Philadelphia Zoo
America's first zoo, featuring innovative Zoo360 trails and diverse animal encounters for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Philadelphia Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's first zoo, featuring innovative Zoo360 trails and diverse animal encounters for all ages.
"A well-organized and engaging zoo with unique animal viewing experiences."
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging on weekends; be patient or arrive early.
🧺 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring your own lunch and drinks to save money and cater to picky eaters.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zoo360 Trails
Various animal enclosures
See animals like tigers and primates roam through overhead trails, offering unique viewing perspectives.
Lemur Island
Walkthrough exhibit
Get up close with ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs in this immersive walkthrough experience.
Big Cat Tunnels
Big cat enclosures
Watch lions and tigers move through special tunnels, providing a dynamic view of their habitat.
Flamingo Exhibit
Bird enclosures
Admire the vibrant flock of flamingos, a memorable sight for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online
Weekend Crowds & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging on weekends; be patient or arrive early.
🧺 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring your own lunch and drinks to save money and cater to picky eaters.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and time slot by purchasing tickets in advance online.
🗺️ Use the Zoo Map
The zoo map is very helpful for navigating the grounds and finding exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking can be challenging on weekends; be patient or arrive early.
🧺 Pack Your Own Snacks
Bring your own lunch and drinks to save money and cater to picky eaters.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and time slot by purchasing tickets in advance online.
🗺️ Use the Zoo Map
The zoo map is very helpful for navigating the grounds and finding exhibits.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Philadelphia Zoo for its engaging exhibits, particularly the innovative Zoo360 trails and immersive Lemur Island. The zoo is considered well-organized and easy to navigate, making it a great family-friendly outing. While some note limited food options and occasional construction, the overall experience is highly positive, with many visitors planning return trips.
"Visited the Philadelphia Zoo over the weekend and had a great experience. There was no wait to enter and the short walk from the parking garage to the main entrance made things super convenient. The zoo is easy to explore and takes about 3 hours to enjoy at a comfortable pace. The zoo map was extremely helpful and made it easy to find our way around. While there was some construction that took away from the atmosphere in a few areas, it didn’t majorly impact the visit. Food options were limited but there were a few food trucks and an ice cream shop that offered some quick and yummy choices. It's a clean, well organized zoo to enjoy with family or friends."
Elieana Caraballo
"I had an AMAZING time with my little one at the Philadelphia Zoo. The zoo is huge, packed with lots of exhibits and cool animals. We did not cover all but the bit we covered was memorable!
Seeing the beautiful flamingos was our highlight.
I highly recommend to all animal lovers, tourists and even locals. 💯
Kids Friendly ✅
Paid parking✅
Gift shop✅
🚻 Restroom ✅"
K A
"The Zoo Parking Garage was full so we had to park down the street at the giraffe lot. Parking is $19 and you paid online, but they didn't ask for a license plate or car description, so I don't think they even check to make sure you paid. Short walk to the zoo entrance. I have to say, the animal encounter experiences are EXPENSIVE! I almost got the tortoise one but it was $85/person for 20 minutes -- no way. We went as an adult couple looking to enjoy some animals and education, and I wish there was more information on the animal signs. The giraffes and lions had the individual animals' names listed, but I think it would be nice to do that for all of the animals -- maybe that's just me. I'm really into evolutionary science and I wish there were more evolutionary trees and information on extinct relatives for the animals. Overall, the enclosures were good except for the giraffes and tiger who were pacing in their small areas. Nearly all animals had somewhere to hide and not be seen which I think is very important because of how loud the zoo can get with all the visitors. I think that all the big animals need a bigger enclosure, even if it means that we can't see them easily from the sidewalks. I am aware of the ethical controversies of zoos, and I agree that big animals are not at all suited for city life. I know it attracts lots of people, but I think it would be more responsible to have these animals in much larger fields preferably in their own regions of origin if they cannot live wildly. I did really enjoy the reptile and amphibian building which had plenty of appropriate enclosures, but there were lots of loud kids and stressed parents (obviously, it's a zoo), so be aware of that so everyone stays safe."
Olivia Francisco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Philadelphia Zoo is located at 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Visitors can reach it by car, with a parking garage available, or via public transportation. SEPTA bus routes often stop nearby.
Yes, there is a parking garage, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Alternative parking lots are available nearby. Parking fees apply and are often paid online. +1
SEPTA buses are a convenient option for reaching the zoo. Check SEPTA's website for routes and schedules that serve the West Girard Avenue area.
Yes, several SEPTA bus routes provide access to the Philadelphia Zoo, making it a viable option for those relying on public transit.
The official address is 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Philadelphia Zoo typically range from $20-$29, depending on the day and whether you purchase in advance. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While tickets may be available at the gate, it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance to guarantee entry and a specific time slot, especially on weekends.
Look for online deals and consider membership options for potential savings if you plan to visit multiple times. Special event tickets, like for Luminature or Boo at the Zoo, may have separate pricing.
Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Philadelphia Zoo website for the most up-to-date operating hours for your planned visit date.
Yes, children under 2 years old typically receive free admission to the Philadelphia Zoo.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique Zoo360 trails for overhead animal viewing, the immersive Lemur Island, and the impressive big cat tunnels. The flamingo exhibit is also a popular highlight.
Absolutely! The zoo is very kid-friendly with engaging exhibits like Lemur Island and the Zoo360 trails. Many visitors find it compact enough to explore without tiring out little ones.
A comfortable pace to explore the Philadelphia Zoo usually takes around 3 hours. However, you could easily spend longer if you take your time at each exhibit or attend special programs.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own lunches and drinks into the zoo, which can be a great way to save money.
Stroller rentals are available at the Philadelphia Zoo, but they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options can be limited, but you'll find some choices like food trucks and an ice cream shop. Bringing your own snacks and meals is a popular and cost-effective alternative. +1
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted and encouraged by many visitors to save money and ensure you have options your child enjoys.
While specific menus can change, food trucks and snack shops may offer some vegetarian options. It's best to check with vendors on-site for current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The Zoo360 trails offer unique angles for capturing animals in motion. Lemur Island and the big cat enclosures also provide great photo opportunities.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For professional shoots or commercial use, it's advisable to check the zoo's specific photography policy on their website.
While most personal photography is fine, avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. Always be mindful of other visitors and zoo rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Lemur Island is a particular hit with children, allowing for close encounters. Special events like Boo at the Zoo and Luminature offer themed fun throughout the year, making for memorable family outings.
+1 Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to avoid queues and secure your preferred entry time. 💰 Budget Travelers
couples
The Luminature holiday event provides a particularly romantic and magical atmosphere during the winter months. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Zoo360 Trails
This system not only offers a unique perspective for guests but also promotes enrichment for the animals, allowing them more freedom of movement and a greater sense of territory. It’s a testament to the zoo’s commitment to modern, welfare-focused animal care. When visiting, keep an eye out for the various Zoo360 paths, as they are integrated throughout the zoo and offer exciting glimpses of animals in a more dynamic environment.
Visitors often rave about the novelty and excitement of seeing animals like tigers roam above them. It’s a feature that truly sets the Philadelphia Zoo apart and is a must-see for anyone interested in animal behavior and innovative zoo design.
Seasonal Events and Activities
+1During the winter holidays, Luminature lights up the zoo with a spectacular display of festive illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike.
Beyond these major events, the zoo may also offer special animal encounters, educational programs, and themed weekends, providing diverse reasons to visit throughout the year. Always check the official Philadelphia Zoo website for the latest event schedules and ticketing information.
Animal Welfare and Enclosures
This innovative approach aims to enrich the animals' lives and offer visitors more dynamic viewing experiences. While many enclosures are well-regarded, some reviews mention that certain animals, like giraffes and tigers, might appear to pace in their spaces, suggesting a desire for even larger habitats.
Visitors interested in the ethical considerations of zoos will find that the Philadelphia Zoo strives to balance conservation efforts with visitor engagement, though discussions about optimal habitat sizes for large animals continue within the zoological community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit