One could easily spend an entire day at Wildlife World and not see everything. A four-building aquarium houses marine life large and small, while the recently expanded Safari Park lets visitors get close to lions, wildebeest, giraffes, and other African animals on a self-guided walking tour or tram ride. The zoo area is home to more than 600 different species from around the globe, including a white rhinoceros and other endangered animals. Zookeepers present free animal talks, feedings, and other demonstrations throughout the day. For an extra thrill, visitors can ride a boat, train, and a handful of amusement rides at the park’s Adventureland.
Wildlife World is located in Litchfield, Arizona, about 30 minutes northwest of Phoenix. Plenty of free parking is available on site.
The zoo is open 365 days a year, including all holidays. Visit on a weekday for fewer crowds. Check the daily schedule for zookeeper demos and feeding times.
Families traveling with young children will find plenty to do at Wildlife World. Little-kid favorites include the Safari Park Train and Adventureland carousel, while older kids ready for thrills can take a spin on the Soaring Eagle zipline or Vertigo spinning swings. Sea lion shows at Shipwreck Cove and adorable animals at the nursery are also a hit. When hunger strikes, the Congo Cooker and Safari Grill offer picky-eater options like pizza, fries, and ice cream.