There are so many places to experience an animal encounter throughout the Phoenix area! Here is a list of favorite wildlife adventures around Phoenix for the kids AND adults:
1. PHOENIX ZOO
Our family enjoys the Phoenix Zoo year round (yes, even summer! Have you checked out their splash pads?!). The Phoenix Zoo has many events throughout day where you can interact with the animals. The Red Barn at Harmony Farm is where you can pet and brush goats, get up close to cows, sheep and horses. Giraffe Encounters happen throughout each day where you can feed the and be close to the giraffes ($5 members / $6 general). Stingray Bay as quickly become a favorite! Guests can touch stingrays and feed them fish and shrimp. Camel Rides are also offered at the Phoenix Zoo!
2. ODYSEA AQUARIUM
This 200,000 square foot aquarium is the largest in the Southwest! OdySea Aquarium offers interactive experiences for all ages with aquatic life. They even have a Penguin Interactive Program! You can also experience a live shark feed, and a sloth encounter…. mic drop.
3. BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND
Butterfly Wonderland is the largest butterfly conservatory in America. There are interactive exhibits, a Butterfly Emergence Gallery, 3D movie theater, Spineless Giants exhibit, Cafe, and a Rainforest Reptile exhibit. There are special daily events you can check out here.
4. DOLPHINARIS
Interact with dolphins right in Scottsdale! You can meet dolphins from dry land or in the water, share a handshake and dolphin kiss. During the summer they have tons of specials going on including Pool Parties and couple’s nights. Check out all their encounters Here!
5. WILDLIFE WORLD
The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Litchfield Park has Arizona’s largest collection of exotic and endangered animals! Rides, petting zoo, daily shows, and animal encounters can be experienced every day.
6. SUPERSTITION FARMS
Superstition Farms is a dairy Farm in Mesa, Arizona that has farm tours, guided hayrides, a petting zoo, and a milk bar where you can taste various flavors of milk! They even host a summer camp, so check them out HERE
7. MACDONALD’S ZOO
MacDonald’s Ranch in Scottsdale offers guided Horseback Rides, Stagecoach rides, a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, Hayrides, Cookouts, and a Pumpkin Patch in the Fall!
BONUS: BEARIZONA
If you are looking for a really unique experience, head to Northern Arizona, where you can drive more than 2 miles, viewing North American animals including adult bears, bison and more in their natural habitats. In Fort Bearizona, you can walk through 20 acres of paths for more of a “zoo” setting. Check out more info HERE.
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