Just across the state border is the Philadelphia Zoo, but this isn’t just any zoo—it’s America’s first official zoo, having opened its doors in 1874. Today, it’s home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals spanning 42 acres of property, making it a fun day trip for all ages. And there are plenty of different ways to experience them, including the unique Zoo360 trails that hover above you while you walk, where animals like big cats and monkeys walk along the mesh-enclosed walkways that stretch across the zoo. Whether you want to hear the African Lion’s roar at the Big Cat Falls, learn how to groom barnyard animals at the KidZooU, or watch the penguins swim above you and touch the glass when they get close, you can find it all here at The Philadelphia Zoo. Read on to find out more about making a trip to the zoo and what to expect during a day trip. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

A Day At The Philadelphia Zoo

There are giraffes to see at the Philadelphia Zoo. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

Meet the animals

With over 1,900 species of animals, along with rare and endangered furry friends, it’s safe to say you can spend the whole day here with animals that span the seven continents. Start your adventure at Big Cat Falls, where you can get up close to lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars lounging in lush, waterfall-lined habitats. Make your way to the PECO Primate Reserve, where gorillas, orangutans, and gibbons call home in their recreated jungle space. One of the most fascinating spots is the Rare Animal Conservation Center, which features lesser-known species like red pandas, tree kangaroos, and aye-ayes—your kids may recognize them from Madagascar movies—the lemur with big eyes. From there, head to the African Plains, home to zebras, rhinos, giraffes, and hippos that swim in their water source. Over in McNeil Avian Center, you can walk through a free-flight aviary where tropical birds zip right past your head. And don’t miss KidZooU to see the chickens, goats, and alpacas that roam around the farm petting area. One thing to note as you travel on the zoo paths: Don’t forget to look up. You’ll see Zoo360, an overhead system of mesh trails that lets monkeys, big cats, and even lemurs wander above you—making it feel like you’re the one being watched.

Visit the Barnyard at KidZooU

Want to get a hands-on experience at the zoo? Make a beeline to KidZooU, where the barnyard setting is built for little hands and legs to explore friendly animals, like miniature goats, sheep, alpacas, chickens, and even a tiny humped cow called a zebu. Kids can take a brush and feed the animals, while learning to take care of them in a respectful way (an educator is on standby to oversee all the hands-on activities).  Inside the building, you’ll find bright, colorful exhibits about animal movement, communication, and habitats, along with small critters like tree frogs, rats, degus, insects, and lizards in cleverly designed displays at kid-height. There are touchscreens, interactive games, and even a climbing structure that mimics how animals move through different environments.

See all the pretty birds at the Philadelphia Zoo. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

Enjoy one of the unique attractions

Stopping at one of Philadelphia Zoo’s attractions brings to life the zoo experience and enriches a regular visit.  Take a virtual reality adventure at the Wild Explorer Experience, where you can explore the ocean’s depths, soar above the plains of Africa, and move through the forest with a 360-degree, realistic experience. Then, ride through the zoo on the SEPTA PZ Express Train and get off to hop onto the Amazon Rainforest Carousel. You can also walk through the Wings of the World, where you’ll see a variety of colorful birds up close and personal, or even hand-feed the birds. Love giraffes? Grab tickets to the Giraffe Experience to meet giraffes and feed them. Make sure you also stop at ZOOtopiaries, the first experience in any zoo in North America, where you will see five gigantic mosaic topiary scenes, and climb on the Wildlife Rescue Climbable Sculptures. 

Stop for a bite to eat

When you’re hungry for a bite, you can find plenty of dining options to fuel up. At the Tiger Terrace, the menu is diverse with Chickie’s and Pete’s crab fries, burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, and mozzarella sticks, and you can sit down while you eat. The Tiger Terrace Express Market has grab-and-go food for snacks along the way. There are also two food trucks, Colbies Food Truck and Eat Drink Taco Truck, for a unique experience at the zoo. If you are in the mood for a sweet treat, head to Mini Melts, which has assorted Mini Melts ice cream flavors and Churro Churro with freshly made churros, popcorn, and canned beverages. 

Have fun at an event

Thanks to the daily events, the zoo makes even a regular visit extra special (be sure to visit their events calendar online to see what’s going on the day you go). There are events like the Wildlife Spotlight Series that focuses on giraffes, Soccer Day for all the soccer fans, birthday parties for the animals, sensory-friendly events, and even a mystery adventure to uncover the zoo’s secrets. When it starts to cool off, it’s great to stop by for Boo At The Zoo for treats in your favorite costumes. And during the holiday season, the zoo gets a glow up with over a million twinkling lights, performers, a sparkling waterfall, and a vine wall featuring a dazzling display.

The Philadelphia Zoo has something for all ages. Photo Credit: NJ MOM

What to know before you go

The Philadelphia Zoo is open year-round and daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM until October 31, 2025 when the hours shift. Admission to the zoo ranges from $20-$34 for visitors aged 2 and up, free for members, and free for children under 2, with additional costs for experiences. Parking is available for $19 per car. If you want more details about the zoo, book a guided tour to learn more about historic locations and conservation efforts by the zoo and its international partners. A guided tour is $8 per person and is available Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:30 AM. Keep in mind there is construction throughout 2025, which has made temporary exhibits for some animals, as the zoo undergoes a renovation of Bear Country, set to re-open in 2026. 

To learn more about the Philadelphia Zoo, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.