Seasonal daily giraffe feedings bring guests face to face with these gentle giants
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Elmwood Park Zoo

4.5
·6k reviews·Norristown, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

CrowdLow
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Seasonal daily giraffe feedings bring guests face to face with these gentle giants

Elmwood Park Zoo

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(6k reviews)

"A great LITTLE ZOO with clean restrooms, friendly staff, and fun for all ages!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 6,186 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding Experience

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

Noah the Bald Eagle

Educational Ambassador Area

Meet Noah, the Philadelphia Eagles' live bald eagle mascot, an inspiring symbol of resilience.

TikTokInstagram
Petting Zoo Adventures

Petting Zoo Adventures

Petting Zoo Area

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

InstagramReddit
Playground & Percussion Garden

Playground & Percussion Garden

Central Area

Let the kids burn energy at the playground or explore musical instruments in the percussion garden.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Your Visit

Elmwood Park Zoo is a manageable size, making it great for families. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially if you have young children. Special events like 'Boo at the Zoo' are popular and can get busy, so book tickets in advance if possible. TikTokInstagram

Dog-Friendly Fun & Special Events

Elmwood Park Zoo hosts 'Dog Days' where your furry friends are welcome, offering a unique experience for pet owners. TikTok Keep an eye on their calendar for other special events like 'Breakfast with the Giraffes' for a memorable outing. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During Special Events
Why
Unique experiences await
Crowd
High
When
Afternoon (Petting Zoo Closes Early)
Why
Catch the petting zoo before it closes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

first but definitely not last yappy hour at @Elmwood Park Zoo #yappyhour #elmwoodparkzoo #norristownpa #zoo #dogfriendly #montgomerycounty #embarkmontco #makeitmontco
@the.oliverandtheofarm
28.1K likes • 247.5K views

🎟️ Library Pass Perks

Check your local library for free passes to save on admission! TikTokReddit

🐾 Dog Days Fun

Bring your canine companion on designated 'Dog Days' for a unique zoo experience. TikTokReddit

Breakfast with the Giraffes was a great family fun event. I highly suggest if you are looking for something different to do with the kiddos ##phillyfoodies##elmwoodpark##phillytiktok##Foodie##sundayfunday##breakfas##zoo##fyp##phillydatenight##foodie##phillyeats##phillyzoo##inluwithfood##phillyfoodscene##goodeatsphilly##giraffe##giraffesoftiktok
@inluwithfood
15.5K likes • 185.8K views
Thanks to everyone who came out Friday to celebrate an early Halloween with us at Elmwood Park Zoo for our 'Boo at the Zoo, Friends and Family Night. For downloadable pics from this video and more, be sure to visit our Montgomery Bar Association 'Boo at the Zoo' Flickr album (coming soon!)
montgomerybarassociation
7 likes • 166 views

🦒 Plan for Giraffe Feeding

Giraffe feeding is a timed event, so check the schedule to ensure you don't miss out. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

The zoo is stroller-friendly, but comfortable shoes are a must for exploring all the exhibits. Instagram

🌟 Elmwood Park Zoo 📍 Norristown, PA @elmwoodparkzoo 🦬 Reasons to love the Elmwood Park Zoo: 🦥 Amazing animals: red panda, giraffe, zebras, sloths, porcupine, bison…the list goes on! 🐑 Petting zoo 👟 Manageable sized footprint- great for little ones 🎠 Carousel for a small additional fee 🛝 An amazing playground in the center 🥁 Percussion garden 🍔 Lots of food options 💦 Lion drinking fountains & bo...
phillyburbswithkids
38 likes • 1.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Library Pass Perks

Check your local library for free passes to save on admission! TikTokReddit

🐾 Dog Days Fun

Bring your canine companion on designated 'Dog Days' for a unique zoo experience. TikTokReddit

🦒 Plan for Giraffe Feeding

Giraffe feeding is a timed event, so check the schedule to ensure you don't miss out. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

The zoo is stroller-friendly, but comfortable shoes are a must for exploring all the exhibits. Instagram

📱 Download Zoo Map

Consider downloading a zoo map beforehand to navigate efficiently and plan your route. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

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

Continuous improvements
Manageable size
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Smaller zoo size

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. InstagramReddit

Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo provides free parking for visitors. Instagram

Absolutely! The zoo features flat, stroller-friendly paths, making it accessible for everyone. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, look for potential discounts through local libraries, library passes, or special promotions. Montco residents may also find half-price admission opportunities. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🦁 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. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo hosts various events like 'Boo at the Zoo' for Halloween TikTokInstagram+1 and 'Breakfast with the Giraffes'. TikTokInstagram 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. TikTokReddit

Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo has a nice playground area for children, as well as a percussion garden for musical exploration. InstagramReddit

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekday mornings. Weekends and special event days tend to be busier. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Elmwood Park Zoo offers fast food fare and ice cream within the zoo. There's also a beer garden for adults. Reddit

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. Reddit

Expect typical zoo fare like hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and ice cream. The beer garden offers adult beverages. Reddit

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! TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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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