Visiting the Philadelphia Zoo with Kids: What Families Need to Know Before You Go
During my son’s senior spring break trip, he chose Philadelphia as our destination. As we planned the trip, one attraction quickly rose to the top of our list: the Philadelphia Zoo. My son has always loved red pandas, and we even booked a special red panda experience as part of our visit.
Unfortunately, just a few days before our trip, we learned that both of the zoo’s red pandas had passed away. We were disappointed, especially since seeing them had been one of the main reasons for our visit. Still, we decided to keep the zoo on our itinerary, and I’m glad we did. The Philadelphia Zoo ended up being a fun and educational experience that offered much more than we expected.
If you’re planning to visit the Philadelphia Zoo with younger kids or teenagers, here’s what you should know before you go.
Getting to the Philadelphia Zoo and Parking
The Philadelphia Zoo is located just a few miles from downtown Philadelphia, making it an easy addition to a family vacation itinerary.
We took an UBER to the zoo. Even though we didn’t drive our own vehicle, I learned that one of the biggest advantages for families is the large on-site parking lot located next to the entrance. If you’re traveling with strollers, diaper bags, snacks, or all the other gear that seems to accompany family outings, having convenient parking is a major plus.
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My recommendation is to arrive earlier in the day, especially during spring break, summer vacation, or weekends when crowds tend to be larger.
How Long Should Families Spend at the Philadelphia Zoo?
Most families should plan to spend between four and six hours at the zoo. That’s how much of our day we allocated to our visit. We didn’t want to feel rushed, and that allowed us time to see the animals and learn about their environments.
Four to six hours gives you enough time to see the major exhibits, watch some of the animals for a while, grab lunch, and attend any keeper talks or presentations that catch your interest.
If your kids are animal lovers, you could easily make it a full-day experience. If you’re visiting Philadelphia and trying to fit multiple attractions into the same day, a half-day visit is very manageable.
Zoo360: The Feature That Makes the Philadelphia Zoo Unique
One of the most interesting parts of the Philadelphia Zoo is Zoo360.
Unlike traditional zoos, some animals can travel throughout the zoo using elevated mesh pathways suspended above visitor walkways. It’s a clever system that gives animals additional space to roam while creating a unique experience for guests. However, during our visit we didn’t see a single animal taking advantage of the elevated pathways. Oh well.
Our Favorite Animal Exhibits
Every family will have different favorites, but these were the exhibits that stood out most during our visit.
The Avian Center
One of my favorite areas of the zoo was the Avian Center.
The variety of birds was incredible. Many were brilliantly colored, and I found myself spending much longer there than I originally expected. The birds were beautiful, and it was one of the best opportunities in the zoo for photography. I wish I had brought my nicer DSLR camera instead of being limited to my cellphone camera.
Even if birds aren’t usually your main reason for visiting a zoo, I wouldn’t skip this exhibit.
The Primates
The primate exhibits were another highlight.
During our visit, one of the primates was incredibly active, swinging all over the enclosure and putting on quite a show for visitors. It quickly became one of those exhibits where everyone stops, smiles, and stays longer than they planned.
Kids seem to love watching primates because their movements are so relatable and entertaining. Whether they’re inside or exploring their outdoor habitat, they’re definitely worth seeking out.
The Giraffes
The giraffes were another family favorite. We happened to arrive at their enclosure around feeding time and got a close look at their surprisingly long tongues. Pictures don’t really prepare you for just how long those tongues are.
Giraffes are always popular with younger children, but even my teenage son spent time watching them. They’re one of those animals that are somehow even more impressive in person.
Spiders Alive
Then there’s the Spiders Alive exhibit.
I wanted to check it out.
My wife and son absolutely did not.
Both of them are terrified of spiders, and no amount of persuasion, bargaining, or attempted bribery was going to get them through those doors. I found the exhibit interesting, with a side dose of creepy. Therefore, I would add that if you or your kids enjoy creepy crawlies, you’ll probably enjoy this exhibit featuring our eight-legged friends.
Shows, Keeper Talks, and Other Activities
Before you start exploring the zoo, take a few minutes to review the daily schedule.
Keeper talks, feeding demonstrations, and educational presentations can add a lot to the experience. These activities give visitors an opportunity to learn more about the animals and conservation efforts while hearing directly from the staff who care for them.
For families with curious kids, these presentations often become some of the most memorable parts of the day.
Is the Philadelphia Zoo Good for Teenagers?
This is a question many parents ask, especially if they’re traveling with older kids.
Based on our experience, the answer is yes.
While younger children will certainly enjoy the animals, the Philadelphia Zoo has enough variety to keep teenagers interested as well. The larger animals, conservation programs, unique exhibits like Zoo360, and photography opportunities all appeal to older kids.
My son was a teenager during our visit, and even after the disappointing red panda news, he still enjoyed the zoo. That’s probably one of the strongest endorsements I can give.
Can You Use Philadelphia CityPASS?
If you’re planning to visit several Philadelphia attractions, it’s worth checking whether Philadelphia CityPASS makes sense for your trip.
Philadelphia has a number of excellent museums and family attractions, and CityPASS can help reduce costs when visiting multiple locations. Since participating attractions can change over time, I recommend reviewing the current CityPASS offerings before your trip to determine whether it provides savings for your family’s itinerary.
Read more about the Philadelphia CityPASS.
Tips for Visiting the Philadelphia Zoo with Kids
Here are a few quick tips that can help make your visit smoother:
- Arrive early for lighter crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll do a lot of walking.
- Check the daily schedule for keeper talks and presentations.
- Bring a refillable water bottle.
- Plan for at least four to six hours.
- Don’t skip Zoo360.
- Spend extra time at the exhibits that interest your family instead of rushing through everything.
- Consider CityPASS if you’re visiting other Philadelphia attractions.
Final Thoughts
Even though our original plans centered around seeing the zoo’s red pandas, and that experience didn’t work out as expected, the Philadelphia Zoo still became one of the highlights of our son’s spring break trip.
Between the colorful birds in the Avian Center, the entertaining primates, the impressive giraffes, and the unique Zoo360 experience, there was plenty to keep all three of us engaged throughout the day. Even if the majority of my group didn’t like spiders. 😉
If you’re looking for a family-friendly attraction in Philadelphia that works for both younger kids and teenagers, the Philadelphia Zoo is well worth adding to your itinerary. It’s a fun mix of wildlife, education, and outdoor exploration that offers something for nearly every member of the family.
Details
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Cost: Adult tickets start around $30, while children’s tickets are about $25 – depending on the day of the week. Children under two are free.
Hours: Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last entry is at 4 p.m.)
Website: https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/
Phone: (215) 243-1100
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