My favorite pic of the night - the  view of the goat barn from the other side of the duck pond
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Lehigh Valley Zoo

4.4
·5k reviews·Schnecksville, United States

A charming zoo offering close encounters with diverse animals like giraffes, penguins, and red pandas, perfect for a family day out.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend Mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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My favorite pic of the night - the  view of the goat barn from the other side of the duck pond

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Best Time

Weekend Mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming zoo offering close encounters with diverse animals like giraffes, penguins, and red pandas, perfect for a family day out.

4.4
(5k reviews)

"The fact that we were able to be so close to all the animals was amazing."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Giraffe Feeding Early

Giraffe feeding is popular! Book tickets in advance and arrive 15 mins prior to your slot.

☀️ Beat the Heat

Visit in the morning for cooler temps and more active animals. Bring water bottles!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding Encounter

Giraffe Feeding Encounter

Giraffe Habitat

Get up close and personal with giraffes, offering a unique feeding experience that's a visitor favorite.

Penguin Pavilion

Penguin Pavilion

Penguin Pavilion

Watch playful penguins waddle and dive in their dedicated habitat, a charming attraction for all ages.

Rothrock Red Panda Peak

Rothrock Red Panda Peak

Red Panda Habitat

Discover the newly opened habitat for adorable red pandas, designed to meet AZA standards.

Otter Exhibit

Otter Exhibit

Otter Habitat

Meet Luani and Piper, the zoo's resident otters, known for their playful antics.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Arrive early, especially on weekends, to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Booking tickets online in advance can save time at the entrance. Consider weekdays for a more relaxed experience.

Giraffe Feeding Fun

Giraffe feeding sessions are a highlight but require advance planning. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time to secure your spot, as they only allow one group at a time.

Best Times

When
Weekend Mornings
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Quieter, more relaxed pace
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Enjoy animals before heat
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @GameKnightOTRT #lehighvalleyzoo #lvzoo #zoo #otter #poopdance
@lauren.paparo
278.9K likes • 1.7M views

🎟️ Book Giraffe Feeding Early

Giraffe feeding is popular! Book tickets in advance and arrive 15 mins prior to your slot. Instagram

☀️ Beat the Heat

Visit in the morning for cooler temps and more active animals. Bring water bottles! TikTok

Respuesta a @Chalas Mendez 📍📍5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078. #summertrip #PA #pensilvania #hazleton #momlife #lehighvalley #lehighvalleypa
@despuesdemadres
1.5K likes • 24.7K views
The Lehigh Valley Zoo 🦓 🦒 🐢 Parking is easy and close. You can buy tickets online in advance or at the door. We bought the additional giraffe feeding tickets. You will want to get in line to do that about 15 minutes before the activity begins so you don’t have to wait as long for your turn. They do only allow one group at a time at the feeding station so it was nice to be able to enjoy it a bit ...
lehighvalleylove
4 likes • 149 views

🚗 Free Parking Available

Enjoy complimentary parking, a nice perk for a day trip. Reddit

🦽 Accessible for All

The zoo is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers. Reddit

We otter talk about this… 👀 💍 🦦💘 Did you catch @cartunaradio’s video where Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce talk about their love for otters… with Lehigh Valley Zoo in the background?! @taylorswift and @killatrav — this is your open invite to come meet our otters, Luani and Piper anytime 🦦❤️ A northeast PA native pop star and a Super Bowl champ with Eagles roots? This might be the most PA love story...
lvzoo
602 likes • 14.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Giraffe Feeding Early

Giraffe feeding is popular! Book tickets in advance and arrive 15 mins prior to your slot. Instagram

☀️ Beat the Heat

Visit in the morning for cooler temps and more active animals. Bring water bottles! TikTok

🚗 Free Parking Available

Enjoy complimentary parking, a nice perk for a day trip. Reddit

🦽 Accessible for All

The zoo is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers. Reddit

🍔 Food Options Onsite

Food stands and a gift shop are available, with reasonable prices. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally have a positive experience at Lehigh Valley Zoo, praising the close encounters with animals and the manageable size for a day trip. The giraffe feeding is a standout highlight. Some find the admission price a bit high compared to other attractions, and the paid giraffe painting experience could offer more value.

"We had a good time! Came first thing in the morning on a Sunday, no wait at the time. Good variety of animals to look at. Overall nice little day trip and close to home. We paid a little extra to feed the giraffes which was cool too. They have food stands, a gift shop, there's shaded areas and plenty of space even when busy."

Manuel Herbert

"We absolutely loved this zoo. The giraffe feeding was the highlight of our time there! The fact that we were able to be so close to all the animals was amazing. Usually, I've seen a lot of zoos put more space between the visitors and the animals. Here, the cages are up, but you are right there...it just seems amazing. Its a large zoo with so much to experience. You will just have to visit this zoo."

Naughty and Nice Lingerie.com

"A cute little zoo situated in the middle of forest. You may see animals on the road while going there. It is small in size, but hosting many animals like giraffe, penguins, wild cat, eagles, parakeets, goats, etc. Sessions for feeding anomals need to be booked in advance. It's a fun place to spend a day with children especially. Pandas are cute and a beauty to watch. Food is available for a reasonable price inside. Zoo admission I found a bit expensive compared to Lake Tobias which was 19$ including a wild life safari. Leigh zoo costs 16$ just zoo visit. There was free car parking available."

Nandu Menon

What People Like

Close animal encounters
Giraffe feeding highlight
Manageable size

What People Dislike

Admission price
Giraffe painting value

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is located at 5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078. Some visitors recall a memorable drive through a creek on the way out when they were kids, though this is no longer a feature. GPS is recommended for navigation. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is free car parking available at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

Information on public transport options to the zoo is limited. Driving and utilizing the free parking is the most common method of arrival.

The drive can be scenic, with some visitors recalling passing by a river. Be prepared for potential GPS reliance for the most direct route. TikTok

Some visitors have a vivid memory of a bus drive through a creek on the way out of the zoo from childhood field trips, though this is not a current feature. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Zoo admission is approximately $16 per person, which some visitors find a bit expensive compared to other local attractions like Lake Tobias. Reddit

Yes, you can buy tickets at the door, but purchasing them online in advance is recommended to save time. Instagram

Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but checking the official zoo website or local community event listings might reveal special offers.

Yes, animal feeding sessions, particularly for giraffes, need to be booked in advance and require arriving about 15 minutes before the activity begins. InstagramReddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Lehigh Valley Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Geakers at the zoo is open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 3 PM. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals including kangaroos, cockatoos, bobcats, bison, giraffes, penguins, red pandas, and more. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It's a fun place for children, with many animals to see and activities like giraffe feeding. They also offer a zoo camp for kids in the summer. InstagramReddit

The zoo features the new Rothrock Red Panda Peak and an engaging Penguin Pavilion. They also have a Zoo-imagination Wing with animal ambassadors on certain days. Instagram+1

The giraffe painting experience is a paid activity that includes zoo admission and a canvas. However, some visitors feel it's overpriced and could offer more educational value. Reddit

Yes, the zoo is accessible for individuals using scooters and walkers, making it a comfortable experience for all visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stands available inside the zoo, and prices are considered reasonable by visitors. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the zoo's policy on outside food. However, with onsite options, it might not be necessary.

The zoo offers food stands for convenient snacking and meals during your visit. Geakers at the zoo is open 7 days a week from 11 AM to 3 PM. Instagram

Specific dietary options are not detailed, but typical zoo food stands often include standard fare. It's best to inquire upon arrival.

Visitors have noted that the food available at the zoo is reasonably priced. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The giraffe habitat, penguin pavilion, and the new red panda exhibit offer great photo opportunities. The close proximity to animals allows for unique shots. Instagram

Yes, photography of the animals is generally permitted, but always be mindful of zoo rules and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.

While not explicitly stated, standard zoo etiquette applies. Avoid disruptive behavior and respect any posted signage regarding photography in specific areas.

Early mornings offer softer light and potentially more active animals. Late afternoons can also provide good lighting before closing. TikTok

Drones are typically not permitted in zoo environments due to safety and animal welfare concerns. It's best to assume they are not allowed.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Lehigh Valley Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. The close proximity to animals makes it incredibly engaging for children, allowing them to see and connect with wildlife in a unique way. Reddit Don't miss the giraffe feeding – it's a highlight that kids absolutely love, but be sure to book it in advance! Instagram The zoo also offers a summer camp program, which is a great way for kids to spend their break learning about animals. Reddit

With accessible pathways for strollers and walkers, navigating the zoo with little ones is easy. Reddit Pack snacks and water, or utilize the reasonably priced food stands on-site. Reddit Arriving early on weekends is a good strategy to beat the crowds and the heat, ensuring a more pleasant experience for the whole family. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

While admission to the Lehigh Valley Zoo is around $16, it offers a good value for a day trip, especially considering the close animal encounters. Reddit A significant perk is the free parking, which helps keep overall costs down. Reddit Pack your own water bottles and perhaps some snacks to save on food expenses, though the onsite food stands are noted as reasonably priced. Reddit Focus on the general admission to see the diverse range of animals, and consider if the extra cost for special experiences like giraffe feeding aligns with your budget. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Lehigh Valley Zoo provides excellent opportunities for photographers, particularly due to the intimate viewing distances. The giraffe habitat and the penguin pavilion are prime spots for capturing stunning shots. Instagram The newly opened Rothrock Red Panda Peak also offers a chance for unique wildlife photography. Instagram Visit during the early morning hours for the best natural light and potentially more active animals. TikTok Remember to be mindful of zoo regulations regarding flash photography, which can disturb the animals. While drones are generally not permitted in zoo environments, the accessible layout and close encounters make it easy to get compelling photos without aerial assistance.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Close Encounters

One of the most frequently praised aspects of the Lehigh Valley Zoo is the remarkable proximity visitors can experience with the animals. Unlike some larger zoos where enclosures create significant distance, here, the barriers feel less imposing, allowing for a more intimate viewing experience. This closeness is particularly evident during activities like the giraffe feeding, where you can almost touch the gentle giants as they munch on leaves. Reddit

This design philosophy extends to many of the exhibits, making it feel like you're truly stepping into the animals' world. It's this immersive quality that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for wildlife. The zoo's layout is also noted for being manageable, ensuring that even with a good variety of animals, you don't feel overwhelmed. Reddit

For families, this close-up view is invaluable. Children can often see the animals' expressions and movements more clearly, making the experience more engaging and educational. It’s this blend of accessibility and intimacy that makes the Lehigh Valley Zoo a standout destination for animal lovers. InstagramReddit

Beyond the Exhibits: Special Experiences

The Lehigh Valley Zoo offers more than just standard animal viewing, with several special experiences that can elevate your visit. The giraffe feeding is a must-do for many, providing an unforgettable interaction. However, it's crucial to book this in advance and arrive early, as slots are limited and highly sought after. InstagramReddit

For those seeking a truly unique activity, the giraffe painting experience is available. While it includes admission and a canvas, some reviews suggest it might be overpriced for the value provided, with suggestions for more keeper interaction and educational content to justify the cost. Reddit The zoo also hosts a Zoo-imagination Wing on specific days, where visitors can meet animal ambassadors, offering a more personal encounter with wildlife. Instagram

Additionally, the zoo is a popular venue for events and camps. The summer zoo camp is a hit with kids, providing an engaging way for them to learn about animals. Reddit The zoo also hosts various community and church outings, showcasing its role as a local gathering place. Instagram

Navigating the Zoo: Tips for a Smooth Visit

Planning your visit to the Lehigh Valley Zoo can be made smoother with a few key tips. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is highly recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy the animals before the midday heat. TikTokReddit The zoo is generally accessible, with ample space for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers, making it a comfortable outing for visitors of all ages and mobility levels. Reddit

While there are food stands and a gift shop on-site with reasonably priced options, consider bringing your own water bottles to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Reddit For those interested in specific animal interactions like feeding, booking these experiences in advance is essential, as they are popular and have limited capacity. Instagram

Remember that the zoo is a place for learning and conservation. Be respectful of the animals and follow all posted guidelines to ensure a positive experience for everyone. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare is evident in its habitat designs, such as the new Rothrock Red Panda Peak. Instagram

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