Tours
Get a Unique Glimpse of the Zoo!
Each tour has a maximum capacity of 10 guests unless stated otherwise. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paid person 16 years of age or older.
Certain age restrictions apply. Zoo admission is included in tour price.
Visitas con guía turístico disponible en español de forma limitada. Llame a nuestro centro de llamadas al 602.914.4333 para consultar.
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, join us for a Backstage Adventure and get an insider’s glimpse of some of our animal habitats. Experiences are offered daily and can last 30 minutes to an hour. Backstage Adventures are limited to same household groups only. Check out all the various options below!
Tours must be booked in advance by calling our Reservations Department at 602.914.4333.
Reservations must be made two weeks in advance.
[NEW!] Equine Experience Backstage Adventure
Just here for the day and want to spend some quality time with horses with the whole family? Or just want to see if your little one enjoys horses before signing them up for lessons? Then this experience is for you!
In this experience, two riders ages 7 and up can ride simultaneously while your family cheers them on from the sidelines waiting for their turn while grooming and bonding with two other horses. Each rider will receive instruction on how to direct the horse, properly stop and go forward. Already have experience riding? Depending on your skill level you can polish your skills at a walk and trot or possibly a canter. Your little ones ages 3 – 6 will be led on a horse as they learn the basic of using the reins to stop and steer and make the horse go forward. This is also a great experience for parents who have never been on horseback or for the older members in the family that just want a chance to groom and be next to these magnificent animals!
- 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
- 1 hour tour.
- Minimum of 2 participants and maximum of 6 participants.
- Age restrictions of 3 years old and up.
- Must be 7 years old and up to ride a horse on their own. Ages 3 – 6 will be led by an Instructor.
- Maximum weight limit for riders is 200lbs
- Every experience is on very gentle, well-trained horses and Instructed by Certified Horsemanship Association trained Instructors.
- Approximate ride time for each rider is 20 minutes.
- We provide necessary safety helmets for each rider.
- Each rider will need to sign a Liability Waiver when they arrive at the Equine Center prior to the tour.
- Younger children are permitted, if they are being carried. No strollers allowed in barn or arena.
- Other members not paying for the experience can watch outside the arena in our viewing areas.
Pricing:
- General Adult Pricing: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (Ages 3 – 13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member Pricing: $99 per person
Summer details:
- June and July only
- Tuesdays at 8 a.m.
[NEW!] Meet “Chutti” the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros
Have you ever wanted to meet a greater one-horned rhino? With keeper staff, you will be able to greet, touch and feed Chutti! Plus, you’ll get to speak with his caretakers and get answers to your questions.
Monday – Thursday + Saturday (30-minute tour at 3 p.m.) – Sep-May only
- Tour takes place at lower elephant/rhino viewing and guests will get to feed Chutti!
- General Adult Pricing: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (Ages 3 – 13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member Pricing: $99 per person
[NEW!] Meet “Chutti” the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in His Barn for an Even LONGER Experience!
What even more time with Chutti, our greater one-horned rhino? Enter his barn with the keeper staff. Not only will you get to greet, touch and feed Chutti, but you will be able to give him shower as well and see keepers shift this gorgeous animal outside to his vast habitat!
Sundays at 8:45 a.m. (45-minute tour) Sep-May; Jun-Aug, tour is offered on Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
- No age restrictions
- General Adult Pricing: $169 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (Ages 3 – 13): $159 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member Pricing: $129 per person
- As with all Backstage Adventures, there is a group size of no more than 10 people (unless otherwise stated). There is a maximum of 2 children per adult.
- Due to the size of this animal, young children will need to be held for the entirety of the tour.
Summer Hours
- June – August there will only be one tour offered (Sundays at 10 a.m.)
Giant Anteater
Go behind the scenes with this special adventure at the night house of the giant anteater. You’ll meet a zookeeper and learn what it takes to care for this special creature… and if the animal chooses to, you’ll get to see one up close! Masks are required for this tour.
Guests will need to either wear disposable gloves (Zoo will provide) or wash their hands at the night house prior to the tour since there is hand-feeding potential.
- Fridays at 11 a.m. (30 minute tour)
- No age restrictions
- General Adult Pricing: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (Ages 3 – 13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member Pricing: $99 per person
- As with all Backstage Adventures, there is a group size of no more than 10 people (unless otherwise stated). There is a maximum of 2 children per adult.
Ambassador Animal Resources
Travel behind-the-scenes of our newly remodeled Ambassador Animal Resources area to see what it takes to care for the many unique species of animals that participate in our Zoo shows and often make media appearances. See our animal ambassadors at work up-close and learn from their keepers about behavioral enrichment and how we use positive reinforcement training techniques.
- Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m.
- No age restrictions
- General Adult: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (ages 3-13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member: $99 per person
Flamingo Flamingle Tour
Begin your 30-minute Flamingle adventure as you join the keepers in the flamingo habitat where you will enjoy an exclusive opportunity inside of their exhibit to get up close and feed these magnificent birds. Talk with their caretakers and learn all about their unique and quirky personalities.
- Daily at 9:30 a.m. (30 minute tour)
- Ages 5 and up
- General Adult: $99 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (ages 3-13): $89 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member: $59 per person
Elephant Adventure
Go behind-the-scenes and learn what it takes to care for the Zoo’s largest animals – the Asian elephants. Your adventure includes a tour of the elephant barn and up-close viewing opportunities.
- Fridays at 1p.m.
- No age restrictions
- General Adult: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (ages 3-13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member: $99 per person
- Due to the size of this animal, young children will need to be held for the entirety of the tour.
Stingray Bay Adventure
Returning soon. Check back for official dates!
Sloth Backstage Adventure
Meet one of the Valley’s most famous and beloved residents: Fernando the Linne’s two-toed sloth!* Go inside Fern’s habitat (either inside or outside depending on where his mood takes him), chat with his keeper during a feeding, learn all about his nocturnal nature and snap photos and videos of your experience. Masks are required for this tour.
*Given that he is a sloth, and lives life in the slow lane, there could be a chance he chooses to sleep through your experience.
- Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. (30 minutes)
- No age restrictions (Please note this tour only allows up to five guests.)
- General Adult: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (ages 3-13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member: $99 per person
Summer Hours: Tours occur at 10 a.m. (June – August)
Reptile Adventure
What’s a tortoise’s favorite treat? Find out in this ultimate reptile adventure. Your adventure includes a visit to the Galapagos or Aldabra tortoise enclosure where you’ll have a chance to meet and touch some of these friendly giants! You’ll also have the opportunity to meet a reptile keeper and get up close with other creatures from our reptile collection. Seasonally, this adventure includes a stop by the alligator feeding at our Alligator Alley habitat.
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
- No age restrictions
- General Adult: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (ages 3-13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member: $99 per person
Galápagos Tortoise Adventure
Want to meet a gentle giant? Your 30-minute adventure includes a visit to the Galápagos habitat where you’ll meet, touch and feed some of these amazing giant tortoises! How long do they live? What do they eat? You’ll have the opportunity to learn all about them.
- Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. (30 minute tour)
- No age restrictions
- General Adult: $99 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (ages 3-13): $89 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member: $59 per person
Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Native Species Conservation Center
For many animal and plant species, survival is an increasing challenge due to a variety of influences. Join us on this exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour to see how the Phoenix Zoo cares for species of conservation concern in Arizona and around the world and encourages others to join in the effort.
- Mondays at 10 a.m.
- Ages 8 and up
- General Adult: $139 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- General Child (ages 8-13): $129 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
- Member: $99 per person
General Adult: $89 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
General Child (ages 3-13): $79 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
Member: $49 per person
A Discovery Tour is a 90-minute guided tour through the Zoo in one of our eco-shuttles.
From September – May, tours are at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
You’ll be able to hop on and off the cart for closer viewing and for photo opportunities throughout the tour.
Discovery Tours only visit the guest viewing areas of exhibits and no behind-the-scenes areas.
Please Note: Discovery Tours are limited to same household groups only and can be booked day-of at our Guest Services lobby, or in advance by calling our Reservations Department at 602.914.4333.
General Adult: $340 (Includes Zoo Admission)
General Child (ages 3-13): $330 per person (Includes Zoo Admission)
Member: $300 per person
Looking for the ultimate Zoo experience? A Premium Adventure is a fully custom experience for you and your party. Your adventure includes a 90-minute personalized tour of the Zoo and one Backstage Adventure. Each guest will also take home a souvenir photo and water bottle. Premium Adventures can be booked on your schedule (some restrictions may apply) and can be booked for groups of 1 – 10.
*Each tour has a maximum capacity of 10 guests. Premium Adventures are limited to same party groups only. All Premium Tours must be scheduled by calling our Reservations Department at 602.914.4333.
Guided tours are predetermined guide-led walking tours through one of our Zoo trails. You have the flexibility to choose from several different topics, each covering a wide span of animal and conservation sciences. Each guided tour is 45 minutes in length. Guided Tours are popular programs for school groups, so teachers and schools are encouraged to make reservations early. When making your reservation, please inform us of any cultural or religious aversions to any animal species or type of animal. We can adjust the tour to fit your needs. Please be sure to arrive early for your program, as extended time cannot be guaranteed past 10 minutes.
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: $2 per person (Zoo admission not included)/)/$5 per person for Dinosaurs in the Desert tour (Zoo admission not included)
Group Size: 10 minimum (groups larger than 25 may be split into multiple groups)/5 minimum for Dinosaurs in the Desert Tour
How to Book: Call 602.914.4333 (three weeks advance notice required for scheduling)
All tours occur in any weather condition.
Guided Tour Topics
Dinosaurs in the Desert (Any Age)
Dinosaurs in the Desert are back and this time, they’ve brought friends. A guide will lead your group back in time and immerse you in a world where colossal dinosaurs and other ancient beasts dominate the landscape in this 60 minute prehistoric tour. *Maximum 15 guests*
Crazy Classification: Arizona Animals (K-2 grades)
Mammal, bird or reptile? How do you know what type of animal you’re looking at? Through the Arizona Animals Guided Tour, students discover the five major traits that scientists use to categorize animals. A Phoenix Zoo instructor leads participants on a tour of the Zoo’s Arizona Trail, classifying desert vertebrate species. The instructor challenges participants with interactives and inquiry to improve their observation and critical thinking skills.
Crazy Classification: Rainforest Animals (K-2 grades)
Mammal, bird or reptile? How do you know what kind of animal you’re looking at? Through the Rainforest Animals Guided Tour, participants discover the five major traits that scientists use to categorize animals. A Phoenix Zoo instructor leads the tour of the Zoo’s Forest of Uco Trail, classifying rainforest vertebrate species. The instructor challenges participants with interactives and inquiry to improve their observation and critical thinking skills.
Desert Discoveries: Exploring Arizona (3-5 grades)
Food, water and shelter are hard to find in the Sonoran Desert. Avoiding predators and scorching temperatures are just some of the challenges living organisms must face. Through the Exploring Arizona Guided Tour, participants explore and learn about several desert animals along the Phoenix Zoo’s Arizona Trail by comparing and contrasting their habitats and adaptations. Utilizing manipulatives, a Zoo instructor will guide small discussion groups to uncover how various Arizona animals survive in the harsh extremes of our local ecosystem.
Nature’s Niche: Exploring the Rainforest (3-5 grades)
More than half of all the plant and animal species call tropical rainforests home. Just how do so many unique and valuable organisms manage to coexist in such tight quarters? By carving their own niche, finding their “job” to minimize competition, and benefitting one another and their environment. A Phoenix Zoo instructor leads participants on a tour of the Zoo’s Forest of Uco Trail to explore some of the many interesting inhabitants of a tropical rainforest and determine just what niche they fill in their environment. Through observations and discussions, participants are challenged to identify various components of a balanced ecosystem, including biotic and abiotic elements, as well as producers and consumers, and discover how valuable each one is to the other.
Desert Lives: Exploring AZ Native Plants & Animals (6-8 grades)
Food, water and shelter are hard to find in the desert. Avoiding predators and scorching temperatures are also the challenges desert plants and animals must face. In Arizona, there are four deserts, each one unique and presenting different trials. Through the Exploring Arizona Guided Tour, participants explore and learn about several desert animals along the Phoenix Zoo’s Arizona Trail by comparing and contrasting their habitats and adaptations. A Zoo instructor will guide discussion groups to uncover how various Arizona animals survive in the harsh extremes of our state deserts.
Tropical Treasures (6-9 grades)
Tropical rainforests are fragile ecosystems requiring a delicate balance for sustainability. So just what happens when you lose a rainforest? Through the Tropical Treasures Guided Tour, participants explore the Forest of Uco at the Phoenix Zoo, discovering the importance of rainforests, the resources acquired from them, and the interdependence of the inhabitants found therein. While a Zoo instructor facilitates a group examination and discussion of real-life conservation projects, participants gain an appreciation for the challenges we face in attempting to maintain a stable and diverse ecosystem and uncover the value of rainforests around the world.
Dynamic Deserts: Exploring Desert Conservation (9-12 grades)
Conservation in the desert requires a unique understanding and perspective of one of nature’s harshest, and often misunderstood, biomes. With scarce resources and fierce competition, life in the desert has adapted creative techniques for survival. During this tour, a Zoo instructor will lead participants on the Arizona Trail while exploring different adaptations from our resident plants and animals, and the impact humans play on this surprisingly rich and diverse ecosystem.
More Than a Zookeeper (10-12 grades)
How many people does it take to run a zoo? There’s a lot of work going on every day at the Phoenix Zoo that many never even notice. Throughout the More Than a Zookeeper Guided Tour, participants will view the zoo from a different perspective. A zoo instructor will lead the group in discussions and an activity, while exploring some of the jobs necessary to run a successful zoo and conservation program. Participants will discover the importance of the Phoenix Zoo’s role in conservation while uncovering STEM career opportunities along the way.
Enriching Experiences: Exploring Behavioral Enrichment (K-12)
Movies, music and video games provide us with hours of entertainment, but what does a zoo do to keep a monkey from getting bored or a zebra from being stressed? Behavioral Enrichment! By providing mental and physical stimulation through naturalistic settings and environmental enhancements, managed setting animals’ lives are greatly improved. The benefits include increased natural behaviors and healthy, stress-free individuals. The Enriching Experiences Guided Tour provides participants with the opportunity to explore and learn about different types of behavioral enrichment used by the Phoenix Zoo through comparing a variety of exhibits and species. Utilizing manipulatives, a Zoo instructor will facilitate observations and discussions to discover some of the intricacies involved in the behavioral management of managed setting animals — making life more stimulating for the Zoo’s animals and guests alike!
Custom Guided Tours are designed based on your specific interests and needs. Our trained Zoo staff works with you to create a completely customizable 60-minute educational walking tour of one of our Zoo trails – covering the exhibits and topics you are interested in.
Subject to availability. Does not include behind-the-scenes viewing areas.
Guided Tours are popular programs for school groups, so teachers and schools are encouraged to make reservations early. When making your reservation, please inform us of any cultural or religious aversions to any animal species or type of animal. We can adjust the tour to fit your needs. Please be sure to arrive early for your program, as extended time cannot be guaranteed past 10 minutes.
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: $5 per person (Zoo admission not included)
Group Size: 10 minimum (groups larger than 25 may be split into multiple groups)
How to Book: Call 602.914.4333 (three weeks advance notice required for scheduling)
All tours occur in any weather condition.
that's zoo we are
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.
