The Philadelphia Zoo
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Draft Horse and Pony Rides- $5 per person
PZ Express- $3 per person
28 Reviews for The Philadelphia Zoo
13
10 families found this helpful
"moderate for a moderate sized zoo"
the zoo is under construction so a majority is under construction. It also isn't a very big zoo and is kinda sparse. The clubhouse is a good stop for kids to run around and play. The exhibits aren't really interesting to look at. We do have a membership though because they have a nice aviary where you can get in with the birds and our daughter can run her energy off seeing the animals.
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0 families found this helpful
"A lot of fun, but work in progress."
The Philadelphia Zoo is always a lot of fun for the family and the last time we went was over Halloween for Boo at the Zoo. The place is packed with kids wearing Halloween costumes and the park does a good job of including fun activities like a parade and a few trick or treating sites. The parade could use a little more fun - it is essentially everybody walking in a circle together - but they should have more guides spread out and making music/noise or singing songs, something to get the crowd enthused. The Children's Zoo is outdated but is going to be moved soon - which leads me to the next comment, it is tough visiting the zoo while all the construction is going on. You feel like half the zoo it not available, it is overcrowded in the walkways and parking is a nightmare. But I cannot wait to see the new features in the spring. The Zoo misses a star for losing its elephants! One note: it is cheaper to buy an individual or family membership than to pay for a visit on-site and parking ($12) is included in the membership.
0 families found this helpful
"A Fun Day!"
The Philadelphia Zoo was so much fun! We took our 1 year old daughter and she loved it! We got there when it opened and had prepaid passes (purchased online) so we were able to go right it! One word of caution, the zoo is a big loop. We thought we would avoid the crowds by going the opposite direction and for the most part it worked out, but that early in the morning some of the animals are not out yet. I would suggest just following the loop on the map..it really wasn't very crowded at opening. Our daughter was in a stroller - definitely the way to go - and she was able to see most of the animals and exhibits while in the stroller!
0 families found this helpful
"Beautiful zoo"
This zoo is a gorgeous zoo and it is HUGE!! There is much walking to be done if you don't want to miss anything. It is very well maintained and you can tell these animals are well cared for. Kids love zoos, just be prepared for any extra hidden costs that aren't included in the fee to get in, like pony rides and food of course. Great zoo to experience!
0 families found this helpful
"Spent the Night at the Zoo"
Our family of five visited this zoo many times. There are so many animals to see. Many years ago, when my youngest daughter was in Girl Scouts, they had a special event, which allowed the girls and their parents to spend the night at the zoo. What a fun time for them that was. I would recommend this to families, especially if you have children.
0 families found this helpful
"One of the best!"
We had a fun filled day here. It was a good break from all of "the obvious" eductional activites that we enjoyed while in Philadelphia. Getting there by bus from downtown was no problem. It was enjoyed by everyone, age 13-45. Nice easy going pace.
1 family found this helpful
"Huge"
The Philadelphia Zoo is a very large zoo. It is really kid friendly, as they have petting and feeding areas, and a butterfly garden. They also have a feature where you but a key to the zoo and plug it in at any exhibit and it'll give information about the animals, which is fun for kids.
0 families found this helpful
"The Philadelphia Zoo"
They have the bast carrousel of any zoo we have been too. It looks like a forest with all kinds of woodland creatures hiding in it! The only issues is we stopped at some picnic tables right by it to eat lunch and were attacked by ducks they were so noise and stinky and one tried to nip at the kids lunch. A second one bite our stroller and actually made a small hole in the seat!
1 family found this helpful
"Season pass!"
If you live in the Philadelphia area and have children a family season pass to the Philadelphia zoo is a must have. This zoo is our nations first and truly is a beautiful well maintained grouping of animal habitats. In addition to big cats, giraffes, bears, gorillas, and the new aviary...our family enjoys the zoo balloon, the carousel, camel rides and swan boats.
0 families found this helpful
"Philadelphia Zoo"
There's nothing better to do in Philly than go to the Philadelphia zoo. Its animals are wonderful, with a variety unsurpassed in the country. Its landscaping is beautiful, and you can always find a place there to sit and enjoy nature. Even the animals that aren't in exhibits are wonderful...I saw the very first chipmunk of my life there just hanging out in the bushes!
1 family found this helpful
"Great Day Of Fun"
Over the summer the family took a day trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. During our trip we were able to see the African Plains, Big Cat Falls, Bear Country, Bird Valley, Carnivore Kingdom, but the Children's Zoo section was by far the kid's favorite. The kids were able to feed and pet the animals. I was cute to see their little faces light up when one of the animals came up to them.
0 families found this helpful
"The nation's oldest zoo and one of the best!"
The Philadelphia zoo has always been a favorite place for my family to go visit! It is a bit expensive for a day trip but their membership rates are phenomenal and pay for themselves in one visit! The park is open year round and has so many wonderful animals and beautiful flowers--it is a great experience! Many people visit the zoo but it is kept up very well, has lots and lots of parking and is a favorite for children!
0 families found this helpful
"Philly Zoo"
We have been to the zoo very many times! We started out taking our son as an infant and this year (he is now 5) we are zoo members. The membership paid for it's self in two visits. This zoo has lots to offer, but at times can seem to be to big to do in one day, another great reason for the membership. We love big cat falls, you can almost always get a great view of the amazing big cats. The primate house is another great area with tons of viewing options. My sons favorite place is the reptile house. With a huge variety of snakes, turtles, and alligators. It is a zoo that you need a full day to see everything or if you are able to take you time and go more than once there is plenty to see and do.
0 families found this helpful
"A fun outing, but can get expensive."
We go to the zoo regularly, throughout the year. If we didn't have a membership, the cost for admission and parking could be prohibitive. There is your usual assortment of animals, with an award-winning Big Cats area and a nice primate house. There are lots of school and camp groups in the spring and summer months, mostly in the morning. So I'd recommend going on an afternoon then. The zoo is open all year round, so we enjoy Fall and Winter visits. You can take public transportation via trolley , if you want to save money on parking.
1 family found this helpful
"Boo at the Zoo - Loved it!"
We took our 9-month-old to the Philadelphia Zoo's Boo at the Zoo event last Halloween. What a great way to "trick or treat" with an infant who is too young for candy, but too cute in his costume not to show off! He enjoyed a day outside in the crisp fall weather with Mom, Dad and his grandparents, and seemed entertained by some of the animals, particularly the penguins at feeding time.
'11, '12, '130 families found this helpful
"Amazing animals"
The zoo is a great destination for kids of all ages. Our family lives about 45 mins from Phila, so we can choose when we go. We have gone on an unusually warm day in April and then again in May one year. I found we enjoyed these days so much more, as not everyone was thinking of the zoo at that time of the year. It was less crowded, yet still gave us something to do on an unexpectedly nice Spring day. If you think you will go more than twice, get a season pass. If you live nearby, the season pass is nice so you have the option of going as many times as you want throughout the year. It's a nice thing to be able to pull out of your back pocket when kids are bored and looking for an outing.
If you've never been here before, parking can be a tad tricky, but I've not had a problem. You'll do a lot of walking both from your car, and then again thru the zoo, so bring a stroller for either a child or to pile your stuff. We've brought a few snacks in, and they have food there as well as drinks. Wear sunscreen.
And take your time. Sometimes we don't see everything, but we try to make sure to enjoy the things we do see. Have fun!
0 families found this helpful
"Fun For Young and Old"
When visiting the stepkids this was a yearly visit. With each year their interests changed and we discovered something new . Highly recommend it. Dont go when it is too hot, some shade but there are many hot exposed areas. we especially enjoyed the lions and tigers. The staff are great, friendly and can manage the crowds.
0 families found this helpful
"Always a great time"
Definitely worth joining the zoo if you're not too far - it pays for itself in one or 2 visits. Get there early morning or late afternoon for decent parking. So much to see at this zoo and the staff are super-helpful and friendly. Mom and Dad - they sell Starbucks coffee too!
0 families found this helpful
"philadelphia zoo"
Kids of all ages love animals, right? The Philly Zoo is not too big and TONS for kids to do and see. Did you know that The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in America? And they were the first to open a special zoo just for children? The Children's Zoo is super fun and offers great chances for kids to get up close and personal with animals!
1 family found this helpful
"I'm not a zoo person, but..."
The Philly Zoo is my exception. As the oldest zoo in America, the property has had time to mature in ways that newer zoos simply can't compete with. The lush gardens and large trees are an example. The Zoo also does a great job at educating and fulfilling its mission as a protector of endangered and rare species. The zoo actively engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered animals. It also acts as a self-regulator and practices what they preach. I was so impressed by the Zoo's decision to move their beloved elephants to other zoos because they could not provide optimal living conditions for them (then again, I don't believe that any zoo can).
That said..here are the things that you should know before you go:
1. Parking is $10 and the lot is a 5 minute walk without kids, or 15 minutes with my kids. Be prepared by bringing a wagon to tote your "accessories".
2. You are allowed to bring in food and drinks, don't forget to freeze your drinks.
3. There aren't a lot of places to cool off, so in the summer months be prepared.
4. The elephants have been removed from the zoo and adopted by other zoos.
5. The hot air balloon closes if it is even a tad bit windy.
6. The Lion, Tiger, and other big cats exhibit is awesome and was my favorite. Even on hot days when the lions tend to be inactive, you get a close view.
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