The Phoenix Zoo: Dinosaurs in the Desert. This month we visited the Phoenix Zoo. I will admit this is my first time at the zoo in several years. My wife visits frequently, but I haven’t been in several years. I took our two youngest children (ages 4 and 8). We had a great day!
Throughout the day we saw numerous animals, including alligators, flamingos, Andean bears, rhinoceros, monkeys, parrots, wolves, and elephants.
The dinosaur exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo: Dinosaurs in the Desert
It is available until April 30, 2023, and is included with general Phoenix Zoo admission.
The newest exhibit at the Phoenix Zoo is the dinosaur section. They have animatronic dinosaurs Spread out along the path and they make growling noises. There are probably about a dozen different dinosaurs, accented by the two largest dinosaurs at the end, and it’s a very lifelike dinosaur exhibit.
The exhibit features animatronic dinosaurs that make noise and move. There are signs adjacent to each dinosaur, listing facts and figures relevant to that dinosaur. Most of the dinosaurs seem to be life-size, but I’m sure there’s some room there for interpretation. Since the whole exhibit is outdoors, they must’ve found some extremely good ways to weatherproof them.
At the end of the exhibit, they have two very large dinosaurs which are in a battle stance. Our daughter, Claire, age 4, thought they were real for a minute and was frightened by the sounds. I guess that’s an indication that they’re lifelike. One of those dinosaurs is a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and I can’t remember the name of the other one.
There are lots of opportunities for cool pictures. At the end of the dinosaur exhibit is a gift shop which you can’t avoid.
If you’re planning on visiting the Phoenix Zoo soon, go and check out the Dinosaurs in the Desert exhibit!
Petting Zoo at Harmony Farm & Red Barn
And one of the other interesting areas of the Phoenix Zoo is the new playground and petting zoo. Today the petting zoo (in a Red Barn) only had goats, but we had a blast seeing them. I know that at other times they have dairy cows.
The Harmony Farm is for younger kids. They also have two old tractors that kids can climb, along with a giant farm-themed playground that is lots of fun.
Using a Pogo Pass at the Phoenix Zoo
We used a Pogo Pass to get into the Phoenix Zoo today. All we had to do was load up the Pogo Pass app by signing into our account. And then we showed the app at the entrance booth. It only took about 10 seconds.
A poem about visiting the zoo
The animals, the sounds, the smells are all so new
A world of discovery awaits, for me and you
The lions roar with might, the monkeys swing so free
A place where imaginations run, as far as they can see
The elephants they trumpet, while the giraffes they play
The kangaroos they bounce, in their natural way
The penguins glide with grace, and the snakes they slither near
A place of learning, laughter, and adventure, always so clear
The kids they laugh with joy, and their faces light with glee
A memory that will last, for all eternity
So come and take a trip, to the zoo with me
And see the world of wildlife, as wild as it can be.
Getting there
The Phoenix Zoo is located at 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Go their website to learn more.
