Phoenix Zoo

"From Monkey Island to a special exhibit on animals native to Arizona, there’s a lot to see at the Phoenix Zoo. Home to more than 3,000 animals, including 30 endangered or threatened species, the zoo offers visitors the chance to pet stingrays, feed goats, and see many of their favorite animals up close. The park is laid out in a circle, so it’s easy to navigate; a carousel and giraffe encounter make for fun memories as well. We recommend that you try to get to the zoo when it opens to beat the crowds. Season permitting, the zoo’s splash pad invites little ones to get soaked like the elephants—just bring a towel for your kids to dry off."