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Philadelphia Zoo

3400 W Girard Ave · Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go…

Opened in 1874, America's first zoo is anything but old-fashioned: its pioneering Zoo360 mesh trails let tigers, gorillas, and orangutans roam in see-through passageways above the walking paths. With 1,900 animals across 42 leafy acres, it's an easy full day out for families. It's just minutes from Center City on the edge of Fairmount Park.

  • #zoo
  • #animals
  • #kids
  • #family
  • #fairmount park

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Philadelphia Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Philadelphia Museum of Art

    $25–$50

    Run the Rocky Steps, then wander one of America's greatest art collections behind that famous neoclassical facade.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Family favorite

    Please Touch Museum

    Under $25

    Philly's beloved children's museum in Fairmount Park's grand Memorial Hall, hands-on exhibits and a century-old carousel.

    0.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Eastern State Penitentiary

    Under $25

    Wander the eerie, crumbling cellblocks of the world's first true penitentiary, Al Capone's surprisingly posh cell included.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Foodie Favorite

    Pennsylvania Wine Country

    Free

    A statewide guide to Pennsylvania's wine trails, tasting rooms and vineyard events.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

    Under $25

    Isaiah Zagar's dazzling half-block mosaic labyrinth on South Street, tile, mirror, and bottle art covering every surface.

    2.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Betsy Ross House

    Under $25

    Tour the tiny circa-1740 Old City home where flagmaker Betsy Ross lived, costumed Betsy herself often greets visitors.

    3.0 mi awayMore like this