandrill and Baboons
- 9:00 a.m. – Elephants
- 9:30 a.m. – Warty Pigs
- 10:00 a.m. – Galapagos and Aldabra Tortoise
- 10:30 a.m. – Orangutans
- 11:00 a.m. – Elephant shower with a fire hose
Event activities are free to Phoenix Zoo members or with a paid general admission.
Spock the mandrill enjoying a special ice treat for Winter in July
