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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds

Lehigh Valley Zoo
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds

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

🎟️ 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Rothrock Red Panda Peak
Red Panda Habitat
Discover the newly opened habitat for adorable red pandas, designed to meet AZA standards.

Otter Exhibit
Otter Habitat
Meet Luani and Piper, the zoo's resident otters, known for their playful antics.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Giraffe Feeding Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking, a nice perk for a day trip.
🦽 Accessible for All
The zoo is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.
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.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit in the morning for cooler temps and more active animals. Bring water bottles!
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking, a nice perk for a day trip.
🦽 Accessible for All
The zoo is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers.
🍔 Food Options Onsite
Food stands and a gift shop are available, with reasonable prices.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is free car parking available at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, making it convenient for visitors.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Zoo admission is approximately $16 per person, which some visitors find a bit expensive compared to other local attractions like Lake Tobias.
Yes, you can buy tickets at the door, but purchasing them online in advance is recommended to save time.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including kangaroos, cockatoos, bobcats, bison, giraffes, penguins, red pandas, and more.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the zoo is accessible for individuals using scooters and walkers, making it a comfortable experience for all visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food stands available inside the zoo, and prices are considered reasonable by visitors.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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
With accessible pathways for strollers and walkers, navigating the zoo with little ones is easy. Pack snacks and water, or utilize the reasonably priced food stands on-site. Arriving early on weekends is a good strategy to beat the crowds and the heat, ensuring a more pleasant experience for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Close Encounters
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.
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.
Beyond the Exhibits: Special Experiences
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. The zoo also hosts a Zoo-imagination Wing on specific days, where visitors can meet animal ambassadors, offering a more personal encounter with wildlife.
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. The zoo also hosts various community and church outings, showcasing its role as a local gathering place.
Navigating the Zoo: Tips for a Smooth Visit
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. For those interested in specific animal interactions like feeding, booking these experiences in advance is essential, as they are popular and have limited capacity.
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit