Whether you’re looking for an afternoon activity for the kids or a fun daytime date idea, the Philadelphia Zoo has something for all ages. This impressive wild animal zoo is the first zoo in the country, dating back to 1859. Today, the zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals, birds, reptiles, and aquatic creatures, many of which are on the endangered species list.
This zoo is unique because of how open the animals’ areas are, with spacious walkways that enable the larger animals to have space to roam while still maintaining a safe distance from visitors. Large, sprawling areas emulating the animals’ natural habitats house exotic creatures like gorillas, elephants, polar bears, and everyone’s favorite big cats, including the endangered Amur leopard.
The Philadelphia Zoo also offers a kids’ zoo, a variety of food options, and a gift shop to take home a souvenir. The zoo is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Philadelphia Zoo
3400 W. Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 243-1100
www.philadelphiazoo.org
www.yelp.com/biz/philadelphia-zoo-philadelphia