Phoenix Zoo has a summer plan, and subtle is not on the itinerary.
Between ten tons of snow, $20 Tuesdays, foam parties, splash zones and a prehistoric takeover waiting in the wings, the Zoo is giving Valley families a rare Arizona combo: actual chill, actual animals and actual reasons to leave the house before the pavement starts making threats.
First up: snow. Yes, snow. SRP is bringing more than ten tons of it to the Phoenix Zoo on Friday, June 12, spreading the frosty goods throughout various animal habitats so guests can watch residents like Sumatran tigers, African lions, meerkats, otters, orangutans and Andean bears get their paws, claws and curiosity into the cold stuff.
Member entry begins at 6 a.m., with general public entry at 7 a.m., which feels very Arizona: wake up early, chase the shade and enjoy the chaos of an orangutan discovering snow before breakfast.
Guests can also snag free ice cream from Ice Cream Pedaler at the Zoo entrance from 6 to 11 a.m. while supplies last, because apparently the assignment was “cool off” and Phoenix Zoo took that personally. SRP will also be onsite with energy efficiency tips, and SRP customers can receive $10 off Zoo admission on Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 30.
The summer savings keep rolling with $20 Tuesdays, happening on the second Tuesday of June, July and August. On June 9, July 14 and August 11, guests can get Zoo admission for $20 and dive into a day built for desert-season survival. Tickets are available at phoenixzoo.org/events/20-tuesdays.
Zoo hours run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Foam Frenzy Party from 8 to 10 a.m. at Lakeside. Families can dance, play games and run through piles of bubbly foam while an emcee keeps the morning moving with music and interactive fun. Swimsuits and towels are encouraged, which is usually code for “your kids are absolutely getting soaked.”
The cool-down strategy continues all day with Leapin’ Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns splash pads, Stingray Bay’s 15,000-gallon stingray pool, misters, shaded pathways and indoor viewing of the Zoo’s Bornean orangutans inside an air-conditioned heat shelter.
And then, just when summer finishes making its dramatic exit, the dinosaurs arrive.
Dinosaurs in the Desert returns to the Phoenix Zoo on September 26, 2026, and runs through April 30, 2027, bringing more than 30 prehistoric species and 60-plus prehistoric creatures across the park. For the first time, the dinosaurs will be visible throughout the Zoo, turning the trails into a full-on ancient family reunion with Brachiosaurus, Ankylosaurus, Pteranodon, Tyrannosaurus and plenty of surprise encounters along the way.
The exhibit first debuted at the Zoo in 2017 and welcomed nearly 400,000 guests during its original run before returning in 2022. This new version expands the experience across the park with interactive signage at every display, connecting prehistoric life with the wildlife guests see today. More information is available at phoenixzoo.org/events/dinosaurs-in-the-desert.
“We are thrilled to bring dinosaurs back to the Phoenix Zoo on a scale we’ve never attempted before,” President and CEO Bert Castro says. “Spreading these incredible creatures throughout the Zoo allows us to highlight a wider range of prehistoric life, offering a unique educational journey that connects these giants of the past with the wildlife of today.”
Insider Takeaways
- SRP is bringing more than ten tons of snow to Phoenix Zoo animal habitats on Friday, June 12. Guests can catch animals like tigers, lions, otters, orangutans and Andean bears experiencing snow or cool treats.
- $20 Tuesdays happen June 9, July 14 and August 11, with foam parties, splash zones and family-friendly water play.
- Dinosaurs in the Desert returns September 26, 2026, with more than 30 prehistoric species spread across the Zoo.
- The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix.
To learn more, visit phoenixzoo.org.
