Starry Safari returns June 6

With the weather getting hot, hot, hot, it's time to do things in the evenings and early mornings.

For an evening option, the Phoenix Zoo kicks off its Starry Safari Friday Nights (6-9 p.m.) on June 6. The themes will vary each Friday. This first Friday is “Mascot Mania” - which means mascots will make appearances. Expect ASU’s Sparky, the Phoenix Suns Gorilla, the Diamondback’s Baxter and others.

There also will be water slides, bounce houses, animal talks, camel and train rides (for a fee) and a toddler area for smaller children. And some animal exhibits will be open until dusk, including MonkeyVillage.

Cost to get into Starry Safari is $4 per person. If you are a Zoo member, you get in for $3. Bring extra money for food and drinks, as the concessions will be open.

Starry Safari continues through Aug. 8. Information: phoenixzoo.org or 602-273-1341.

Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.