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 across 42 acres, making it an adventurous and lively day trip for all ages. With plenty of unique experiences, like the Zoo360 trails that hover above you while you walk, where 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 at The Philadelphia Zoo. Ready to plan? Scroll down for what to know about the Philadelphia Zoo. (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 animal species, including rare and endangered furry friends, you can have a worldwide experience among 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. And 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 use a brush to feed the animals while learning to care for them respectfully (an educator is on standby to oversee all the hands-on activities). Inside the building, you’ll find bright, colorful exhibits on animal movement, communication, and habitats, along with small critters like tree frogs, rats, degus, insects, and lizards, all 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
With a bunch of attractions within the zoo, spending time at one or all of them is an enriching experience. Take a trip on the Wild Explorer, a virtual reality encounter where you can dive into the ocean, fly over Africa’s savannah, or walk through the forest in 360-degree realism. Then, ride the SEPTA PZ Express Train around the zoo and stop at the Amazon Rainforest Carousel. Walk through Wings of the World to see vibrant birds up close, and even hand-feed some. If giraffes are your favorite, get tickets for the Giraffe Experience to meet them. Don’t miss ZOOtopiaries in spring, the first of its kind in North America, where you can see five large mosaic topiary scenes.
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 offers grab-and-go snacks along the way. There are also two food trucks, Colbie’s 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 for assorted Mini Melts ice cream flavors, or to Backyard Kitchen for food, plant-based options, and 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 Run Wild For The Zoo 5K, Member Morning Strolls, 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
FAQs
When can I visit the zoo?
The Philadelphia Zoo is open year-round, daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM until October 31, when the hours change.
How much is admission?
Admission to the zoo varies by day for visitors aged 2 and up; it’s free for members and for children under 2, with additional costs for experiences.
How much is parking?
Parking is available for $22 per car, and it’s free for members.
Can I learn more about the zoo?
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.
To learn more about the Philadelphia Zoo, visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
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