Elmwood Park Zoo
Norristown, PA · 1 hour 2 minutes from Reading · Under $20 a person

Plan the day
Elmwood Park Zoo is a zoo in Norristown, PA, with giraffes you can hand feed, jaguars, red pandas, eagles and a playground, plus free parking.
You can hand feed the giraffes ($6, or $4 for members), ride the carousel and barrel train, and see jaguars, red pandas, Pallas's cats and tamanduas, with a musical garden for the youngest children. Outside food is welcome and parking is free. From November 20 to December 30 the zoo turns into Wild Lights, with illuminated animals, Santa's workshop and dog nights every Sunday.
Before you go
Parking is free and outside food and drink are allowed (no alcohol); bring your own wagon or stroller. Giraffe feeding, the carousel and the barrel train are $6 each ($4 for members). Buy Wild Lights tickets online to save a dollar; dogs are admitted on Sunday nights for $12.95 ($10.95 members).
Coming up
Boo at the Zoo runs weekends October 10 through November 1 (10:30am to 3:30pm) with Harvest Fest on October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25; Wild Lights runs select nights November 20 to December 30, 5 to 9pm, with Brunch with Santa on weekends December 5 to 20.
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.





