
Elmwood Park Zoo
A century-old zoo in Norristown, PA, offering diverse animal encounters, family-friendly activities, and special events like 'Dog Days'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

Elmwood Park Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old zoo in Norristown, PA, offering diverse animal encounters, family-friendly activities, and special events like 'Dog Days'.
"A great LITTLE ZOO with clean restrooms, friendly staff, and fun for all ages!"

🎟️ Library Pass Perks
Check your local library for free passes to save on admission!
🐾 Dog Days Fun
Bring your canine companion on designated 'Dog Days' for a unique zoo experience.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 6,186 reviews
Type
Zoo
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding Experience
Giraffe Habitat
Get up close and personal to feed these gentle giants. A truly memorable moment for all ages!

Noah the Bald Eagle
Educational Ambassador Area
Meet Noah, the Philadelphia Eagles' live bald eagle mascot, an inspiring symbol of resilience.

Petting Zoo Adventures
Petting Zoo Area
Interact with friendly farm animals, a delight for little ones and a chance for hands-on fun.

Playground & Percussion Garden
Central Area
Let the kids burn energy at the playground or explore musical instruments in the percussion garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Your Visit
Dog-Friendly Fun & Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Library Pass Perks
Check your local library for free passes to save on admission!
🐾 Dog Days Fun
Bring your canine companion on designated 'Dog Days' for a unique zoo experience.
🦒 Plan for Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe feeding is a timed event, so check the schedule to ensure you don't miss out.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The zoo is stroller-friendly, but comfortable shoes are a must for exploring all the exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Library Pass Perks
Check your local library for free passes to save on admission!
🐾 Dog Days Fun
Bring your canine companion on designated 'Dog Days' for a unique zoo experience.
🦒 Plan for Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe feeding is a timed event, so check the schedule to ensure you don't miss out.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
The zoo is stroller-friendly, but comfortable shoes are a must for exploring all the exhibits.
📱 Download Zoo Map
Consider downloading a zoo map beforehand to navigate efficiently and plan your route.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elmwood Park Zoo is praised for its continuous improvements and manageable size, making it a great spot for families. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and unique events like 'Dog Days' and 'Boo at the Zoo'. While some note it's a smaller zoo, the engaging exhibits and interactive experiences, like giraffe feeding, leave a positive impression.
"🦌 The Elmwood Park Zoo is a smaller zoo but it has been working hard to improve by remodeling and expanding. In 2024, it celebrated its 100th year anniversary and opened a Welcome Center and Veterinary Health Center.
I had the pleasure of attending the official unveiling of their new Sculpture Fountain featuring a buck, doe and fawn sculpture. A bronze jaguar will be added in the upcoming year. The sculpture fountain serves as a centerpiece to the Welcome Center and honors their initial days when it provided a home to just three deer.
The zoo has grown so much over the years and now hosts a diverse collection of animals, including giraffes, zebras, jaguars, red pandas, and tamarins. You can also see bison, elk, ferrets, and plenty of farm animals. Their animal houses are home to species like eagles, owls, American alligators, desert tortoise, and boa constrictors. The amphibian house features endangered species like the Panamanian golden frog.
I was very impressed by the zoo's innovative improvements, including the enhanced parking and increased accessibility for all visitors. The new Veterinary Health Center is a highlight; visitors can watch through large observation windows as animals receive top-notch care. This zoo is incredibly welcoming, with lots of fun play areas for kids and even special 'Dog Days' that allow your canine companions to join in on the fun. It's truly a great place for family and friends to visit!"
The Arts
"Dog days at the zoo ! My boys were very curious about the animals at the zoo and vice versa. The zoo is small but very well maintained. We didn't get to see everything since there are areas that dogs are not permitted. There was live music and plenty of playground areas for kids to exhaust themselves in. Zoo brew ! 👍🏻 Overall a great experience. The boys approved of the trip and can't wait to do it again."
MG “Parker's takeover”
"Took the kids to boo at the zoo & they had a great time. The park is very well maintained and was very nice. They had candy for the kids and the kids could dress up. There was a face painting station & a little circus act. Would definitely return."
Ashley Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Elmwood Park Zoo is located in Norristown, PA. It offers free parking, and there's a shuttle service from the parking lot to the entrance for those who need it.
Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo provides free parking for visitors.
Absolutely! The zoo features flat, stroller-friendly paths, making it accessible for everyone.
Information on public transportation routes to Elmwood Park Zoo can be found on their official website or local transit authority schedules.
You can find detailed driving directions to Elmwood Park Zoo by searching for its address on your preferred navigation app.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults is around $28, with discounts available for seniors and children. Check their website for the most current Elmwood Park Zoo prices and Elmwood Park Zoo admission details.
Yes, look for potential discounts through local libraries, library passes, or special promotions. Montco residents may also find half-price admission opportunities.
It's highly recommended to purchase Elmwood Park Zoo tickets online in advance, especially for popular events, to secure your spot and potentially avoid lines.
Elmwood Park Zoo hours vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo membership options are available, which can offer benefits like unlimited visits and discounts. Consider an Elmwood Park Zoo family membership for frequent visitors.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Elmwood Park Zoo features a diverse collection including giraffes, zebras, jaguars, red pandas, sloths, bison, eagles, and more. They also have a petting zoo and an amphibian house.
Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo hosts various events like 'Boo at the Zoo' for Halloween and 'Breakfast with the Giraffes'. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
Elmwood Park Zoo has designated 'Dog Days' where leashed dogs are welcome. Not all areas may be accessible to dogs.
Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo has a nice playground area for children, as well as a percussion garden for musical exploration.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Weekends and special event days tend to be busier.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo offers fast food fare and ice cream within the zoo. There's also a beer garden for adults.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally permissible to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy at designated areas within the zoo. Check their guidelines.
Elmwood Park Zoo has food stands offering quick bites and treats, rather than a full-service restaurant.
Expect typical zoo fare like hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and ice cream. The beer garden offers adult beverages.
Food options may vary, but it's advisable to inquire at the food stands about vegetarian or vegan choices available on the day of your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The giraffe habitat, the new sculpture fountain, and the various animal enclosures offer great photo opportunities. Don't forget Noah the bald eagle!
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, be mindful of any specific restrictions in certain exhibit areas.
You can take photos of the animals, but avoid using flash photography as it can disturb them.
Typically, drone usage is prohibited at zoos to ensure the safety and well-being of animals and visitors. Check the zoo's policy.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer lighting for photography and can be when animals are most active.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit