Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia, PA · 1 hour 15 minutes from Reading
Plan the day
The Philadelphia Zoo is a zoo in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, PA, at 34th Street and Girard Avenue. It calls itself America's first zoo.
The zoo's own count is more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals, spread across the newly opened Francis J. Carey Bear Country, Big Cat Falls, Flamingo Cove, the Reptile and Amphibian House and the Zoo360 trail system. It sits in Fairmount Park about two miles from downtown, with its own garage at 35th and Girard.
Before you go
Admission is priced by date and sold online; summer dates need an advance online reservation. Parking is $22 (free for members) in the Zoo Garage at 35th and Girard, the Tiger Lot or on Zoological Drive, prepaid with tickets or at kiosks. SEPTA's G line and the Route 38 bus stop nearby.
Coming up
Boo at the Zoo runs October 10 to 12, 17 and 18, 24 and 25, and October 31 and November 1, 9:30 AM to 5 PM, included with admission: trick-or-treating through the zoo, pumpkin feedings and costume contests at 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.
