Phoenix Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo is a great place to enjoy nature without your little ones dying of boredom. There are four trails that wind through the numerous habitats represented on this 125-acre chunk of land. Stroll past the baboon family that lives in the African savannah, the polar bears in the Arctic area and the Galapagos tortoises in the Central and South America exhibit. Take younger tots to the Big Red Barn petting zoo and the Butterfly Pavilion. When their little legs start to tire, consider the 30-minute narrated safari train tour, which only costs a few dollars and provides a good orientation of the zoo.

Sitting just southwest of the Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo operates seasonal hours so check ahead on the Phoenix Zoo website before heading over. Entry to the zoo costs about $16 for adults, $7 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children under age 3.