Established in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is the first ever zoo in America. Spread over 42 acres of land, it is home to over 1300 animals, including some rare and endangered species. Some of the major attractions in the zoo include the Big Cat Falls, KidZooU, McNeil Avian Centre, Zoo360 and PECO Primate Reserve.
Some of the wildlife species that you will encounter during your USA tour are lions, , cheetah, alpaca, hippopotamus, puma and penguin. You will also see endangered species like the Galapagos tortoise, box turtle, red panda, gorilla, giant river otter and Andean bear. You can also admire a huge botanical collection of more than 500 plant species at the zoo.
Philadelphia Zoo is also famous for offering amazing interactive activities which is a must-try for you. You can attend programs like Keeper Talks, Behind-the-scenes tours, or Animal Feeding Sessions. You can also enjoy the Wildworks rope course which includes crossing multiple-level challenges and obstacles to reach the end. Some other activities include VR Reality Experiences, toy train rides, dining and shopping.
Highlights
• Explore America’s first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo which is home to over 1300 animals and 500 plant species.
• Spot various endangered animals like red panda, Galapagos tortoise, gorilla and giant river otter.
• Explore popular sections of the zoo like Zoo360, KidZooU, Big Cat Falls and McNeil Avian Centre.
• Indulge in fun activities like animal feeding sessions, VR experiences, rope courses and toy train rides.
• Try delicious snacks and drinks at the food court and end your tour by shopping for souvenirs from the gift shop.
How To Reach
- By Car: Philadelphia Zoo is located at a distance of around 5 km from the city centre of Philadelphia. You can reach the zoo in approximately 10 minutes via the I-76 W route. You can either take a local taxi or rent a car to reach the zoo.
- By Bus: The closest bus stop to Philadelphia Zoo is the 40th St & Poplar St which is only a 2-minute walk away from the zoo. There are several buses you can take such as bus numbers 32, 38, 40 and 48. This is the most budget-friendly way of getting around in Philadelphia which also lets you experience the local lifestyle.
Best Time To Visit
Philadelphia Zoo is a popular tourist attraction which can be visited any time of the year.
- Best Day of the Week: If you wish to explore the zoo with fewer crowds then plan your visit on the weekdays instead of the weekends.
- Best Time of the Day: You can visit in the early hours to avoid crowds and peacefully explore the zoo at your own pace.
Other Essential Information
- Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes as you will be required to walk a lot.
- Carry a hat and apply sunscreen generously to protect yourself from skin burns.
- Carry reusable water bottles and refill them at the water stations.
- Avoid touching or getting too close to the animals without their caretakers.
- Make sure not to offer any food items to the animals without obtaining permission.
- It is advisable to take breaks in between so that you can comfortably cover the entire zoo.
- The zoo has facilities like wheelchairs, strollers and electric scooters which can be availed from the main entrance.
- Consider opting for a guided tour to make the most of your tour of the zoo.
Explore the major attractions in the zoo
The zoo is divided into several sections, offering unique experiences to its visitors. Zoo360 is the most popular section where you can watch different animals traverse through an overhead mesh trail. The Big Cat Falls include waterfalls, lush greenery and pools, offering a natural environment to big cats like lions, jaguars, pumas and tigers. McNeil Avian Centre is another must-visit section where you can witness various kinds of birds from all around the world. To cover all these sections with ease, you can opt for a fun toy train ride which takes you from one end of the zoo to the other.
Offer your kids fun experiences
Your kids are going to love the Philadelphia Zoo as there are plenty of fun attractions and activities for them. One of the must-have attractions is the KidZooU which allows kids to pet animals like sheep, horses, ducks, goats and chickens. This section also offers playing equipment and climbing ramps for the entertainment of the kids. The zoo also has a beautifully-built treehouse where kids can enjoy various slides and climbs. Additionally, there is a carousel where kids can enjoy riding on their favourite animals.
Indulge in educational programs
Philadelphia Zoo offers a few educational programs which are informative as well as enjoyable. Make sure to attend the Keepers Talk session where you can learn fun facts about the wild animals, directly from the caretakers. The zoo also hosts animal feeding sessions in which you can get up close with your favourite animals and feed them with your own hands. Behind the Scenes, tour is another popular program which allows you to enter the animal cages and learn in detail how they are taken care of, their daily routine and food habits.
Enjoy virtual experiences
Right from the Philadelphia Zoo, you can explore the jungles of Africa and dive into open blue seas with 360-degree VR experiences. This advanced technology comes with a VR headset, audio and motion seats to offer authentic experiences. With this technology, you can explore the dense forests of East Africa and go on Gorilla Trek. Furthermore, you can watch the predators like crocodiles, lions and cheetahs stalk their prey. Additionally, you can experience swimming with the endangered giant humpback whales which is an exceptional experience.
Engage in aerial adventure
One of the most exciting activities at the Philadelphia Zoo is the rope course at WildWorks. It is a fun and challenging experience which includes climbing and swinging ropes, crossing bridges as well as tackling obstacles that come along the way. Whether you are an adult or a kid, it is a must-try experience for visitors of all ages. Once you complete the challenge and reach the top which is at a height of 34 ft from the ground, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the entire zoo.
Dine and shop
Make sure to take a break in between to recharge yourself with delicious meals. Philadelphia Zoo offers a huge variety of dining options from burgers, pizzas, tacos, sandwiches, hotdogs, pretzels and ice creams. Some of the most popular eateries at the zoo include 215 Cafe, Backyard Kitchen, Colbies Chicken and Eat Drink Taco Truck. If you wish to opt for an open-air restaurant then head towards The Urban Green which is famous for its fresh sandwiches and craft beers. To perfectly end your tour, explore the gift shops inside the zoo from where you can also purchase souvenirs for your trip.
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