What time is ZooLights?
The event begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at 10 p.m.
Where do I park?
Please park in the Zoo’s main parking lot off Galvin Parkway. If the main lot is full lighted signs will direct you to our overflow lot at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The walk from Phoenix Muni takes approximately 15 minutes and is paved and lighted.
- The Phoenix Zoo parking lot is city-owned, not Zoo-owned.
- Park ONLY in designated parking spaces.
- If you park illegally, tickets will be issued by the City or your car could be towed.
- The Zoo is not liable for parking tickets received by ZooLights visitors who park illegally.
- During busy nights when the Zoo parking lots become full, electronic sign boards will direct drivers to the Phoenix Municipal parking lot on the southwest corner of Van Buren and Priest. Expect a 15 minute walk along a new, lighted pathway to the Zoo.
Do I need a ticket to enter?
Yes. The most convenient option is to print your ticket at home and bring them with you the night of the event. You can also purchase tickets during a daytime visit to the Zoo, by phone or at Fry’s Food Stores. Zoo member tickets are not available at Fry’s.
- As with the majority of other ticketed events, ZooLights tickets are non-refundable.
- There are no separate prices for kids or seniors.
- Kids two years and younger are free.
- If you pre-purchased tickets but are unable to attend, please consider giving them as gifts to friends or family.
- All tickets have a barcode that admit one person. Once scanned the ticket can not be used again.
- Photocopies will not scan and you will be asked to forfeit the ticket to admissions.
- Tickets may not be resold and are not replaceable.
- Tickets not used in 20012/13 will not be valid the following year.
- Your ticket purchase supports the Phoenix Zoo, a non profit organization that receives no operational funding from the city or any public source.
Will I be able to see Zoo animals?
Animal viewing is limited to only a few habitats with low lighting. ZooLights is an evening holiday event that does not offer the same animal viewing opportunities as a daytime visit.
Possible sightings include zebra, flamingo, javalina and otter. The komodo dragon and one of our elephants will be visible, weather permitting.
Can I walk around the entire Zoo during ZooLights?
No. Not all Zoo trails are open for ZooLights because the Zoo is not equipped with enough power to light up the entire Zoo.
Are there wheelchairs available for rental?
Yes. Wheelchairs can be rented when you arrive at ZooLights for $6 plus a $5 refundable deposit. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come first-serve basis. We are sorry that we are unable to reserve wheelchairs at this time.
Is food available for purchase?
Yes, you will find a variety of food during ZooLights.
What should I wear?
This is a casual event so please dress appropriately for the weather.
What happens if it rains?
ZooLights is still open for viewing if it rains but for the safety of our animals the wagon ride and camel ride will be closed. Jengo will also be silent if it rains.
Will the Gift Shop be open?
Yes. The gift shop will be open.
Can I bring a flashlight or my camera?
NO! Flashlights and laser pointers are not allowed at ZooLights for the safety of our animals and the courtesy of other guests. You can take photos or video without a flash.
Can I bring my pet?
No. There are no pets allowed on Zoo grounds day or night. Only service animals are allowed and owners are required to contact our Park Ranger office prior to visiting. 602-273-1341, ext. 7889.
Can I purchase the music played at ZooLights?
Due to licensing agreements, music played at ZooLights is not available for purchase at the Zoo. However, most all the music is public domain.
What are the hours for ZooLights and for a daytime visit?
§ During the ZooLights season, the Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. November 1 through January 6, 2013. The Zoo reopens at 6 p.m. for ZooLights.
§ Beginning January 7, 2013 the Zoo will go back to its regular daytime hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
§ ZooLights is open during the holidays including 11/22, 12/24, 12/25, 12/31 and 1/1/2013.
§ The Zoo is closed for daytime visits December 25 but reopens for ZooLights at 6 p.m.
When is the best time to visit ZooLights?
The least crowded nights to attend are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday the first two weeks of December and the first week of January. Weekend attendance increases the 2nd weekend of December. Many people come at 6 p.m., so an alternative would be to arrive around 7:30 or 8 p.m. after the first wave of visitors have come and gone.
Weather:
ZooLights is open during all types of weather and temperatures. Dress accordingly or consider using your ticket for another evening.
Extending a daytime visit into ZooLights:
Daytime visitors can purchase ZooLights tickets for that night, but they will need to leave Zoo grounds at 4 p.m. and return at 6 p.m. when ZooLights opens to the public.
New Year's Eve:
The Zoo will be open until 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve! ZOO Year’s Eve is an adult’s only event that begins at 9:30 p.m. Click on the link to go to the Zoo Year’s Eve page for more details.
Have any other questions?
Contact the Phoenix Zoo during our normal buisness hours, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. seven days a week, at (602) 273-1341
