Reid Park Zoo

Founded in 1965, the Reid Park Zoo offers guests a chance to learn about and explore the animal kingdom. Operating with a mission to encourage the conservation of biological diversity and to provide a fun and educational experiences for all; the zoo is home to hundreds of animal species from around the world. Take a tour around the zoo and visit the polar bears, flamingos, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, tigers and so much more. Be sure to visit Shaba, the zoo’s African elephant—she loves to create beautiful art. Feel the love between the two African lions Kitabu and Kaya—as they play all day. Then, check out the super cute Giraffe habitat, they're the tallest land animals at the zoo!

There’s a lot to do at the Zoo! In the summer, the Zoo Caper Summer Camp is a fun way to spend the day for kids ages 6-11. Campers will get to explore the zoo and play games all day, each week session runs from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. ($210 per week). Then, on Friday nights from May 21-July 9, the Reid Park Zoo offers Summer Safari Nights. Visitors can enjoy the zoo and relax under the cool evening skies. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the smooth sounds of jazz music. There are also a variety of family fun activities, games, face painting and more ($5-$8 admission).

Cool down and splash around in the Kenya Get Wet water play area—be sure to bring a towel. Then, take a ride on the Zoo Express train ($2) and explore the Wild Ideas exhibit where you’ll find games, crafts and animals to play with. Activities vary from day to day so be sure to check the daily schedule when you arrive. For preschoolers, the Zoo offers the Little Critters program which includes a walking tour of the zoo, crafts, hands-on animal encounters and other fun activities ($10 for one child and one adult).

HelloTucson Tip: Become a zoo member and enjoy free admission, members-only events and discounts on zoo merchandise. Also, members enjoy the park during the cooler morning hours on Saturday-Sunday. The Zoo opens to the public at 9 a.m. but members can visit early and catch a glimpse of the zoo keepers as they prepare exhibits by feeding, cleaning and caring for the animals. 
 

- by Jennifer Pruett, Tucson Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.