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must-visit in PhiladelphiaPark & Garden

Philadelphia Zoo

📍 Philadelphia Zoo, North 34th Street, West Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, 19104, United S
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4.3/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Philadelphia
Category
Park & Garden
Duration
2-3 hours
Address
Philadelphia Zoo, North 34th Street, West Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, 19104, United S
Coordinates
39.9717, -75.1960

Introduction

The Philadelphia Zoo is the first true zoo in the United States, opened on July 1, 1874, occupying 42 acres along the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park. It houses nearly 1,300 species and over 3,000 animals, famed for pioneering North American captive breeding of California condors, snow leopards, and orangutans. Its signature feature is the Zoo360 network of mesh trail systems that let visitors walk above primates, big cats, and penguins at varying heights for unprecedented immersive views. The KidZooU children's zone with interactive eco-games and a contact barn delights families, while the waterfowl lake and reptile house are classic exhibits. As the birthplace of American zookeeping, it preserves Victorian red brick enclosures and aviaries while continually adopting modern animal welfare and education practices, a classic destination for Philadelphia families and animal lovers.

✨ Highlights

1
First U.S. Zoo
Opened in 1874 as America's first zoo, the birthplace of North American zookeeping.
2
Zoo360 Trails
Pioneering mesh trails let visitors walk above primates, big cats, and penguins for immersive views.
3
Condor Breeding
Pioneered captive breeding of endangered California condors in North America.
4
1,300 Species
Nearly 1,300 species and 3,000 animals, among the most diverse in North America.
5
Victorian Brick
Preserved 19th-century red brick enclosures and aviaries, a living piece of zoo architecture.
6
KidZooU
Interactive eco-games and contact barn designed for children, the most popular family zone.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time:Weekday mornings, spring and fall for mild weather
→Transport:3400 W Girard Ave, Philly PHLASH bus or car
→Duration:About 3 to 5 hours
→Parking:$14 per day; free for members
→Opening Hours:Mar-Oct 9:30-17:00, Nov-Feb 10:00-16:00
→Ticket Information:Adults about $24, ages 2-11 about $19, under 2 free; online discount

💡 Tips

• Online tickets are cheaper and skip the queue; timed tickets recommended on holidays.
• The trails are the signature; walk a 360 loop first, then revisit exhibits in detail.
• Take young children straight to KidZooU; budget 2 hours there so you don't miss it.
• Inside Fairmount Park, combine with Shofuso and Please Touch Museum for a family day.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Philadelphia Zoo?

Mar-Oct 9:30-17:00, Nov-Feb 10:00-16:00

How much is the admission for Philadelphia Zoo?

Adults about $24, ages 2-11 about $19, under 2 free; online discount

Any practical tips for visiting Philadelphia Zoo?

Online tickets are cheaper and skip the queue; timed tickets recommended on holidays. The trails are the signature; walk a 360 loop first, then revisit exhibits in detail.

How long should I spend at Philadelphia Zoo?

A typical visit takes 2-3 hours.