Experience AZ magazine is Arizona’s go-to travel and adventure guide, showcasing the best places to eat, stay, shop, explore and experience across the state. Here are five Arizona animal parks featured in the latest issue of Experience AZ.
Phoenix Zoo – Phoenix
Home to over 3,000 animal, the Phoenix Zoo is one of the nation’s largest privately owned, nonprofit zoos. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, it offers immersive experiences like the Arizona Trail and Tropics Trail. Families enjoy giraffe feedings, camel rides and splash pads, while educational programs spotlight conservation efforts for species such as the Mexican gray wolf and Arabian oryx. It’s a premier destination for wildlife education and desert adventure.
Information: phoenixzoo.org
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Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – Tucson
A world-class fusion of zoo, botanical garden, aquarium and natural history museum, this outdoor destination highlights Sonoran Desert life. Visitors encounter mountain lions, javelinas and native birds in realistic desert settings. With walking trails, cave exhibits and vibrant gardens, it’s an enriching and visually stunning journey into the desert ecosystem.
Information: desertmuseum.org
Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary – Prescott
This nonprofit sanctuary provides a forever home for non-releasable animals such as black bears, bobcats and raptors. Focused on ethical care and public education, the sanctuary offers an intimate setting where visitors can learn about Arizona’s wildlife and the importance of animal welfare. Ideal for families seeking a meaningful, low-key wildlife experience.
Information: heritageparkzoo.org
Navajo Nation Zoological & Botanical Park – Window Rock
The only tribally owned-and-operated zoo in the U.S., this free-admission park emphasizes animals of cultural significance to the Navajo people. Bears, eagles and bobcats live in a serene setting, with bilingual signage and interpretive displays honoring traditional Navajo perspectives on nature. A respectful, educational stop highlighting Indigenous conservation values.
Information: navajonationzoo.org
Reid Park Zoo – Tucson
This AZA-accredited zoo offers lush landscapes, shaded walkways and carefully designed habitats tailored to desert-adapted animals. Focusing on enrichment, education and sustainability, Reid Park Zoo is both fun and responsible. It’s a favorite for families, with interactive exhibits and a mission-driven approach to wildlife care and conservation.
Information: reidparkzoo.org
