Philadelphia Zoo
About
As America's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo offers families an unforgettable experience with 1,900 animals and the groundbreaking Zoo360 trail system that lets big cats, primates, and other animals travel overhead in see-through mesh tunnels. Kids go wild for the interactive giraffe feeding experiences and watching gorillas, tigers, and red pandas roam above them throughout the zoo.
Highlights
- ✓Zoo360 overhead trail system where animals walk above visitors
- ✓Giraffe feeding experiences at Giraffe Overlook
- ✓KidZooU interactive children's zoo with petting areas and water play
- ✓Big Cat Falls featuring jaguars, pumas, and tigers
- ✓Historic Victorian architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (9:30 AM) when animals are most active and crowds are lightest,many animals rest during afternoon heat.
- 2.Reserve giraffe feeding tickets online in advance as they sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
- 3.Bring a wagon or comfortable stroller as the 42-acre zoo involves significant walking, though the paths are well-paved.
- 4.Download the zoo map app beforehand to plan your route around animal feeding times and keeper talks.
- 5.Pack your own snacks and lunch to save money, as there are plenty of shaded picnic areas throughout the grounds.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (Monday, Thursday, or Friday) during spring or fall for comfortable weather, smaller crowds, and active animals. Summer weekends are the busiest, while winter visits offer unique experiences with fewer visitors, though some outdoor exhibits may have limited viewing.
What to Know
Admission tickets should be purchased online in advance (general admission around $25-30 for adults, less for children). Parking is available on-site for an additional fee. Several food stations are scattered throughout, though outside food is permitted. The zoo is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Seasonal Notes
The zoo is open year-round with reduced winter hours (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Spring and fall offer ideal weather for walking. Summer features extended evening hours for select events. Holiday-themed LumiNature light experience runs during winter months (separate ticket required).
Nearby Eats
Spot Burger is a family-friendly spot about 10 minutes away with great burgers and milkshakes. Trolley Car Cafe (adjacent to the zoo) offers casual sandwiches, pizza, and kid favorites if you need a quick bite before or after your visit.
More Activities Near Philadelphia
Elmwood Park Zoo
Elmwood Park Zoo is a perfectly-sized zoo for families with young children, offering an intimate animal experience without the overwhelming crowds of larger facilities. As the world's first Certified Autism Center zoo, it provides sensory-friendly experiences and accommodations that make visits comfortable for all children, plus the exciting Treetop Adventures zip line course for adventurous kids.
Fairmount Park
Fairmount Park is a sprawling urban oasis offering families endless opportunities for outdoor adventure across more than 2,000 acres in Philadelphia. With its extensive trail network, playgrounds, historic sites, and wide-open green spaces perfect for picnics and play, this massive park system provides a natural escape where kids can run, explore, and connect with nature without leaving the city.
Morris Arboretum & Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania
Morris Arboretum offers an unforgettable nature adventure just minutes from Philadelphia, where kids can walk through the treetops on a spectacular 50-foot-high canopy walk and explore 92 acres of stunning gardens. This isn't just a quiet stroll,children can discover hidden garden sculptures, climb through a giant treehouse, and experience nature from perspectives they've never imagined.
Independence Hall
Independence Hall is where American history truly comes alive for families! Kids can stand in the very rooms where the Founding Fathers debated and signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The free Junior Ranger program keeps children engaged throughout the visit, and the knowledgeable park rangers make history accessible and exciting even for younger visitors.