# Things to do with kids at Phoenix Zoo

> 9 upcoming family events and 2 ongoing programs and visits at Phoenix Zoo, 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, in the Phoenix–Mesa–Chandler area. Dates and times are Arizona Time. Today is Sat, Oct 24.

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Oct 25, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-10-24), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/phoenix-zoo

## Events ahead

- [Dinosaurs in the Desert 2026–27](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/dinosaurs-in-the-desert-2026-27--listing-d0f78af75d83fa1798dac726) — Sep 26 – Apr 30 · Phoenix Zoo · From $32.95 · checked Oct 12. Explore life-size moving dinosaur displays and fossil dig areas across the zoo trails, connecting prehistoric animals with living descendants.
- [Homeschool Day: zoo STEM exploration](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/homeschool-day-zoo-stem-exploration--listing-d605ea1d5060d35b7bf0db83) — Wed, Oct 28 · 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Phoenix Zoo · All ages · From $25 · checked Oct 12. Homeschool families explore animal encounters, conservation learning stations, wildlife identification and science careers.
- [Spooky Safari 2026](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/spooky-safari-2026--listing-2c2e87adcc3ecfc26a728bef) — Wed, Oct 28 (+2 more dates) · 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM · Phoenix Zoo · From $18 · checked Oct 12. Families enjoy trick-or-treating, face painting, costume parades and Halloween games during three evening celebrations.
- [Día de los Muertos at the Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/dia-de-los-muertos-at-the-zoo--listing-0b9ce01e7f144b0ef87fbfe1) — Sun, Nov 1 · 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Phoenix Zoo · From $32.95 · checked Oct 12. Celebrate life and remembrance through colorful altars, folklórico and mariachi performances, and family craft activities.
- [Sensory-friendly Dinosaurs in the Desert](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/sensory-friendly-dinosaurs-in-the-desert--listing-05a7b17d0e0d910b6b3a2204) — Mon, Nov 9 (+5 more dates) · 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM · Phoenix Zoo · From $32.95 · checked Oct 12. Experience dinosaur displays with movement and sound switched off for a calmer visit.
- [Tails on the Trails: A Dog's Day Out at the Phoenix Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/tails-on-the-trails-a-dog-s-day-out-at-the-phoenix-zoo--listing-620294dcaa19397b6fbd6f78) — Sat, Nov 14 · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Phoenix Zoo · With admission · checked Oct 24. For one Saturday the Phoenix Zoo opens designated trails to dogs, and children who love animals get a double treat. Even without a dog, families are invited to come and watch…
- [ZooLights 2026–27](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/zoolights-2026-27--listing-b2f29b7ea221f835ab220adb) — Nov 25 – Jan 15 · 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM · Phoenix Zoo · All ages · From $35 · checked Oct 12. Walk illuminated zoo trails, enjoy a lake light show and discover interactive holiday displays together.
- [Sensory-friendly ZooLights 2026](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/sensory-friendly-zoolights-2026--listing-d4b51eae178727bd204eedeb) — Tue, Dec 8 · 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM · Phoenix Zoo · checked Oct 12. Enjoy holiday lights with quieter music, fewer flashing effects, smaller crowds and sensory support stations.
- [Cruise ZooLights — Drive-Through Night at the Phoenix Zoo](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/cruise-zoolights-drive-through-night-at-the-phoenix-zoo--listing-e7176d5d403a87c8f6e1dd1c) — Sun, Jan 17 · 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM · Phoenix Zoo · All ages · From $150 · checked Oct 24. For one night the Phoenix Zoo turns ZooLights into a drive-through: families stay in their car and roll through an immersive light tunnel, past illuminated animal sculptures and…

## Ongoing programs and visits

- [Phoenix Zoo Discovery Tours](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/phoenix-zoo-discovery-tours--listing-82991a04ff363b543de170f7) — Daily tours during October–January 16, 2027; published 60-minute starts at 9:30 am, 11… · Phoenix Zoo · From $49 · checked Oct 11. A guided eco-shuttle tour explores animal exhibits with stops for closer viewing. This tour stays in public viewing areas and includes no backstage access.
- [Stroller Safari: animals and songs](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/activities/stroller-safari-animals-and-songs--listing-b3b15d9aad55089a732c159d) — Posted dates: October 13 free; November 3 and 17; December 1 and 17. Member 8:30–9:15… · Phoenix Zoo · From $5 · checked Oct 12. Caregivers and little ones learn about animals, sing and make friends on an interactive stroller walk through zoo trails.

## Nearby

- More venues in Phoenix: [Children's Museum of Phoenix](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/children-s-museum-of-phoenix) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/children-s-museum-of-phoenix.md), [Desert Botanical Garden](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/desert-botanical-garden) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/desert-botanical-garden.md), [Musical Instrument Museum](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/musical-instrument-museum) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/musical-instrument-museum.md), [Great Arizona Puppet Theater](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/great-arizona-puppet-theater) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/great-arizona-puppet-theater.md), [Painting with a Twist - Phoenix, AZ](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/painting-with-a-twist-phoenix-az) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/painting-with-a-twist-phoenix-az.md), [Arizona Science Center](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/arizona-science-center) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/arizona-science-center.md), [Juniper Library](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/juniper-library) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/juniper-library.md), [Symphony Hall](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/symphony-hall) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/venues/symphony-hall.md)
- [Things to do with kids in Phoenix](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix.md)
- [This weekend in Phoenix](https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/phoenix/this-weekend.md)

Venue pages are listed once a venue has 3 current listings.