America’s first zoo. Beautiful place to spend the day watching all the wonderful animals. Love that the big cats have a much larger area to roam around. I do miss the elephants; they were always a great attraction and had a long history at the zoo, but knowing they are spending their remaining years in a safe reserve that is more like their natural habitat makes me so happy for those majestic creatures.
Always good to visit the Philadelphia Zoo, the first zoo! Be careful as they are not accepting 3rd party admissions at this time.As a courtesy they were sweet enough to give me complimentary passes for 2.A big shout out to Danielle Q for that tremendously courteous action. Great amount of gratitude for extending kindness.THANK YOU! The trip was ZOO much fun!
My second time here and still had a blast. Although all of the indoor exhibits were closed and it was a cloudy day, all of the animals were out and about, which made this trip worthwhile. Masks were kept on the entire visit and everyone social distanced as asked. It was very pleasant and quiet and we just loved it!
I love the Philadelphia zoo but I have to say I was a bit disappointed on my last visit.There were many exhibits closed and none of the extra activites were open. Every year someone in my family will purchase the membership so we all can enjoy trips there. This has been sort of a tradition in my family since I can remember we would frequently attend boo at the zoo as well. This year was very underwhelming. I understand that covid has taken an toll on all businesses, but it was sad that we spent $20 a ticket totaling $140 for all of us and each kid only recieved I believe it was 3 or 4 mini fun size pieces of candy, and a chase coloring book. While I appreciate and understand, it is a different thing for the children. The zoo could have done a bit of a better job helping our kids feel that things were a bit normal for a moment, after all we have been through in 2020. I love the zoo but I think our family will pass on the membership this year and see how things are next year.
We were fortunate to catch a super warm day in Nov., so the animals were out and active. The layout of the zoo is like a causal stroll through a park like setting. Ample signs with directions and info. The zoo employees were friendly and doing an awesome job of maintaining Covid-19 compliancy throughout the zoo and particularly at the food vendors. The Philadelphia Zoo is currently operating at 50% capacity, but there were still long lines at the special attraction, which was not a big deal because there is plenty to see if youre impatient like me. Their parking lot was ample and had an attendant which we appreciated not having to worry about the safety of our vehicle. We will definitely return once its up and running at full capacity again.
Hadnt been here in about 30 years since I was a kid. It was pouring rain but my girlfriend and I still had a great time. The weather said 25 percent chance of showers that turned into 100 percent downpour for hours within the few days after booking our tickets. You can not change the date after booking. But the animals seemed to come out more in the rain. Awesome. What we were disappointed in was that the reptile house and other attractions were closed due to covid. Sad. But support this zoo during these times please. The animals have to eat too. And watching them eat was very entertaining!
We travel to the zoo a few times a year. Now is most important to support all your local zoos and museums. Crowds are less so you can really enjoy the space and outdoors of the zoo.
During Covid time this was unexpectedly empty. Many of the food shops were closed and the one or two open was limited in items. The yep was still very enjoyable and in a sense more relaxing because of the lower amount of visitors
This is by far my favorite zoo. I honestly look for any excuse to go to Philadelphia, but especially the zoo. Ive visited the Philadelphia Zoo at least 15 times from school age to the present day now with my children.Apart from the amazing exhibits and the educational aspects, the Zoo staff is extremely friendly. People from the south always say ”northerners” are rude and mock ”the City of Brotherly Love.” But, it is accurate.I had the opportunity to tour behind the scenes of the zoo, in college and Ive been at the zoo during off-hours to run (well, I walked) a 5k twice. No matter what type of event is happening at the Zoo, it is always a treat seeing animals up close, but also knowing that they are being cared for by great people.
Zoo has been a part of my life for over 60 years, second grade trip to last year. When school bus pulled up we walked through a maze of vendors to monkey Island I was hooked. With the life span of a tortoise maybe one of them was there. I have never had a bad day at the zoo from being a grandson to taking my grandsons there. Truly a magical place come get a little magic no wands needed.
I am sure its a good place to visit post covid.. but right now given the limited exhibits(due to weather and covid) the rates can definitely be lower than what they charge. It feels like we paid a lot to view very few animals, the kids were pretty disappointed.
I love the Philadelphia Zoo!!! Americas 1st Zoo!!! Ive been here more times then I can remember and never had a bad experience. My parents took me here countless times and now I had the honor to take my son for his 1st time the other day and he loved as much as I knew he would, just like I had as a small child. Ive been to many zoos and many cities but growing up and living in New Jersey, outside of Philly, theres no place like home! Hands down this zoo is by far the best and I hope one day my son can bring his children as well. Thank you Philadelphia Zoo for yet another amazing day and many more memories! God Bless.
Boo at the Zoo with my crew. we had so much fun. there were sanitizer stations throughout. It is required to wear mask.
Horrible experience from the majority of zoo exhibits being closed including bathrooms(many locked that should be open). Don’t waste your time coming until restrictions are removed! If your mandating masks every exhibit should be open!
My daughter and I traveled from Charleston, SC for her 7th birthday today. Our first adventure was the zoo. The staff were all polite and friendly. Even the other guests and their families had amazing energy. We loved seeing all the animals. Until next time!
The philly zoo is always an amazing place to visit. The staff are friendly and I always get to see some of my favorite animals. While it is true that Covid has limited the experience its still worth going, and as a non-profit all of the sales go towards helping the zoo/animals. Masks are required and enforced. Staff will always remind people to put their masks back up. I would also like to add (to all the people complaining) YOU chose to come out during a pandemic, stop whining that stuff is closed, stop whining that you were forced to wear a mask. Just be happy they are even able to keep the gates open.
We absolutely love the zoo, but this experience left my family disappointed. We prepaid $80 for our ticket reservation. When we got into the zoo I was upset to see a lot of the animals were not out. It was a beautiful 75 degree day, no bears, rhinos, gorillas, no tigers out or walking in the cat walk tunnels above, no polar bear or penguins...what the heck? I spent $80 for my 9 and 4yr old to look at barn animals and birds. I understand with covid that the indoor things may be closed, I would have thought maybe they would let 6 people in at a time or something but I guess not. Also, there was one bathroom at the front open that was it. I know this is hard times for everyone and I don’t mind supporting the zoo especially during covid but it’s not fair to charge the amount you do with no attractions. Very disheartening. I could have gone to my local zoo and not drove to the city.
So... Today my honey and I decided to go to the Philadelphia Zoo like the Big Kids we are .... So EXCIIIIIITEEEE!!! Appt time 1‐130pm... MASKS UP ..... Almost immediately I began to regret coming, most of the attractions were closed and if they werent closed the animals were sleeping or not out yet (mayb we should have picked a later time ) then it seemed that most of the food and snack stands were closed then we stumbled upon the Picnic are (thank god) to start do to Covid they didnt have n e souvenir cups then they only had coke,fruit punch,and root beer to drink.... several people having lunch not once did we c n e one come out to sanitize tables once the people were done.... it was sanitizer stations located everywhere but not many were full.... overall not a great experience for me but we did get to go to the zoo for what it was worth....
Had a nice time with the family even on a 98degree day. $20 dollar adult tickets and $17 parking for a greatly restricted park is very expensive. We lasted about 90 minutes but Baby enjoyed himself. Only one food stand was open(pretzels) I will definitely go back after the distancing policies has lessened. No indoor exhibitions were open at this time
Even post covid and on a cold rainy day, it was such a lovely time my husband, our son and I. Took me back to my childhood. Very informative with each species and the animals were well kept and looked happy. Thank you!
A great place to bring the family, but NOT during COVID! Prices should be HALF of what they are charging for what you get to see. All indoor attractions are closed, which I can understand, but some outdoor attractions were also closed, which should have been made more clear before purchasing tickets. Didnt even take more than an hour to see everything. Definitely not worth the money they are charging, go to Bronx Zoo instead.
I enjoy the variety of animals at the Philadelphia Zoo. The zoo is organized well. I also appreciate the integration of art throughout the zoo. It makes it more interesting and playful for the children. The sculpture of Fishing Bear by EvAngelos W. Frudakis is actually a fountain.
I have to say compared to other zoos I’ve been to I’m not impressed. Covid 19 nobody was social distancing in lines to get into the two buildings that were open. It was clean animals were healthy our daughter liked it. Would I come back no. Turtle back zoo in my opinion was better. Just wasn’t impressed. Yes it’s a smaller zoo but for the history of the place I was expecting better. Good zoo just not a wow factor for me
Id give 5 stars for no covid and open, but having all the buildings closed made the main route a little congested. Most people didnt keep separated and about 30% didnt wear mask properly. Traffic flow was not directional.
Love the care social distance and all the extra care my kids have phone my baby had a awesome birthday
A little disappointed. So much of the zoo was unavailable for patrons. Enjoyed what we could.
I dont know why but we did jot see all the animals. Some were not present. But in general it was a great experience. The zoo is very clean and neat
If you want to see the carnivores close up, go to popcorn zoo, big family and dont want to pay, go to cape may. The saving grace of Philly Zoo during covid is probably those Hippos and Rhino. Otherwise the mask policy is way too loose for my taste, you could say its only required for entry.
Excellent socially distancing, outdoor fun. I haven’t been here in many years and was wow’d by the animals. We lucked out in our timing and saw many more animals active than I anticipated! I’m certain The Zoo is even better when there isn’t a pandemic. We’ll be back soon!
This zoo is amazing I have been going here for many years. Its a fun place to have birthday parties. One of my favorite parts is the metal cage tunnels that the tigers and monkeys go through. Lots of little places to eat and sit. There are lots of fun activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy horse riding, swan boats, train, etc.
My kids and i had fun we was kinda upset we couldnt see all the animals due to things being closed due to covid-19 but overall we had a blast
Loved all the animals, the kids were amazed by the lions and tigers. I loved the apes. Enclosures seemed well maintained. Shows were great.
The zoo was very nice. I felt more as if I was taking a walk through a cool sightseeing area but I felt for what they offered during Coronavirus the tickets should have been like 10 bucks. The animals were hot and lifeless. Some of them were active which was nice but even the outdoor viewing area were blocked off they keep a great amount of distance possible between you and the animal. I know things are different now if I paid 10 bucks for my ticket I would have been highly satisfied.Update I just went to do their survey and they are asking me my ethnicity and my income ?? What does this have to do with how my experience at the zoo was??
The grounds are kept very beautiful, the few animals looked healthy and happy. But most of the food vendors and gift shops were closed, most of the vending machines were out of service. My grand daughter was stalked by the salesman at the gift shop by the entrance as she was looking to buy souvenirs for us, Im sure she made the biggest purchase he ever made that day even though he watched every move she made. I would definitely go again but Id pack lunch, snacks and water and Id avoid the Karen guy at the gift shop.
The zoo itself is well kept up with and the animals also seem to be very well taken care of. My only issue is I wish there was more space to walk and see the exhibits. The place gets very crowded and it makes it very hard to see the animals. People don’t take their turns viewing the animals and move on like they should to allow everyone equal chance to see everything. I know that would be impossible to do with the location so its merely a suggestion to make the zoo more enjoyable.
The zoo was wonderful. Everyone was wearing masks and trying to social distance. We are members so happy to get back. Some food was available and as long as there was ice cream, the kids were happy. We went early and left early so it wasnt overly crowded.
My family and I have been following all the precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic. After several months inside the house, we were so excited to go to the Philadelphia Zoo! We purchased six tickets in total. On the day of our travels, two of our guest weren’t feeling well and decided to stay home. My family and I still traveled from out of town just to go to the Philadelphia Zoo. When we arrived the people checking in our bags were really helpful. We then let the clerks know about our two tickets and why the people were missing. However, we were not accommodated in any way. The zoo had 5 outdoor animals for viewing purposes. All of the inside buildings were closed, expect the gift shop. The food prices were spiked and very limited. My family and I still tried to make the best out our day and we did. I wouldn’t recommend going to the Zoo in the state it is in. It is a waste of time, I would recommend a free park instead.
Convinient parking and good for small kids as its not too much of parking. Felt good for animals as they have sky walkway otherwise very tight tiny enclosures.
Americas first zoo has made innovative additions to help expand their animals enrichment and their visitors experience. Even with COVID-19 restrictions, it was still a fun time with the family.
While its limited the zoo always brings out the kid in anyone!! Covid really has dampened the spirits of the animals, they are use to seeing people and now its limited. Love the experience
Pretty good zoo, manageable in size and lots to see. The directions are a bit lacking though (no clear signs in the parking lot and very sparse navigation signs within the zoo). The touchless entry, exit, and parking are impressive.
Beautifully arranged for maximum enjoyment. Lovely walking paths that make the zoo feel more like a park. Plenty of history as it is the first zoo in America. Indoor kids play area is fantastic but needs a sprucing up.
Theyve recently opened some of the indoor attractions (Big Cat Falls for example). Facemals (above the nose) are required, staff is strategically placed throughout the exhibit, and only allow a limited number of people in close quarters at one time. Also hand rail and high touch surfaces are cleaned very frequently. Great opportunity to get out while staying safe in my opinion.
We havent taken our girls many places because of the pandemic. Theyre 10 months and 2 years and 10 months. Because of the safety precautions in place we felt comfortable with a trip to the zoo. A lot of things were closed, anything not on the main thoroughfare, but it was enough. Patrons respected the need to wear masks and werent on top of each other.
Name the Animal and you will find it here. Good grouping of animals. Well maintained place. Easy to hangout and find specific animals. Carry a zoo map at entrance. Can spend easily 2 to 3 hrs in this place. They have a boating option too for interested ones.
Was pretty good but like any other zoo you dont see a lot of animals! They have their moments! Both kids enjoyed the indoor / outdoor learning adventure! Weather was mild for Philadelphia winter 50F degree
Absolutely fell in love with this Zoo. My Daughter was entranced with all the animals and great visibility of the animals. Hopefully when we go again it wont be 90+ degrees and the animals have more energy. We will make another trip (7 hrs) to visit again.
Boo at the Zoo during covid 19.. Outside family fun. Very friendly atmosphere
It doesnt matter how often we come, our little one loves this zoo and the adults all always have fun too. Try a family membership if you prefer coming more often for a few hours at a time, which works well for us. Our recent trip was only three hours but it felt like a very full and enriching day. Love the flamingos!
Didnt get to see everything. Many displays closed do to the pandemic. But it was a nice stroll and not busy.
Not much open because of safety issues but we definently felt safe, everyone had masks on. It was just nice to get out and walk around!
They are managing things really well during the pandemic. Had a great, safe visit.
Hello. We went during the pandemic, everyone was wearing masks which was good. However it was not worth it at all because most of the animals weren’t there. And most of the places were closed so we couldn’t pass/ enter to see. We were only able to see very few animals.
All hype. The place was way below my expectations. We didnt even get to see the lions. Took less than an hour to walk round the ENTIRE ZOO. youre better off going to DC.
Always a great time at the Philly Zoo. Our 3yr old loves seeing all the animals. Great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
So beautiful and interactive! My daughter loved it all! However, she is a huge fan of polar bears and unfortunately, the ones they had passed away. They hope to have some in the near future. Besides the sad news, we were thrilled and marveled by everything, especially their Rare and Endangered Species Exhibit.
This is a great place for the big cats. Love to stop by with the kids when in town. I appreciated the discounted rate because I am a member of the Smithsonian Zoo in DC. I received a great deal. They have a good variety of animals. The Lego exhibits scattered around the park were cool. We took the wagon for our two kids, and it was a good exercise navigating the park. Highly recommend visiting.
Not what I thought and I don’t believe I should be paying $20 bucks per person especially during COVID-19. Most activities and exhibits are closed due to coronavirus...so why still pay full price? The animals look worn out. People (adults) still thinking it’s ok to walk around without a mask. The only thing I enjoyed was how close the parking was to the zoo.
Large Zoo with lots of exhibits. I love how the peacocks are allowed to roam free. Just needs to be more zoo staff supervising because the kids chase them. The Zookeepers are nice but the security and especially the people that work the restaurant and concession stands are ratchet, loud, very young, unprofessional and unpleasant to deal with. The food is subpar and expensive. Which makes it even worse when you have to deal with the rude axx cashiers. My suggestion is to pack a lunch. Overall its a great experience be prepared to walk, ALOT! Try to go in the afternoon when they feed the animals.
I enjoyed watching the kids get excited seeing their favorite animals in real life and not the TV. It took me back when I was a kid at the zoo, and to see how much it had changed there.
The Philadelphia Zoo is a very cool place. The best part is the funny Monkeys! There were so many funny Monkeys I almost fainted. One downside was that they didn’t have any funny orangutans when I went there, but the funny Monkeys made up for that small setback. Overall, 5 Stars for the Monkeys. Only go for the Monkeys.
I love this zoo! We got the year membership for Christmas and have already been twice. Fun in the rain and shine ️ The zoo flows really nicely and you can see animals from all different angles in their habitats. The lemurs running above my head through the net tunnels were amazing!!! The birds building is also extremely interactive and fun. I love all the statues and art throughout the zoo as well. It’s like a zoo and art museum all in one! Can’t wait to go back
Not to much to say. But I love the Philadelphia zoo! Awesome adventure for the family. Beyond expectations from the staff on how they where so so so helpful and so so so sweet to all the guest. Beautiful experience.
I love the zoo and seeing all of the animals. A lot of exhibits look like they are under construction and will have new and exciting things in the future. I got to see a sloth move and yawn. The hippos were very active and drinking water from a hose.
The Philadelphia Zoo is the BEST! My summer camp class went there on a field trip this past week and my students and I had a blast! The zoo is very well kept, there are tons of animals and fun exhibits to see, and the team members and staff are so friendly and helpful. Its a fabulous place for a trip with your family or for a field trip. I highly recommend!
I had a great day out with my friend at this zoo. Loads of animals to see and the weather definitely topped it off!
Its a nice zoo. We had a nice visit, it seemed like a slow day at zoo, missed a fair few animals but got to see some magnificent ones. The Penguins were quite chill and so were the red pandas! Leopards were magnificent and seals were quite playful. Would give it a try again in spring/summer. Might get to see more animals then.
My family and I always have a good time at the zoo and this time was no different. All the indoor exhibits were closed however which I understand, but the gift shop was open. Interesting how they can figure out how to social distance customers there.
Awesome place to take family. Has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, so you can take advantage of all weather. We got a membership, and its totally worth it! The hippos were awe-inspiring. Theses otters and flamingos were surprising favorites too. Will definitely be back soon, Lord willing!
Great day. Fun members event at night with characters. Love all the added benefits of doing a membership. Staff was so friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable about the animals.
I became a family deluxe member since I love taking my kids here. The zoo has numerous activites. The zoo itself is pretty big and all the animals look healthy. The food prices are reasonable as well. This is a great place to visit and it might take you all day to get around.
I luckily had a free pass. The zoo is a joke with what they have open during Covid. My opinion. Let the animals just chill and keep it closed until they have something worth going to see. Youll see maybe 7 animals with how they have EVERYTHING CLOSED
I love the Philadelphia Zoo!! The animals are all very well kept and it is kept clean. The only negative for us was that people just dont watch their kids and let them run around and, as I was in a wheelchair for this trip, it just added some stress and anxiety for me.
The zoo would have been an excellent place to visit outside of a pandemic. A lot of the exhibits were closed on my visit. The ones that were open had long lines due to minimizing the # of people. The last issue was they were out of Coca-Cola. After being parched at a zoo a Coke is needed.
Really loved the Zoo360 feature. I feel the zoo is using all the space they have to the best of their ability. A great reptile house is a plus. Merry some Betty nice keepers who were always willing to answer questions. Ive never had this much access to the animals caretakers. Only negative, I wish the green spaces found around the zoo were a little more well kept up. Would be more appealing to have more landscaped area.
No elephantsAnd the funding for keeping everything running just isnt there but thats a different argument for a better time
The new zoo experience is fun, exciting and especially safe. Masks are worn at all times. Hand sanitizer is readily available for use. The new bear cub is full of energy and the flamingo chick is fluffy grey. You are not allowed inside any of the exhibit halls. It felt like a private gathering where the zoo was my exclusive place to explore.
Have been here twice, love the tiger exhibits and the especially the reptiles. Clean zoo and wonderful stores.
So cool! So many fun activities for the kids and the animals are so cool. Primate house was amazing and has lots of cute baby monkeys. Big cats walked over our heads and it was amazing. Staff is super friendly and helpful.
Kid friendly. Go early! They have taken great care to make it COVID resistant. Buy the yearly pass if you have kids. Really pays for itself.
It was nice. All animal buildings are closed though!!
The zoo is pretty good but quite frankly, we visited during coronavirus and we found that we could access only fifty percent of the zoo at best. It did not feel like an expansive park.
I thought they did a great job with Covid and making sure everyone was safe during a busy boo at the zoo weekend.
They had sanitizers everywhere. Very clean. Friendly staff. No elephants.
It was a great time viewing those beautiful animals. The place is clean and well-managed.
Went in mid September of 2020 and it was a horrible experience, everythkng was closed due to covid19 even the outdoor exhibits like the big cat exhibit and the primate reserve....i understand closing the interior exhibits but the outdoor ones??? SAVE YOUR MONEY FOLKS IT IS NOT WORTH IT....they should be ashamed of themselves for taking money from people, all the animals you go to the zoo to see you cannot see, it is a joke
Always a great place to be, where nature resides. Greenery and wild life are just calming, the zoo is a must visit anywhere u can find one.Enjoy
It was nice I wish there was more things to see but we had fun and my grandbaby enjoyed it. Thanks for letting go and enjoy.I will visit again soon.
Boo at the zoo wasnt crazy like most people said it was. This was my first time at this zoo and it wasnt thrilling, but I can understand half of the zoo is closed due to COVID. There were lines for the monkeys and a 45 min wait line for the big cat falls.
This is such a great zoo. They not only have a lot of animals to see (if they are not sleeping at the time of your visit), but fun activities for kids. I mean it is no Bronx Zoo by all means, but this place is special as it is the very first zoo in the United States. You can literally spend the whole day here. They have plenty of places to go to the bathroom, rest and eat. They also have a few nifty gift shops as well. The price of admission for a nonmember is pretty fare and the lines to get in the zoo seem to move along quickly. Price for parking however, is a bit steep ($16). I recommend this place to everyone of any age group. I will definitely visit again in the future.
Very nice. Some exhibits were empty or closed but great variety overall. Plus the staff is welcoming and helpful.
Very nice visit for the holiday light show. All the staff and security officials did a great job, very welcoming. This is the first year, so I would think it would get better as it grows, great job though, there is no live animals to be seen. I expected that, as they need their rest. Dont expect any reference to Christmas, as there is none.
Such a great trip! All of the employees were great! Very informative! There was a small goat petting zoo for young kids..my favorite was the orangutan exhibit! Really cool to watch! We also saw Beau the 3 month old giraffe..so adorable! Overall great experience!!
We visited the Zoos first Luminature celebration over the Christmas holiday. We will be back in the spring and next year! The multimedia light and music show was spectacular. Allow at least 2 hours to experience the performers, the polar bear video show and to stroll the grounds. There is paid zoo parking which we recommend that you reserve in advance.
The Philadelphia Zoo is absolutely as much fun as I remember it being when I was a child. Because of Covid-19 theres a lot of things that are closed however it seems that since guests are doing well with following guidelines they have been able to open up more of the Zoo to visitors.
Went on class trip with Southwest leadership charter school. It was raining when we first got there... didnt matter. Had the best time even with all the walking. You dont want to miss anything from the reptile house to the kids farm. Be on the look out for the very beautiful Peacock he wants everyone to see him