Posts Tagged Phoenix Zoo Week

Phoenix Zoo Lights 2009 – Our Trip [Zoo Week]

Phoenix Zoo Lights 2009 Scary Faces
It is known iTourAz loves many things Arizona, and we have also professing our love for the Phoenix Zoo. We made it to the Phoenix Zoo on December 22, 2009. For me, it was my first experience at Zoo Lights. I have heard many great things about it so I was eager to go. We took our 2 sons, and our 5 year old niece. Needless to say they loved it!

I actually enjoyed it myself. The phoenix Zoo Light Display boasts 2.5 million lights and 500 light “sculptures”…Well, put down the false advertising lawsuits because they are CORRECT! The place was lit up like my uncle on New Years Eve, and there was probably MORE that 2.5 million lights. They had an amazing light show that was choreographed by music. Unfortunately, the one we watched, we could only catch the end, but that amount was pretty cool. The music was pretty intense and I am mad we missed it. I guess another reason to visit the Zoo Lights Display again.

The sculptures was the highlight for the kids. They kept screaming out the names of the sculpture and acting silly, and we did manage to catch a few animals out and about. The zebras were practically close enough to touch and I think the badgers were showing off!

Overall, Phoenix Zoo Lights was well worth the $9.00 per person we paid. Sun -Thurs they are discounted to $9.00. Unfortunately, kids and adults are the same price unless your child is 2 or under, then they are free. The last thing on the way out was a Carousel. It is bright and shiny with fun music, so of course we had to go on it. I have 2 young children who were a little scared at first, but as time went on they loved it. And for $2 per child it is well worth it. And for the “older” kids…yeah I mean the parents…They let you on for free to assist your child.! Yep, a little inside number from the iTourAz team, but don’t go blasting it everywhere, you saw what happened to Martha Stewart.


So there you have it. Phoenix Zoo Lights is getting thumbs up from this iTourAz teamster, and I will definitely go back next year. The Zooo is Coooo!!

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5 Things You Wouldn’t Think of Doing at the Phoenix Zoo, But You Will Now! [Phoenix Zoo Week]

There are so many things to do at the Phoenix Zoo in Tempe, Arizona. We wanted to highlight some of the uncommon things that you wouldn’t normally think about doing at the zoo. Here are the top 5:

Photo Courtesy of @gnoble760

1. Hold an Event – I had my rehearsal dinner at the zoo and it was a blast! There are over 16 locations that you can choose from. When we first had the idea I was worried about it smelling like animals during the party, but that was not the case when we went to check it out. They have several packages to choose from that include animal visits, train rides and catering. We had a great party and the event coordinator was great!

This is also a great venue for team building events. I have been on a scavenger hunt at the zoo that was followed by a dinner with prizes for the winning teams. This was a great event, however, you need to make sure you pick the right time of year for outside event, since it gets pretty hot here!

2. Camping – This is a great way for kids and adults to see a different side of the zoo. You get to go on a night hike and a private safari train tour. It is less work than packing everything up to go camping in northern Arizona.

3. Have a Picnic – This is a DIY (Do It Yourself) way to have fun at the zoo and save some money. You can bring in your own ice chest/cooler with food (as well as all the other necessary picnic gear). There are several locations that you can use. There are even picnic benches at the various food court areas.

4. Zoo Keeper for a Day – That’s right, you too can be a Zoo Keeper! How much fun would that be. You help maintain the habitats, prepare food, monitor the animals, fill out reports and talk to zoo guests. This is great hands on experience with the animals!

5. Rent Bikes or Boats – You can ride all over the zoo on a bike. This is much faster than walking and more entertaining than riding the stationary bike at the gym. You can also bring your own bike or skates, so you don’t have to rent them.

The boat rides go through the large lake in the middle of the zoo. You can have up to 4 people leisurely cruise along on one of these. If you are a regular zoo member, it might be fun to try something new!


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