Philadelphia Zoo tickets, prices, hours, what to expect and more

The Philadelphia Zoo is a 42-acre Victorian garden with tree-lined paths and charming animal sculptures. 

As America’s first zoo and a conservation leader, it’s home to nearly 1,300 rare and endangered animals. 

What sets it apart is Zoo360, a unique animal travel system that allows primates and big cats to roam above the main visitor pathway. 

Explore Big Cat Falls, the McNeil Avian Center, the PECO Primate Reserve, and KidZooU, an interactive wildlife academy. 

The zoo’s historic architecture, botanical collection, research, and veterinary facilities add to its allure.

Top tickets to Philadelphia Zoo:  #Philadelphia Zoo entry ticket

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Where to buy tickets for Philadelphia Zoo 

You can either buy tickets for the Philadelphia Zoo online or offline. 

To make your visit to the Philadelphia Zoo easy, buy your tickets in advance for a hassle-free experience. 

While tickets are available on the day of your visit, securing your Philadelphia Zoo tickets online presents several advantages. 

Ticket counter lines can become particularly time-consuming during peak seasons, sometimes extending up to two hours. 

Online tickets allow you to skip lengthy ticket counter lines and save time.

Booking in advance lets you secure your tickets for the date and time that suits you best. 

Online tickets also often provide cost savings, as they are typically more budget-friendly compared to on-site ticket prices.

Furthermore, some of the most sought-after ticket options may only be available online, making it a convenient and cost-effective choice for your visit.

Philadelphia Zoo entry ticket

The Philadelphia Zoo entry ticket offers you unlimited access to all themed areas. 

You can skip the hassle of ticket counter lines and head directly inside the zoo with this ticket. 

This ticket does not offer entry to the WildWorks Ropes Crouse, Animal Rainforest Carousel, SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train, Giraffee and Wings of Asia Feeding Experience.

You can try all these experiences at an extra cost at the zoo.

Ticket Prices

The Philadelphia Zoo ticket price for all visitors over the age of 12 is $25. 

Children between two and 11 can enter by paying $20 for the ticket.

Infants below two years are granted free admission.

Age	Price
Adult ticket (12+) years	$25
Child ticket (2 to 11 years)	$20
Infant ticket (Below 2)  years.	Free

Philadelphia Zoo free tickets

If you’re exploring the vibrant attractions of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Zoo City Passes offer the perfect way to maximize your experience. 

Choose from two exceptional options: the Philadelphia Go City All-Inclusive Pass and the Philadelphia Go City Explorer Pass.

The Philadelphia Go City All-Inclusive Pass provides access to 30+ attractions over 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. 

You can plan your itinerary effortlessly using the complimentary digital guide included with your pass. 

You can explore over 30 tours, cruises, activities, and more throughout Philadelphia while enjoying up to 50% savings compared to buying individual attraction tickets.

For more flexibility, the Philadelphia Go City Explorer Pass allows you to save up to 50% on your visit by selecting 3, 4, 5, or 7 attractions.

Simply display your digital pass to gain entry.

Moreover, your pass is valid for 60 days from your first attraction visit, giving you ample time to explore the best of Philadelphia at your own pace. 

These city passes provide a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy the city’s attractions.

Philadelphia Zoo opening hours

The Philadelphia Zoo is open from Wednesday to Monday and closed on Tuesday. 

The zoo welcomes visitors from 9.30 am to 5 pm until October 30, with the last admission at 3 pm. 

On October 31 and November 1, the zoo remains closed. 

Starting Thursday, November 2, the zoo shifts start from 9.30 am to 3 pm, Thursday through Sunday. 

The last ticket is available till 1 pm, with entrance allowed until 2 pm. 

While members do not need to make advance reservations, other visitors need to book their tickets in advance. 

The best time to visit the Philadelphia Zoo

The best time to visit the Philadelphia Zoo is 9.30 am in the morning when the zoo opens. 

Arriving early lets you see more active animals before the afternoon heat sends them into shaded areas and exhibit shelters. 

It’s also the least crowded time of day to explore exhibits more freely. 

The morning hours also provide pleasant temperatures for walking around the extensive zoo grounds. 

Aim to arrive at 9.30 am to have as much time as possible before crowds pick up closer to noon.

To avoid the biggest crowds, the best days of the week to visit are the weekends, except Tuesday when the zoo is closed.  

If you need to go on a weekend, Fridays and Saturdays in the off-season months are your best bet for fewer people. 

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays also see the least amount of school groups and camps during non-summer months.

The best season to visit the zoo is April and May. 

This window provides moderate temperatures, blooming gardens, new animal babies and generally smaller crowds. 

Fall is also an excellent time to visit, with pleasant weather and smaller weekend crowds after schools are back in session. 

For the smallest crowds year-round, aim for winter on a weekday, but be prepared for cold weather. 

Alternatively, late summer can work well on a Tuesday through Thursday. 

Ultimately, spring gives you the best combination of weather, animals and fewer crowds.

How long does it take to visit the Philadelphia Zoo

To fully tour the entire zoo, you’ll need a full day. 

Plan on six to eight hours to see all the exhibits, especially if you’ll be visiting shows and taking breaks. 

You can always linger longer for extra time with your favorite animals.

If you have limited time, you can still have a great experience in three to four hours. 

Focus on your must-see exhibits and areas that interest you most. 

Don’t try to navigate every inch of the zoo.

Arriving when the zoo opens lets you see more attractions before closing.

How to reach Philadelphia Zoo:

Philadelphia Zoo is conveniently located at the corner of 34th Street and Girard Avenue in the heart of historic Fairmount Park. 

Address: 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Get Directions. 

If you’re in downtown Philadelphia, it’s just a short two-mile journey. 

SEPTA offers bus and trolley routes to the Zoo area for those using public transportation. 

You can access the Zoo via the Route #15 trolley, Route 38 bus, or the Philadelphia PHLASH.

It is a seasonal transit service with weekend service (Friday-Sunday) in the spring and fall and daily service during the summer and holiday seasons.

Getting to the Philadelphia Zoo is hassle-free, with multiple parking choices available. 

For $17, you can park at the Zoo Garage located at 35th & Girard Ave. 

You’re lucky if you’re a member – one car per membership gets free parking. 

The Zoo also offers handicapped-accessible parking spots in the Tiger Lot and the Parking Garage, making your visit accessible and convenient.

Exhibits and animals at Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo, established as one of the oldest in the US, offers a remarkable diversity of animals. 

Organized into distinct exhibits, visitors can journey through the African Plains, observing lions, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. 

In Bear Country, various bear species, like grizzly and polar bears, swim, play, and eat, with a viewing area for up-close encounters. 

Big Cat Falls features agile tigers, jaguars, and leopards showcasing their climbing and swimming skills. 

Bird Valley delights with avian wonders like flamingos, toucans, and parrots, allowing visitors to stroll through the exhibit or gain an aerial view from a dedicated viewing area. 

KidZooU caters specifically to children, offering interactive activities and a chance to meet friendly animals like goats, sheep, and pigs. 

The McNeil Avian Center, a state-of-the-art bird facility, introduces guests to various bird species, from playful penguins to colorful macaws. 

The Outback Outpost brings Australia to Philadelphia, home to kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. 

Visitors can observe these unique creatures up close or from an overhead viewing area. 

The PECO Primate Reserve houses primates like gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, providing an opportunity to witness their tree-swinging antics and daily routines. 

Penguin Point offers an aquatic spectacle with African, Humboldt, and rockhopper penguins, entertaining visitors with their swimming and playful antics. 

Raptor Ridge showcases various raptors, such as bald eagles, hawks, and owls, inviting onlookers to marvel at their flight and hunting skills. 

The Rare Animal Conservation Center is a breeding and research facility dedicated to preserving rare and endangered animals like red pandas, snow leopards, and Sumatran orangutans. 

The Reptile and Amphibian House is a haven for reptile and amphibian enthusiasts, housing diverse species like snakes, lizards, and frogs. 

There’s also a viewing area from which visitors can observe these fascinating creatures from above. 

The Small Mammal House introduces mammals like bats, rodents, and rabbits, offering an opportunity to see them in action from an elevated viewing area. 

Finally, the Water is Life exhibit emphasizes the crucial role of water for all living beings, incorporating interactive activities and a range of aquatic animals such as fish, turtles, and alligators. 

This comprehensive zoo experience provides something for everyone, from the young to the young at heart, making it a must-visit destination in Philadelphia.

FAQs on Philadelphia Zoo tickets

Featured Image : A view of an African Lion Stock photos by Vecteezy