Philadelphia Zoo Tours and Activities

Philadelphia Zoo featuring zoo animals and signage
Philadelphia Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals
Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo which includes a statue or sculpture, a monument and outdoor art
Philadelphia Zoo


The oldest zoo in the country is an American favourite because of its breeding program for rare species, outstanding permanent habitats and eco-friendly approach.

The historic Philadelphia Zoo is a compact 42-acre (17-hectare) park housing 1,300 animals in 15 permanent habitats. African and Australian wildlife shares the zoo with North American mammals, birds and reptiles. The zoo’s special breeding program and environmental policy is aimed at protecting endangered species.

This zoo is more than 150 years old but it has kept up with modern standards, such as creating free-roaming habitats. These include the Jungle Bird Walk for birds and Monkey Junction for primates. It’s children’s program actively teaches an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The natural habitats include the lush First Niagara Big Cat Falls and the rocky Carnivore Kingdom. Keep an eye out for the white Timbavati lions, believed to be extinct in the wild. The Philadelphia Zoo has gained a reputation for successfully breeding endangered species that are difficult to propagate in captivity. Meet Vinkel, who in 1994 gave birth to the first white lion cub to be born on U.S. soil. Asian orangutans, Arctic polar bears, Galapagos tortoises and local diamondback terrapin turtles are other threatened species that you can observe here.

Children under 13 can help care for farm animals at the indoor/outdoor KidZooU attraction. On still days, get a bird’s-eye view of the zoo and Philly in the gondola of the big Zooballoon.

The Philadelphia Zoo is located four miles (six kilometres) northwest of downtown, on the west bank of the Schuylkill River. Expect to pay a high parking fee along Girard Avenue or 34th Street. A cheaper option is to catch the Phlash bus in downtown Philly. To see as many zookeeper presentations as possible, check the schedule online. You can have a picnic in the zoo, and various restaurants and carts offer fast food and healthy options.

The zoo is open every day of the year except for major winter holidays. Operating hours vary according to season.

Plan a trip to see Philadelphia Zoo

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Best Lodging Options Near Philadelphia Zoo

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

3 out of 5
1301 Race St, Philadelphia, PA
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

3.5 out of 5
31 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
4211 Suites

4211 Suites

4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
4211 Suites
Dark Midnight 2.0

Dark Midnight 2.0

Philadelphia
Dark Midnight 2.0
Spacious 3-bedroom apartment in delightful Philadelphia with WiFi, AC

Spacious 3-bedroom apartment in delightful Philadelphia with WiFi, AC

Philadelphia
Spacious 3-bedroom apartment in delightful Philadelphia with WiFi, AC
Homewood Suites by Hilton University City

Homewood Suites by Hilton University City

3 out of 5
4109 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Homewood Suites by Hilton University City
Storehouse Lofts

Storehouse Lofts

4 out of 5
1363 N 31st St, Philadelphia, PA
Storehouse Lofts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Philadelphia Zoo

While visiting the Philadelphia Zoo, indulge in a variety of nearby activities such as sports events, theatre performances, and live music. Take the opportunity to explore Philadelphia with its rich culture and vibrant area sightseeing. The zoo is conveniently located just 4.8km from downtown, making it easy to plan your trip and immerse yourself in the local attractions.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Philadelphia Zoo, visit Reading Terminal Market, just 3.2km away, for a vibrant public market atmosphere. Rittenhouse Row, also 3.2km away, offers a charming shopping area. If you're up for a drive, check out Cherry Hill Mall, located 14.5km away, perfect for family fun.

Recreation

Fairmount Park, located a mile from Philadelphia Zoo, offers a peaceful retreat with its lush greenery and tranquil paths, perfect for relaxation. The Met Philadelphia, two miles away, hosts vibrant concerts that uplift your spirits, while Francisville Playground, also two miles away, provides a lively outdoor space for family fun.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of waterSports at Boathouse Row, located 805m from Philadelphia Zoo, where outdoor fun awaits. For a scenic hike, explore the Schuylkill River Trail, 1.6km away, offering beautiful views and adventure vibes. For climbing enthusiasts, Go Vertical, 6.4km away, promises an exhilarating challenge.

Nightlife

After a day at the Philadelphia Zoo, catch a show at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, just 3.2km away, for a romantic evening. Alternatively, enjoy some family fun at Lucky Strike Lanes, also 3.2km from the zoo, for a lively arcade adventure.

Find the best attractions near Philadelphia Zoo

During your visit to the Philadelphia Zoo, explore nearby attractions like the Philadelphia Museum and various historic civic buildings. This vibrant area offers a rich cultural experience for families and urban adventurers alike. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local art scene or enjoy educational programs at the zoo, which is perfect for visitors looking to blend wildlife with cultural exploration.

  • Pennsylvania Convention Center: Located 3.2km from the Philadelphia Zoo, the Pennsylvania Convention Center is a hub for business events and conferences. Its spacious facilities and modern design create a professional atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for networking and engaging with various industries.
  • University of Pennsylvania: Just 1.6km away, the University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious institution that boasts a beautiful campus filled with historic architecture and vibrant student life. The city vibes here encourage exploration of its rich academic and cultural offerings.
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art: Only 1.4km from the zoo, this renowned art museum features an extensive collection of artwork, showcasing various cultures and time periods. Its picturesque steps are iconic, and the museum offers a vibrant cultural experience.

Best time to go to Philadelphia Zoo

Visitor numbers around Philadelphia Zoo is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Philadelphia Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Philadelphia Zoo

To save money on your visit to Philadelphia Zoo, consider travelling from January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Stay on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Take advantage of free nearby attractions like Rittenhouse Square and the Liberty Bell Center. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Look for eco-certified accommodations for a sustainable option and explore public transport or walking to get around the city economically.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Philadelphia Zoo are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Philadelphia Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Philadelphia Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Philadelphia Zoo with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.