The Phoenix Zoo opened on November 21, 1962, in Papago Park after Robert Maytag of the Maytag family founded the Arizona Zoological Society and led the drive to build it, with the City of Phoenix leasing the Society the former state fish-hatchery grounds that became the zoo’s site. What began as a modest desert menagerie has grown into the largest privately owned, nonprofit zoo in the United States, now operated under the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation.
Spread across 125 acres with 2.5 miles of walking trails divided into four themed zones — the Arizona Trail, Africa Trail, Tropics Trail, and Children’s Trail — the zoo cares for more than 3,000 animals. It’s best known for Operation Oryx, a pioneering breeding program launched in 1962 that helped save the Arabian oryx from extinction and has since contributed to thousands of oryx living worldwide.
Quick Answer
The Phoenix Zoo is open daily year-round (except Christmas Day daytime hours) at 455 N Galvin Parkway in Papago Park. Hours shift seasonally — very early morning only during peak summer heat, extending into the afternoon the rest of the year. Daytime general admission is tiered by age, parking is free, and most visitors budget 3-5 hours to see all four trails. Check the official Phoenix Zoo visit page for the current day’s exact hours and prices before you go.
Phoenix Zoo Hours
The Phoenix Zoo runs on a seasonal hours schedule built around the desert climate. In the hottest stretch of summer, the zoo opens very early (typically 7 a.m.) and closes by early afternoon so guests and animals can beat the heat; as temperatures cool into fall and winter, hours shift later and extend well into the afternoon, with the longest daily hours typically running through the cooler winter and spring months.
The zoo is open every day of the year except for the daytime hours of Christmas Day. Members and some ticket types get early entry, often about an hour before the general public. Because the schedule changes month to month — and can shift without notice for holidays, special events, or heat advisories — it’s best to confirm the exact opening and closing times for your visit date on phoenixzoo.org before heading out, especially if you’re planning an early-morning summer trip.
Tickets & Prices
Phoenix Zoo admission is tiered by age (adult, child, senior, and toddlers under a set age typically admitted free), with daytime general admission priced separately from special seasonal events like ZooLights. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate, and buying online is usually the faster option during busy weekends and holidays.
The zoo also runs recurring discount promotions — including a reduced-price weekday deal on select Tuesdays and an EBT discount for Arizona residents with a valid state-issued EBT card — plus occasional one-day flash promotions tied to local dates. Frequent visitors often come out ahead with a zoo membership, since it typically pays for itself within two visits and adds perks like free daytime admission, early entry, and reciprocal admission at partner zoos nationwide. Because prices and promotions change, always confirm current rates on the official Phoenix Zoo tickets page.
Parking & Getting There
The Phoenix Zoo sits inside Papago Park at 455 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, a few minutes from downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Parking is free for all guests in the main lot off Galvin Parkway, with additional overflow lots available near the zoo entrance on busy days.
There’s no on-site public transit stop directly at the gate, so most visitors arrive by car or rideshare; if you’re coming during a major event like ZooLights, plan for extra time to park and walk in, since lots fill quickly on peak nights.
How Long to Visit & Best Time to Go
Most guests spend roughly 3 to 5 hours to walk all four trails at a relaxed pace, and families with young kids or anyone stopping for every exhibit and water break can easily fill closer to a full day. If your time is limited, picking two or three major trail sections plus a break at the Children’s Trail play areas is a good way to hit the highlights without rushing.
For the best mix of weather and lighter crowds, weekday visits in September-October or January-May tend to be more comfortable than summer, since the zoo’s early-and-short summer hours exist specifically to dodge the desert heat. Arriving right at opening — especially on weekdays — means cooler temperatures, more active animals, and thinner crowds on the main loop.
The Zoo Experience
Visitors explore four themed trails showcasing habitats from the Sonoran Desert to the African savanna and tropical rainforests. The zoo is the only AZA-accredited zoo in metro Phoenix and participates in Species Survival Plans for numerous endangered species, blending entertainment with active conservation work.
A longtime fan favorite was Ruby, an Asian elephant whose paintings became internationally known and raised significant funds for the zoo through art sales, helping support ongoing habitat and conservation projects. Seasonal add-ons like splash-pad play areas typically run in the warmer months, giving kids a way to cool off mid-visit.
Conservation Legacy
The zoo’s Operation Oryx program remains one of the most celebrated species-recovery efforts in zoo history, taking the Arabian oryx from near-extinction in the wild to thousands reestablished across the Arabian Peninsula. Today the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, which operates the zoo, also runs field conservation programs across Arizona, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia, focused on protecting native and imperiled species.
Phoenix Zoo visitor guide FAQs
When did the Phoenix Zoo open?
The Phoenix Zoo opened on November 21, 1962, in Papago Park, after Robert Maytag founded the Arizona Zoological Society and the City of Phoenix leased the Society the land that became the zoo’s site.
What are the Phoenix Zoo’s hours?
The zoo is open daily year-round except Christmas Day (daytime), with hours that shift by season — early-morning-only during the hottest summer months, and extending well into the afternoon during the cooler fall, winter, and spring months. Check phoenixzoo.org for the current day’s hours.
How much are Phoenix Zoo tickets?
Admission is tiered by age, with separate rates for adults, children, and seniors, plus recurring discount days and an EBT discount for Arizona residents. Prices change periodically, so confirm current rates on the official ticket page before you go.
Is parking free at the Phoenix Zoo?
Yes, parking is free for all guests in the main lot and overflow lots off Galvin Parkway in Papago Park.
How long should I plan to spend at the Phoenix Zoo?
Most visitors budget 3 to 5 hours to see all four trails at a comfortable pace; families who linger at every exhibit can easily spend closer to a full day.
Is the Phoenix Zoo a nonprofit?
Yes, it is the largest privately owned, nonprofit zoo in the United States, operated by the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation.
Where is the Phoenix Zoo located?
The zoo is at 455 N Galvin Parkway in Papago Park, Phoenix, Arizona, a short drive from downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale.
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