The Phoenix Zoo is not easing into spring. It’s going all in. One weekend, two back-to-back celebrations, and zero chance of boredom. This is where conservation gets loud, culture gets colorful, and families get the kind of day they’ll actually talk about later.
Saturday, April 25, kicks off with Earth Day, presented by SRP, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. But don’t expect a quiet, poster-board kind of Earth Day. This is hands-on, high-energy, and built to move. The message is clear. We have the power to save our planet. The Zoo just makes it a lot more fun to figure out how.
Guests can get their hands dirty in a worm release experience, dive into conservation and renewable energy through interactive stations, and catch animal presentations that bring the mission front and center. Dr. T Rex turns science into a full-on show, while DJ Mars spins a soundtrack that keeps the entire park buzzing. It’s part eco-lab, part backyard party, with giant yard games, the Sort the Recycling Challenge, and creative stops like building your own animal bean mosaic. Face painting is available for an additional fee, but everything else is included with general admission.
Then Sunday, April 26, flips the energy into full celebration mode with Día del Niño, presented by SRP, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Translation: Day of the Child. Execution: a full-blown cultural party where kids run the show.
Music spills through the pathways as mariachi bands and folkloric dancers take over, with performances happening throughout the Zoo all morning long. There’s no standing still here. Kids can crack into piñatas, try their luck at cactus ring toss, and jump into hands-on crafts like mariachi puppets, folklórico dolls, and thumbprint cacti.
And then come the moments that make it feel next level. Up-close animal encounters. Creature Features starring prairie dogs, flamingos, and alligators. Safari Cruiser rides narrated in Spanish that bring a deeper layer of connection. Luchadores making surprise appearances. Splash pads are ready. And for an easy win, free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel courtesy of Valley Toyota Dealers.
What the Phoenix Zoo pulls off here is a rare double feature. One day gets kids thinking about the future of the planet. The next celebrates them in full color. It’s smart, it’s lively, and it’s exactly the kind of weekend move that feels like an insider find.
Insider Takeaways
- Earth Day lands Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a focus on conservation and renewable energy.
- Expect high-energy programming with DJ Mars, Dr. T Rex, and interactive activations like the worm release and recycling challenge.
- Día del Niño, or Day of the Child, takes over Sunday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with entertainment happening throughout the Zoo. Mariachi bands, folkloric dancers, and hands-on cultural crafts create a fully immersive family experience.
- Safari Cruiser rides in Spanish, luchador meet-and-greets, and splash pads add standout moments across the park.
- Free Endangered Species Carousel rides on Sunday make it an easy yes for families.
To learn more, visit phoenixzoo.org.
