Kids & Families
create wild memories together
Embark on a shared journey of discovery as you encounter fascinating animal species and the natural world. Check out our opportunities for kids and families to discover, connect and learn together.
Conservation Science Night:
Join us for an exciting evening celebrating the Phoenix Zoo’s conservation efforts! Engage with conservation scientists and discover the impactful work we’re doing to preserve species in Arizona. This is a family-friendly event and there is something for everyone!
All Ages Bird Walks:
The Phoenix Zoo is home to a wide variety of birdlife and is a comfortable location to observe them. Enjoy a nice, leisurely walk around Zoo grounds searching for native and migratory birds with Zoo staff. This walk is perfect for bird watchers and bird noticers of all ages and levels! All are welcome and this experience is free with paid admission to the Zoo. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars if you have them.
Dates: First Saturday of the month from October 2024 through May 2025
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Savanna habitat
Homeschool Days:
Join the Phoenix Zoo at Homeschool Days for a morning dedicated to homeschool families and groups. The morning will be filled with STEM based learning stations, animal interactions and exploring science-based careers. Stations will feature camera trapping, behavioral enrichment, information on palm oil consumption, bird watching and so much more!
Participants will have full access to zoo pathways for the entire day to visit zoo exhibits.
Perfect for Homeschool groups and families with learners 5-17 years old, though all ages are welcome.
Cost: $20 general | $10 members
Dates: To be announced
Nature Play:
Play with the Phoenix Zoo’s Education Team outside and connect with the natural world!
Nature play is child-directed play in nature and with nature. Nature play can happen in the smallest natural and wild areas, all ages of children can participate, it can happen in any weather and during all seasons.
We strongly believe that time spent outside playing, exploring, succeeding and learning through risky play, and enjoying and discovering the natural world in an unstructured way, is an essential component of child development.
Date: First Saturday of the Month (February – May)
Time: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Enchanted Forest
Engage with us on Zigazoo!:
Zigazoo is the world’s largest social network for kids! Created by parents and teachers, Zigazoo is the number one kid-safe app that encourages kids to be creative and learn. Follow the Phoenix Zoo on the Zigazoo app for exclusive animal content, fun facts and exciting challenges. Learn more at zigazoo.com.
Family Nature Walks:
Meet other nature-loving families as we take a leisurely stroll observing nature and learning fun facts about specific zoo trails. During each tour, the guide will feature the unique horticulture, look for wildlife, and stop at zoo exhibits. This tour is great for out-of-town families wanting to know more about Arizona and the Phoenix Zoo or for in-town families that are looking to explore nature and the Zoo further with the assistance of a guide. This is an interactive tour! With assistance from the guide, guests are encouraged to touch, smell, and examine nature (even using a Zoo microscope!) while walking the path.
Walks last approximately 60 minutes each and are great for any age level. This is a walking tour, therefore, wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water with them is highly suggested. All paths are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Service animals are permitted. Scooter Pals may not be used on this tour. Binoculars and cameras are fun tools to have on this tour but not required or necessary. Walking tours do not include any behind-the-scenes viewing or interactions.
Each walk will begin at the Adventure Center near the front of the Arizona Trail. We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early. Due to the nature of the program, joining the tour after it begins may not be possible. Each tour may be led by a different guide each time who will share slightly different knowledge.
Cost:$5 per person (Zoo admission not included)
Dates: 2024 dates coming soon!
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
Plan your visit today!
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species.
