I've always been very disappointed with the Phoenix Zoo. It is not arranged well, their exhibits are boring and small, and for such a large city as Phoenix I expect a little more. There are some fun things for the kids to do there, such as a tree house and splash pad, but overall I find it sadly lacking. There is no aquarium, no herpatarium (which would be perfect in the desert... I'd love to see some of those nasty snakes behind glass) and very few natural habitats.
Don't go in the summer... none of the animals are out. If you plan to go for a special event such as the ZooLights, plan to go on a weeknight if you want to be able to see anything. The crowds are huge and pushy and it's enough to take the holiday spirit out of anyone.
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