Animal Parks

Bearizona Drive through the habitats of this wildlife park, where bears, wolves, bison and other animals walk up to vehicles as if they’re part of the scenery. bearizona.com

Butterfly Pavilion Tucked inside Desert Botanical Garden, this 3,200-square-foot structure offers interactive opportunities for visitors to view all stages of a butterfly’s life. dbg.org

Butterfly Wonderland Occassionally, a butterfly or two will land on an unsuspecting visitor. Here’s a tip: Wear bright colors to attract these delicate winged creatures. butterflywonderland.com

OUT OF AFRICA WILDLIFE PARK

THING TO KNOW:

The employees at Out of Africa stress one thing: This place is not a zoo. Rather, it’s an immersive experience that offers the visitors the sensation of being in a real-life African bush safari. Animals from all over Africa and Asia wander about in spacious habitats, and guests will be surprised by how up-close and personal they’ll be able to get. Take fence-free photos from expertly placed viewing platforms, and make sure to check out the freeroaming safaris and splendid habitats.

DON’T MISS:

Out of Africa boasts the world-renowned Tiger Splash show, in which Bengal tigers interact with each other and their keepers in a large aquatic play land. For the best cannot-miss experience, go inside the sloth enclosure and have a one-on-one encounter with one of the most fascinating and adorable creatures of all time: the two-toed sloth.

INFORMATION: outofafricapark.com

Grand Canyon Deer Farm Located on Old Route 66 in Williams, this large petting zoo is 10 acres of absolute animal wonderland filled with friendly deer, bison, wallabies, llamas and more. deerfarm.com

Keepers of the Wild Embark on a wild journey through a 175acre canyon in Valentine and see more than 130 indigenous and wild animals. keepersofthewild.org

OdySea Aquarium The aquarium is home to more than 30,000 animals in 65 exhibits. See penguins, sharks, otters and more; touch stingrays and Russian sturgeons; or don a wetsuit for an underwater walk. odyseaaquarium.com

R Lazy J Wildlife Ranch With a focus on conservation, this sanctuary in Eager offers guided tours featuring camels, cheetahs, leopards, zebras, llamas and more. rlazyjranch.com

Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch This third-generation family-owned working ostrich ranch has been a Southern Arizona favorite since 1999. Feed the ostriches as well as donkeys, goats, deer, rainbow lorikeets and more. roostercogburn.com

Sea Life Arizona Aquarium The 26,000-square-foot interactive aquarium, located inside Arizona Mills in Tempe, contains thousands of aquatic creatures, plus interactive touch pools and a 360-degree ocean tunnel. visitsealife.com/arizona