Phoenix Zoo Tickets Discount: 10 Ways to Save Up to 34% Off

Immerse yourself in the middle of world-class wildlife action, and feel like the king of the jungle!

You will experience this at the sprawling Phoenix Zoo, fondly considered one of America’s best and most expansive zoos. Boasting many must-try activities and experiences, your curiosity, sense of discovery, and imagination will soar to new heights.

This sprawling 125-acre zoo in Phoenix, Arizona, is home to 3,000 animals, representing 400 species of wildlife spectacle. An ideal recipe for adventure.

From Sumatran Tigers to Komodo Dragons and Asian Elephants to Bornean Orangutans, its unique animal encounters make Phoenix Zoo a must-see experience in Arizona.

Follow along with our handy guide to learn all the tips and tricks to a successful day at Phoenix Zoo.

Phoenix Zoo Discount Tickets

Secure your discounted tickets in advance from Tripster for great rates and a hassle-free experience entering the Phoenix Zoo. Purchasing tickets online is an easy experience.

To redeem, print your E-ticket and present it to any open admission turnstile or show the E-ticket on your mobile phone to be admitted to the zoo.

How Much Does the Phoenix Zoo Cost?

Phoenix Zoo ticket costs vary based on age and specific dates. Generally, adult admission is around $30-40, children’s admission is around $20-30, and there are discounts for seniors and military.

hand holding Phoenix Zoo map against Africa Trail of Phoenix Zoo in the background in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
photo credit: Phoenix Zoo via Facebook

Phoenix Zoo Coupons and Discounts

Phoenix Zoo Military Discount

The Zoo proudly salutes our military heroes and veterans! As a token of our gratitude, they offer a $5 Phoenix Zoo discount on admission to identified cardholders.

Phoenix Zoo AAA Discount

Unfortunately, there’s no available AAA discount at this time. Visit Tripster for coupons for Phoenix Zoo.

Phoenix Zoo Senior Discount

Don’t let your grandma and grandpa miss out on the chance to experience Phoenix Zoo at a discounted rate. Let them enjoy $5 off admission on their visit. Discounts apply to ages 60 and above.

Phoenix Resident Discount

Enjoy the wonders of the Phoenix Zoo at a discounted rate with the EBT cardholder program. If you hold a valid Arizona state-issued EBT card and photo ID, you can get this exclusive offer.

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On Tuesdays and Sundays, you can purchase up to four tickets for only $10 each.

If you’re not a cardholder, you can still save money when you score a Phoenix Zoo ticket discount from Tripster.

Phoenix Zoo Students Discount

Attention all students! Experience the wonders of Phoenix Zoo with a special $5 discount on admission. Just show your student photo ID or valid identification to enjoy this exclusive offer.

Phoenix Zoo Member Discount

Phoenix Zoo offers a $5 discount Phoenix Zoo tickets for its members be it adults and children.

Just purchase tickets at the Guest Services Reception window by the turnstiles and also enjoy early access to the zoo.

Phoenix Zoo Active Arizona Educators K-12 Discount

Phoenix Zoo wants to thank active Arizona Educators K-12 with a special offer. Enjoy a $5 discount on general admission tickets at the Zoo. Remember to present your identified card at the ticket counter to receive the discount.

Phoenix Zoo Active Emergency First Responders Discount

The Zoo salutes active Emergency First Responders with a special deal. On the 1st of every month, the qualifying individual can receive a $10 discount on general zoo admission.

Phoenix Zoo Group Travel Deals

Phoenix Zoo is thrilled to offer discounted admission for school groups. Learn more about the exciting educational opportunities available on their In Person Programs page or call the reservations department to discuss your group’s visit.

child sprawled on the shore with other children playing in the background at Yakulla Caverns in Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
photo credit: Katherine Cook

Phoenix Zoo Vacation Packages

Plan a wallet-friendly getaway with our Phoenix Zoo Vacation Packages. With discounted admission to the zoo and the chance to enjoy Phoenix’s cultural and recreational offerings, you can have an epic experience without worrying about your expenses.

Which zoo is Bigger Phoenix Zoo or Wildlife Zoo?

The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is significantly larger than the Phoenix Zoo. The Wildlife World Zoo spans over 100 acres, featuring a greater number of animal exhibits and wider walking paths compared to the Phoenix Zoo.

cacti and plants in the desert with mountains in background at sunset with clouds at Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
photo credit: Desert Botanical Garden via Facebook

How Long Do You Need at the Phoenix Zoo?

To comfortably see most of the exhibits and shows at the Phoenix Zoo, plan for at least 4-5 hours. If you want to take your time and enjoy additional experiences like animal encounters or the Safari Train, consider allocating a full day for your visit.

Hotels Near Phoenix Zoo

Stay in the heart of the action by booking any hotel near Phoenix Zoo. Enjoy the convenience of being just a short distance away from the wildlife attraction, allowing you to do more exploring and less time traveling.

Phoenix Zoo Hotel Packages

A budget-friendly trip to the Phoenix Zoo awaits when you bundle your Zoo tickets with any Phoenix hotel of your choice. Enjoy discounted admission and a relaxing stay at a conveniently located hotel in this package.

Phoenix Attractions

Phoenix, Arizona, has a plethora of can’t-miss experiences. Complete your Phoenix itinerary by also grabbing tickets to one of these great attractions in the area.

LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND is a treat for both young and old alike. Located in Tempe, Arizona, it offers attractions like a 4D Cinema, exciting rides, and countless LEGO bricks for ultimate family bonding.

father and son building structure with lego in Duplo Village at Legoland Discovery Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
photo credit: Legoland Discovery Center

SEA LIFE Aquarium

SEA LIFE Aquarium boasts 250 species waiting to be explored by the whole family. Here, you can enrich your knowledge of marine life and immerse yourself in its conservation initiatives.

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Phoenix

Riding in one of the Hot Air Balloon Rides in Phoenix is an exhilarating way of viewing Phoenix’s beauty from above.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Day Tour

A day tour at the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend + Phoenix Zoo Combo takes you right to the spot you always find in your desktop computer wallpapers.

light shinning through slot canyons in Antelope Canyon in Arizona, USA
photo credit: pixabay

Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Adventure

Any trip to Phoenix will not be complete without visiting the Grand Canyon. One of the best ways to experience its magnificence is the Grand Canyon and Sedona Day Tour Adventure. As one of America’s most recognizable national parks, you will enjoy its breathtaking vistas, perfect for a postcard.

Insider Phoenix Zoo Tips

Maximize your Phoenix Zoo experience by considering the following:

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Extra Clothes
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Extra Cash
  • Camera
  • Water Bottle
  • Insect Repellent
  • Snacks

When is the Best Time to Visit?

While the Phoenix Zoo is open year-round, the best time to visit is during fall, winter, or spring when temperatures are milder. The zoo typically opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM.

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Pro Tip: Members are admitted one hour ahead of the opening schedule. Phoenix Zoo members are treated to a year-long free daytime admission, discounts, and exclusive invitations to exhibit premieres and events.

Queues tend to be longer the later you go in the day, especially during weekends. Take note that most animals are active during the early hours of zoo opening. So have those cameras ready when you arrive at the zoo.

group of children playing at the Leapin Lagoon at Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
photo credit: Phoenix Zoo via Facebook

Can I Bring Food and Beverages?

If you are on a tight budget, you can save big time by bringing your own food and beverages. Coolers are accepted. However, Phoenix Zoo prohibits the use of glass containers and the consumption of alcoholic beverages on its premises.

Phoenix Zoo Parking

Parking at Phoenix Zoo is free. There’s also metered on-street parking around the area.

About the Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix Zoo is among the oldest zoos in the U.S. Established in 1961. It has gained a reputation for animal advocacy with excellent care and rehabilitation programs.

Meanwhile, it’s a pilgrimage for adventure-seeking tourists and locals alike, seeking a reprieve from the concrete jungle, opting instead for a vibrant and educational one.

Related Post: Downtown Phoenix Nightlife – 14 Things to Do After Dark

Regardless of your purpose, allow at least half a day to make the most out of your Phoenix Zoo experience.

Four trails make up the Phoenix Zoo, situated at the beautiful Papago Park. The Africa Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Tropics Trail, and the Children’s Trail. Each offers a unique and memorable experience one should not miss.

Fun Fact: Queue up those fitness trackers! While exploring the zoo’s trails, you will accumulate approximately 10,000 steps.

underwater photograph of a stingray in the Sting Ray Bay in Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
photo credit: Phoenix Zoo via Facebook

Amazing Animal Encounters

Each Phoenix Zoo trail offers a unique experience:

Africa Trail

No need to go to Masai Mara in Africa to experience the pride of lions first-hand. Along Phoenix Zoo’s Africa trail, you will have an encounter with these giant beasts without leaving the Grand Canyon State.

Aside from lions, expect to see many other popular animals. Including mandrill, ostrich, gazelle, Southern white rhino, and giraffes.

Pro Tip: Elevate your Phoenix Zoo experience by feeding the world’s tallest mammal! The giraffe encounter lets you get up close and personal with giraffes.

Zoo personnel will give you pellets, but be ready for the giraffes to use their tongues to grab them. Did you know their tongues typically range from 18 to 20 inches long?

Get Into the Action With the 4D Theater

Bring your Phoenix Zoo experience to a whole new level! Combining the senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch gives you an immersive experience of wildlife encounters.

Tropics Trail

Two distinct parts make up the Tropics Trail. The inner trail near the lake will let you enjoy the sight of tropical birds in the aviary. A Monkey Village is also a delight to see, with its Bornean orangutans and common squirrel monkeys.

Related Post: Free Things to Do in Phoenix, AZ

The outer trail lets you see Komodo dragons, Asian elephants, jaguars, iguanas, and Sumatran tigers. Phoenix Zoo’s Tropics trail also hosts the Forest of Uco, a rainforest that has exhibits on scientific expeditions and ruins.

On the other hand, the Tropics Trail will reward you with much-deserved shade. Finally, be sure to stop by the Yakulla Caverns. Here, you can cool off and recharge. The place mimics caves with waterfalls, where kids can run under cascading water and slip down a waterslide.

birds in the middle of pond surrounded with trees and plants at the Tropics Trail at Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Arizona, USA
photo credit: Phoenix Zoo via Facebook

Arizona Trail

From the zoo entrance, the nearest is the Arizona Trail, where you can stop by Stingray Bay to have a rare glimpse of stingrays before kicking off your great desert adventure.

However, this encounter with stingrays pales compared to the threat of exploring this trail. In this section, Arizona’s flora and fauna are on grand display.

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The Arizona Trail is home to javelinas, mountain lions, bobcats, turkey vultures, thick-billed parrots, and Mexican gray wolves. Aside from these animals, plants native to the Sonoran Desert can also be found here, like the saguaro cactus.

Fun Fact: For a minimal fee, you can experience riding a camel and have your picture taken!

Children’s Trail

Are you traveling with the kids? The Children’s Trail is replete with amenities and activities kids will enjoy. Be sure to pack your child’s bathing suits! Leapin’ Lagoon, where they will enjoy its splashing waters until their heart’s content.

This is a flat area with water that sprays up from the ground. It is undeniably fun for kids. However, daring adults can also bask in this fun activity. Changing rooms and shaded benches are also available in the area.

Phoenix Zoo Reviews

Get a glimpse into the incredible experiences awaiting you at the Phoenix Zoo by reading reviews from its past visitors. Click here to gain more insights.

It’s never too late to fulfill your dream of being the King of the Jungle. With our guide and special offers in tow, that dream is within reach at the Phoenix Zoo. Connect with nature and wildlife creatures with your discounted Phoenix Zoo tickets!

Which Phoenix Zoo Activity Will You Do First?

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Written by Anne Joyce Raymundo

Anne is a Filipino writer who formerly managed and created marketing strategies and materials for numerous websites and eCommerce platforms. Now, her voice...


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