There is a reason that zoos and aquariums are a staple of many family vacations. These wonderful locations help foster a sense of wonder and imagination in the natural world. Seeing a wild animal up close always creates a memorable moment, especially for a child. Many of the zoos in Phoenix provide this very experience and at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a family friendly day trip or just something fun to do for the day aside from the usual museum and sightseeing, consider one of the several Phoenix zoos and aquariums.

One of the Phoenix zoos located directly within the Phoenix city limits is the Phoenix Zoo. This is a great place to take kids as it is close and relatively cheap. This zoo charges $18 dollars per adult and $9 for each child. Housed in the middle of Papago Park, the Phoenix Zoo's entrance is just off of the Galvin Parkway, at 455 N. Galvin Parkway. One of the popular attractions is the Giraffe Encounter, where you can get up close and personal with the majestic animals and feed them—for just $5. One of the most heavily-visited zoos in Phoenix, this zoo offers camel rides, a stingray bay, an exciting monkey village, and the ever-popular petting zoo. If you're looking for a relatively cheap day trip in the Phoenix area, this is the place to go.

If it is an aquarium you are looking for, the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium is an excellent selection. Located about twenty minutes outside of Phoenix in Tempe, Arizona at 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, this attraction is well worth the drive. For just $10 dollars per person if the tickets are bought online (prices rise to $18 for adults and $11 for kids at the ticket window), this aquarium provides an engaging day of exploration. With a giant Pacific octopus, an interactive rock pool where you can hold a crab and touch a starfish, and daily shark feeding times, the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium is an exemplary family-friendly destination in Phoenix.

If you are willing to spend a little bit more money and travel a bit farther, the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best Phoenix zoos, with a jam-packed day of animal sightings. Located about forty minutes outside of Phoenix in Litchfield Park, Arizona, this is a combination zoo and aquarium. The price of admission for adults (13+) is $27.50 while the price for children is $14.25. There are additional charges for several of the rides. A baby animal nursery, aquatic predator area that houses a giant moray eel and an albino alligator, and a thrilling Australian boat ride ($2 a person) make the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium the perfect addition to your trip to Phoenix, especially if you have little ones in tow.

The Phoenix zoos and aquariums are a great complement to any Phoenix getaway. Combine one or more of these day trips with a night or two in many of the choice hotels in Phoenix and you will create a family vacation that you and your family will remember for years to come. The joy of seeing animals up close is one that quickly enchants a child and provides a great learning experience. Whether you decide to visit the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium or the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, each trip will provide a fulfilling experience. Consider booking early and finding cheap hotel rooms in Phoenix for a trip on a budget.