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Philadelphia Zoo

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Cheryl
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
9
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17
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Editor Pick

Tons of Family Fun

  • July 7, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by megamay from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We live in Philadelphia and have a membership to the zoo. That is my first tip - if you have multiple people or plan to go more than once in a year, a membership is often a better deal. The membership includes your parking and entrance fees for every member of the family. We have the deluxe membership which also includes all the extra rides that the park has to offer. But more about those later.

I am not a huge fan of zoos in general, and yet I have been to many different ones. I have to say that this one is pretty good. The Big Cat Pavilion was recently renovated and features large glass windows that allow you to get up close and personal with the cats - if they are in the mood.

The brand new bird house also just opened. I actually havent seen it yet, but I am sure it is amazing! Then there is the primate area which is pretty much guaranteed to have something to see. Even when the larger animals are sleeping, there are always the smaller jumping monkeys that are very playful.

There are polar bears, but to be honest, in all the times Ive been there, I have only seen them pacing back and forth acting like they are going to swim, never actually swimming.

For swimming, be sure to check out the river otters in the carnivore section. They are probably my favorite, since they are always playing and swimming.

Here is a tip about birds (not in the bird house)- there is a little greenhouse like enclosure, sort of between the Swan boats and the children's zoo - off the main trail and behind the bathrooms. In there you can get a cup of nectar and feed the birds! They will come and land on you to drink the nectar out of your cup, and sometimes lick your hands too. It can be tough to find and even some frequent visitors don't know about it. It also is only open at certain times, and only during the summer months. Still, it is worth looking for because it is free and very fun!

I think my favorite thing about the zoo is all the 'extras' that they have. It is sort of like a mini amusement park! There are the pony rides in the children's zoo, the draft horse rides, the brand new carousel with rainforest animals, the little train ride, the swan boats, the camel rides and of course the zoo balloon that gives you a great view of the city! Each of the rides costs between $3 and $8 unless you have a family deluxe pass - then every family member gets one ride per visit free.
Editor Pick

Philadelphia Zoo

  • July 13, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by zabelle from Portland, Connecticut
Philadelphia Zoo

Let me begin by admitting I am not a fan of zoos. I’m sure then the question of why I would visit here is bound to come up. Grandchildren, it is really the only explanation.

Being me, I was rather surprised what it cost to park at the zoo. One would think that since we have to pay entrance that would be enough, but I would be wrong, it is $10. Parking is also at quite a distance so be prepared to walk a good deal before you even get into the zoo. There are handicap lots closer and I imagine if you get there when the zoo opens you might be able to park a bit closer than where we ended up.

Luckily I had my Philadelphia Pass which gave us all free entrance to the zoo. This is a $16.95 value. You can even purchase and print your tickets at home before you visit at their website http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/

Philadelphia Zoo bills itself as Americas First Zoo. The Zoological Society of Philadelphia came into existence in 1859 but with the onset of the Civil War the opening was delayed until July 1, 1874. The land chosen for the zoo once belonged to William Penn’s grandson John. Admission in 1874 was 25 cents for adults. That first year the zoo welcomed 228,000 visitors. Last year more than 1.1 million people visited. The collection has grown from 813 to over 1600 but in many ways I am sure the excitement of the children who visit is much the same.

The PECO Primate Reserve was one of our favorite places in the Zoo for several reasons, number one for me was that it is air-conditioned and it was a sweltering hot August day and the second was just watching the interaction of the Gorillas and chimpanzees with the audience.

What really fascinated Julia and Alex though was a tiny little animal a pygmy marmoset. It was absolutely adorable and we spent a great deal of time trying a get a picture of it that did it justice. It was not very cooperative I have to say.

We did enjoy seeing a poisonous frog, lots of huge snakes and an okapis which a donkey with striped zebra legs, unusual to say the least.

There are some nice boxes for children where they can push a button and get some information on the animal they are seeing. It was perhaps a bit on the young side for the 12-year-olds.

There are of course several stores geared toward children of all ages with temptations galore. There were also ice cream and snack stands.

We did have one up close and personal experience, we got to watch them moving the camels and we were standing right in front of them.

From journal Philly with 2 Tweens-What was I thinking?

Philadelphia Zoo

  • September 26, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MalervyC from Norristown, Pennsylvania
My favorite exibit is the Reptile House. I'm not one for holding snakes, but I think they are beautiful creatures. The polar bear pool is another big attraction, mostly because there is an underground window into the tank where you can see the bears playing in the water.

From journal Philadelphia - A Home Grown City

Philadelphia Zoo

  • July 29, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by digitaldan1 from Deptford, New Jersey
Philadelphia Zoo

Open and park like, it's easy to forget you are smack in the midst of one of the country's biggest cities. The Philadelphia Zoo is a pleasure to visit because it always remembers the animals are the reason why people visit.

Zoo exhibits provide terrific views of such animals as lions, tigers, elephants, bears, and other creatures. Visitors with even modest telephoto lens can make images that look like they were taken in the wild.

From journal Philadelphia Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

  • May 28, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MaryJake from Oxford, Connecticut
The zoo is great. It is clean and the animals have real nice habitats. If you belong to your local zoo, most have reciprocal arrangements that allow you to get in free here. That saves a bunch of money on tickets. You can bring a picnic. They have swan paddle boats on the lake. We stayed from mid-morning till closing and saw everything. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen. It is a real nice family attraction.

From journal Faminly weekend in Philadlephia

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