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!!

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!

Picture courtesy of @darrenrowse

As we have told you, The Phoenix Zoo is the Nation’s Largest nonprofit zoological park. Nor does the Phoenix Zoo receive public subsidies for operational expenses. In other words..they earn their own money! That being said, they don’t print money at the Phoenix Zoo. They rely on the good folks of Arizona for many funding ventures. The Zoo is always working diligently to find fun, exciting ways to raise funds. They take donations, they sell bricks, they host events, and are always reaching out to help the community. iTourAz loves the Zoo and loves when Az reaches out. The Phoenix Zoo is quickly becoming a major tourist attraction and staple of the valley of the sun. Helping the Phoenix Zoo is helping a great cause. and here are 5 good ways to help out.

1. Use the Internet: Being that we are tech junkies here at iTourAz, this one has landed on the top of the list. GoodSearch.com. This is a search engine, powered by yahoo, that donates HALF of their revenue to charities. The Phoenix Zoo has partnered up with them. Using this search engine, just as you would google.com or yahoo.com, will generate about 1 penny for every search. This is awesome! It costs you nothing but your time. Times are tough, but this is a fantastic way to help.
2. Hold an Event: Arizonians like to paarrteaay!. As an ultra friendly community, the valley of the sun is known to gather. Why not use the Zoo as your next gathering place. If you are sampling new perfumes I will understand if you don’t, however, any other gathering will work. If you are planning to get together for birthdays, quinceaneras, business meetings, or even getting hitched. The Zoo is the place to go. As a matter of fact, iTourAz has experience with the Zoo and Weddings, send us an email and we can explain the magic!
3. Become a Guardian: By becoming a Guardian, you enter into an elite group at the Phoenix Zoo. This is a group of individuals dedicated to philanthropy and animal conservation. This membership earns you some bragging rights as well as some free swag such as tickets to zoo light, many discounts, and invitations to exclusive Zoo Previews, Black-Tie and Guardian events. So if you have the money and the heart…Get it Done!!
4. Purchase a Tile: This is another fun, low cost way to donate and see some cool results. The Zoo recently upraded their hospital that takes care of their animals. This is one of the most important endeavors at the Zoo. No vets = No Zoo therefore they are selling commemorative tiles that are placed on their “Wild Wall.” Just outside the Joyce Corrigan Memorial Care Center, the wall is displayed with your name on the tile showing the world your support. Tile prices range from $150 – $350 depending on the size you would like to purchase.
5. Sponsor an Animal: This idea allows you to be a special parent of the Zoo. If you thought you spent alot of money at the grocery think again….The Phoenx Zoo spends over $200,000 a year on food. Simply choose from the list of animals they have displayed and help them care for their children.

Phoenix Zoo is clearly one of our favorite places to visit and we want to keep it growing. Simply taking your kids to the Phoenix Zoo is a great way to help as well. Have fun and see you there!

1) Breakfast with the Animals-  A great and fun way to give your kids a personal tour of the Zoo.  It includes crafts, Meet some of the Zoo Animals and have breakfast.  Limited dates and times.  Reservations Required.

2) Winter Camp- Over the Winter Break get your kids out and about discovering the world and it’s animals!  This unique program let’s kids from 5-12 explore the zoo.  The kids will go on Zoo hikes, Meet the animals, Have Science Lessons and make crafts.  Limited Dates and Times. Reservations Required.  Lunch not provided.

3) Wilderness Night Camp- Talk about fun!  7-17yrs accompanied by adult.  Pitch a tent on the Zoo’s main lake shore, Make a fire, grill some dinner, then yummy hot smores.  Then take a night Zoo walk.  Meet some of the animals and spend the night.  Wake up to breakfast and a private safari train ride! ** They do offer a version of this for kids 5 and up! During Zoo Lights Also…

4) Giraffe Encounter- New!  For $3.00 per person you can gain access to an observation deck and hand feed the Giraffe’s.  This exhibit it new to the Zoo and a great way to bring the animals to you!  I bet you’ve never seen one this close up before!

5) The Petting Zoo-  Who doesn’t love to feed the animals??  Here you will have a great experience getting up close and personal with many zoo and farm animals!  Just watch out for your belongings!

There is definitely more fun things to do with your kids at the Phoenix Zoo, but iTourAz feels these are the top 5. Some are pricey but probably well worth the memories. Here are some links to a few more fun things the Phoenix Zoo has to offer….

Phoenix Zoo Lights 2009

Fisher Price Play Weekend

Tails & Trails: Desert CSI (Critter Scene Investigators)

1. The Phoenix Zoo is the Nation’s Largest nonprofit zoological park that does not receive public subsidies for its operation!
2. The Phoenix Zoo is responsible for the existence of the Arabian Oryx successfully breeding them back from the brink of extinction.
3. More that 42 million people have visited the Phoenix Zoo since it opened its doors in 1962.
4. The Phoenix Zoo has been a field trip destination for more than 5 million children!
5. More than 200 endangered species call the Phoenix Zoo their home.
6. There are 2.5 Million Lights used for the Phoenix Zoo’s Annual ZooLights Event!
7. It takes over 2,400 man-hours to install all the lights for the Phoenix Zoo’s Annual Zoo Lights Event!
8. Gaia, a female Komodo Dragon that is part of the Phoenix Zoo’s newest exhibit (Land of the Dragons at the Phoenix Zoo), is the first Komodo Dragon in North America to Lay and hatch eggs with out a male mate.
9. The Phoenix Zoo was originally named the “Maytag Zoo” in honor of it’s founder Robert Maytag.
10. The Phoenix Zoo has about 1,200 animals on exhibit at any given time!

An awesome animal from the Phoenix Zoo

The four of us here at iTourAZ.com are huge fans of the Phoenix Zoo and so we’ve dubbed this week Phoenix Zoo week! We’ve got lots of exiting blog posts planned so stay tuned for some great posts from the entire team.

Photo Courtesy of @kevinspencer

A little bit about why we chose the Phoenix Zoo as one of our themes weeks:
Well, for starters, they are a fantastic organization that has become a staple of visiting the the Phoenix Metro area as well as Arizona in General. The Phoenix Zoo is home to some 1300 animals and is the largest privately funded zoo in the nation! Additionally the Phoenix Zoo has recently been voted into the list of top 5 zoo’s for children! Though only recently voted on to this list we’ve been enjoying the the Phoenix Zoo since we were children and was a top vacation spot destination for us before we lived in this great state of Arizona!

There’s so much to see and do at the Phoenix Zoo and we plan on sharing our favorite activities, memories, and events that enjoy at the Phoenix Zoo! Here’s a little sample list of some of the articles we’re working on for Phoenix Zoo Week!

1. The top 10 fun facts about the Phoenix Zoo.
2. The top 10 exhibits at the Phoenix Zoo.
3. Support the Phoenix Zoo – 5 Ways you can Help!
4. Kids Corner: THe Top 5 Things to do with your Kids at the Phoenix Zoo
5. Five things you wouldn’t think of doing at the Zoo… but now will

So, stay tuned folks… we’ve got lots of great content on the Phoenix Zoo coming your way!

Please let us know if there is a particular topic or question about the Phoenix Zoo you would like to have answered by hitting us up in the comments!

Courtesy of @deserttrumpet

Every year in the this wonderful valley we call Phoenix Arizona, a staple of the community hosts and annual shindig for your viewing pleasure. This event is call Zoo Lights. Held at the Phoenix Zoo starting November 26 until January 10th. It is available every night from 6-10pm. I will ask the question for you. “What exactly is a Zoo Light?”

Zoo Lights is the annual event at the Phoenix Zoo in which the staff create a magical light show of custom-made Christmas lights in the form of animals and nature light sculptures. The animals go down for sleepy and the lights come on. I will warn you, The Phoenix Zoo is no slouch, they take their lights serious. They have over 2.5 million lights, and over 500 sculptures! Many of the animals can’t get enough of the spot light so you are sure to see a few wondering around at night, creating an awesome display for everyone.

This year will be even better. Zoo Lights is boasting a Komodo Dragon exhibit this year. New to the Zoo, this display will definitely be Awesome. They will also have a plethora of other activities including, “music in motion” which is a dancing tree show, Horse-drawn wagon rides, carousel rides and camel rides….aanndd JENGO RETURNS! this will be his 5th year, and if you have been living under a rock and don’t know Jengo, I guess you will have to visit Zoo Lights this year and see it for yourself!

iTourAz is a HUGE fan of the Phoenix Zoo. We will be posting many informational articles about the Zoo and all it has to offer. It is a great place for everyone. Rated one of the nations top 5 Zoos for kids, it is no wonder that it is so popular. We plan to enlighten you would be travelers on some lists that we feel are exciting for the Phoenix Zoo. Fun Facts, Exhibits you will look forward to, how to make a difference and help the zoo, kids corner…etc. Ok Sparky don’t get to excited!

This year the Phoenix Zoo is offering tickets at a measly $10 for Friday and Saturday or at a discount of $9.00 valid Sun-Thursday. I heard the cocoa and cider lines were so long even iTourAz members couldn’t wait that long, and I promise you have no idea the importance of cocoa or cider around here! So… lesson be learned. The Phoenix Zoo will pack the house for Zoo Lights 2010…..be there or be square!!