Yakulla Caverns Play Space

Greatest Play Space Around! Yakulla (Ya-kool-ya) Caverns

Pack up the kids for a brand new adventure at the Phoenix Zoo! Yakulla Caverns is a mysterious new cave that takes shape just across from the Crossroads snack bar. This inviting yet thrilling new feature will make a new favorite place for the kids to explore and for parents to take a break in the shade.

Inside the cave, the graceful, gentle features reflect the wondrous diversity of cave geology, while encouraging motion and flow. Springs gurgle as they cascade down rippling walls, cool and smooth to the touch. The earthy tang of rock and water wafts throughout. Stalactites, stalagmites, shields, waterfalls, columns, and flowstone create a fantastic array of visual and tactile opportunities. Beams of sunlight pierce the heart of the cavern through scattered holes in the rock. The echo of the waterfall is the sound of rain, the echo of the voices is the sound of glee!

Three unique entrances are provided:

• A "waterfall" entrance that drips a sheet of water at its threshold, has a splash pad area that runs into a stream, and provides intermittent "flash floods": this entrance will not only provide a "thrill" but will enable discovery play and encourage development of large motor and social skills ("wait your turn, please")
• A "slide in, slide out" feature that kids access via stone "stairs" on the inside and outside of the cave: encourages development of large motor skills, helps develop physical confidence
• A "Narnia" style entrance that is obscured by an 6-10 ft. "tunnel" created by a collection of tall bushes and short trees: enables discovery, encourages dramatic play by offering a bit of a "fantasy" element

Outside the cavern a stream meanders around a compelling collection of browns, greens, grays and more. Brave thinkers attempt to master the elements as they construct dams and launch watercraft in the form of bark and leaves. A pint-sized "water grotto" thrills younger visitors. There is a nearby tunnel to explore. Logs, stumps, and stones on which to practice balance, and plenty of reasons to jump up, jump down, and jump over.

Water features will be shut off for the season as of Sunday, October 25th.