Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo has activities for the whole family. With exhibits like Outback Outpost, African Plains, Big Cat Falls, Penguin Point, Peco Primate Reserve, and Monkey Junction, the zoo offers a closer look at rare and endangered animals that you may not see anywhere else. There’s also a children’s zoo with interactive exhibits and opportunities for hands-on learning. Save money with a discounted multi-attraction pass that includes zoo admission.

• The Philadelphia Zoo is a must-do for animal lovers and families with kids.

• Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid waiting in line at the box office.

• Expect to spend a full day exploring the zoo’s animal exhibits and attractions.

• The zoo is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters, and offers restrooms, an ATM, and on-site parking.

• There are plenty of shops and dining options inside, and guests are permitted to bring their own food and nonalcoholic drinks.

The Philadelphia Zoo sits on the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in northern Philadelphia, just a short drive from other attractions. Most visitors arrive as part of a hop-on hop-off tour or by public transport—SEPTA’s route 15 trolley and the Philly Phlash stop right outside. If you’re driving, take I-76 to the Girard Avenue exit and follow the signs.

The Philadelphia Zoo is open daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. It’s busiest in summer; other times of year are less crowded. Arrive early if you want to beat the crowds, avoid the long lines, and see the animals at their liveliest.

In addition to the many great animal exhibits, the Philadelphia Zoo also offers several rides and attractions. Young kids will love the zoo’s custom-built carousel featuring endangered species from the Amazon rainforest and the PZ Express kiddie train, while visitors of all ages can fly above the zoo in a hot-air balloon or paddle around the lake in a swan boat.

Set aside anywhere from a few hours to a whole day to explore the Philadelphia Zoo. Spanning 42 acres—and home to more than 1,300 animals across more than a dozen exhibit areas—the zoo is sizable, and add-on activities from a ropes course to bird feeding can extend the experience.

Yes, you can bring your own food and water into the Philadelphia Zoo—but no alcoholic beverages. While there are a number of food options on site—everything from food trucks and ice cream vendors to restaurants, bars, and cafés—the zoo's bring-your-own policy is conveniently flexible for visitors.

Parking at the Philadelphia Zoo costs US$17 per vehicle, and visitors can choose to park at the Zoo Garage at 35th Street and Girard Avenue, at the Tiger Parking Lot, or on Zoological Drive. The first two are handicapped-accessible. Note that members receive free parking (one car per member). Alternatively, book a Philadelphia Zoo tour that includes transportation.

Yes, tickets need to be booked online before visiting the Philadelphia Zoo unless you are a zoo member, in which case you may visit at any time. Purchase tickets on the zoo's website where you can book general admission, group entry, and individual attractions in advance.

Yes, you can bring a water bottle into the Philadelphia Zoo (and you definitely should if visiting in spring and summer). The zoo has a flexible bring-your-own policy, allowing you to supply your own meals and drinks. Just note that visitors are prohibited from bringing alcohol.

Visitors to the Philadelphia Zoo are not permitted to bring weapons of any kind, flammable liquids, or fireworks. You are also forbidden from bringing paint, spray cans, and aerosols. Drones are not allowed, unless by prior written approval. Note that smoking and vaping on site are also prohibited.