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Brandywine Zoo

4.2
·821 reviews·Wilmington, United States

A charming, manageable zoo in Brandywine Park, featuring unique animals like lemurs, red pandas, and giant anteaters. Perfect for families!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
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red panda

Brandywine Zoo

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, manageable zoo in Brandywine Park, featuring unique animals like lemurs, red pandas, and giant anteaters. Perfect for families!

4.2
(821 reviews)

"It's an excellent zoo for smaller children. Very easy walking, basically one path in and same path out."

Vertical photo
TIP

📚 Library Card = Free Entry!

Use your Delaware library card for free admission to the zoo and state parks. :ticket:

⏰ Check Event Schedules

Look out for 'Keeper Chats' and seasonal events like 'Boo at the Zoo'. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lemur Island Adventure

Lemur Island Adventure

Lemur Exhibit

Watch these energetic primates leap and play in their naturalistic habitat. A true highlight for all ages!

Giant Anteater Encounter

Giant Anteater Encounter

Anteater Exhibit

Marvel at the unique long snout and impressive claws of the giant anteater, a visitor favorite.

Reddit
Red Panda Charm

Red Panda Charm

Red Panda Exhibit

These adorable, tree-dwelling mammals are a must-see with their distinctive markings and playful antics.

Instagram
Petting Zoo Fun

Petting Zoo Fun

Petting Area

Get up close and personal with friendly goats and other barnyard animals. A hands-on experience for kids!

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Charming Visit

While Brandywine Zoo is a delightful spot, consider visiting during off-peak hours to truly soak in the charm. Weekday mornings are often less crowded, allowing for more intimate encounters with the animals and easier access to keeper chats. Instagram Check the zoo's event calendar for special activities like 'Boo at the Zoo' Instagram or 'Sip and Stroll',Instagram but be aware these can increase crowd sizes.

Library Card Perks & Parking

Did you know your Delaware library card can grant you free admission to Brandywine Zoo and other state parks? Reddit This is a fantastic way to save money! Parking at Brandywine Park is generally free, making it convenient for a day trip. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon (Weekdays)
Why
Golden hour light, fewer school groups
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Event Days
Why
Unique activities & atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@firststatedestinations
4.2K likes • 45K views

📚 Library Card = Free Entry!

Use your Delaware library card for free admission to the zoo and state parks. Reddit :ticket:

⏰ Check Event Schedules

Look out for 'Keeper Chats' Instagram and seasonal events like 'Boo at the Zoo'. Instagram :calendar:

Did you know these epic adventures existed in Wilmington, Delaware? 😱 You have to check them out before summer ends. @Wilmington & Brandywine Valley #wilmingtondelaware #wilmde #wilmingtonde #thingstodowilmington #thingstododelaware #delawaretiktok #delawarecheck #sponsored
@hunter_traveler
4K likes • 130.2K views
Happy National Zookeeper Week from the Animal Care Staff at the Brandywine Zoo! 🐾 Thank you, keepers, the zoo wouldn’t be the same without you! . . . #nationalzookeeperweek #zookeeper #brandywinezoo
brandywinezooaazk
25 likes • 857 views

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The zoo is easy to navigate, but you'll want comfy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a lunch! There are great spots for picnics after your zoo visit. Reddit :sandwich:

🎃🐾 Boo at the Zoo is THIS WEEKEND! 🐾🎃 Get ready for a spook-tacular time at the Brandywine Zoo — where Halloween fun meets furry friends! 📅 This Weekend: October 17–19 | 10 AM – 3 PM 👻 Come in costume and show off your spooky style 🍬 Trick-or-treat through the zoo & enjoy seasonal activities 📸 Snap adorable fall photos with your favorite animals 🎟 Admission: Members $4 | Non-Members $8 | Kids 2 ...
brandywinezoo
34 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📚 Library Card = Free Entry!

Use your Delaware library card for free admission to the zoo and state parks. Reddit :ticket:

⏰ Check Event Schedules

Look out for 'Keeper Chats' Instagram and seasonal events like 'Boo at the Zoo'. Instagram :calendar:

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The zoo is easy to navigate, but you'll want comfy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a lunch! There are great spots for picnics after your zoo visit. Reddit :sandwich:

📸 Capture the Moments

The zoo offers great photo ops, especially with the charming animals. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(821 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Brandywine Zoo for its charm, manageable size, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. It's considered an excellent destination for families with young children, offering a personal and engaging experience. While smaller than many zoos, its well-maintained exhibits and unique animals make it a delightful outing. InstagramReddit

"Had a great time visiting the Brandywine Zoo, I'd say a visit would take an hour or two. It is much smaller than most Zoos I've visited but it has no lack of charm. The animals were very lively and the staff was incredibly welcoming. My favorite exhibit would have to be the anteater as I've never been able to see one so close before. I also think having an area dedicated to petting the different goats that also had dedicated staff was an absolutely wonderful touch, I know my family certainly enjoyed it. I think more Zoos could learn a thing or two by the way the Brandywine Zoo is run. What it lacks in size in makes up for with the wonderful staff."

Alekos Mesiouris

"It's an excellent zoo for smaller children. Very easy walking, basically one path in and same path out. Not lots of animals but those they have are interesting. Free parking at the park, and nice place for lunch or picnic after. Playground short drive / walking distance from zoo."

Aaron Resnik

"Me and my wife had taken our grandchildren to Brandywine years ago, we decided to go on our own. The zoo is an amazing little gem snuggled in the Brandywine park area. The zoo is small but it has an amazing collection of smaller animals that in our eyes are just right for little ones. They have a petting area, areas for the kids to explore and a stage for people to sit and watch zoo events. Beautifully maintained in a great setting."

Joe LaMartina

What People Like

Charming and intimate atmosphere
Friendly and knowledgeable staff
Great for young children

What People Dislike

Smaller than expected size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Brandywine Zoo is located at 1001 N Park Drive, Wilmington, DE 19802, within Brandywine Park. Instagram It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available in the park. Reddit For those using public transport, check local bus routes that service the area. Amtrak also offers a quick trip to Wilmington. TikTok

Yes, there is free parking available at Brandywine Park, which is adjacent to the zoo. Reddit This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

While specific bus routes can vary, Wilmington has public transportation options. Amtrak is also a convenient way to reach Wilmington from nearby cities, with the zoo being a short ride from the station. TikTok

The zoo is generally easy to walk, with a main path that is suitable for strollers. Reddit It's designed for easy navigation, especially for families with young children. Reddit

From I-95 North or South, take Exit 7B for DE-52 N/Delaware Ave. Turn right onto N Park Drive. The zoo will be on your left. Always check GPS for real-time traffic updates.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices are generally fair and affordable. Reddit However, a fantastic tip is that Delaware library card holders can get free admission to the zoo and other state parks! Reddit Check the official website for current pricing and any special event ticket requirements. Reddit

Yes! If you have a Delaware library card, you can check out a pass for free admission to Brandywine Zoo and other Delaware State Parks. Reddit This is a great money-saving tip for locals and visitors alike.

For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check the zoo's website, especially for special events. Reddit Some popular events, like 'Boo at the Zoo', may sell out, so advance booking is recommended. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Brandywine Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. Reddit

The zoo offers 'Group of 2' and 'Group of 4' ticket options for events, which can be more cost-effective for small parties. Reddit For larger groups, it's advisable to contact the zoo directly to inquire about group rates and arrangements.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Brandywine Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals including giant anteaters, lemurs, red pandas, binturongs, Andean condors, golden lion tamarins, bobcats, caracals, and various reptiles and birds. Instagram+1 They also have a popular petting zoo area with goats. Reddit

Absolutely! Brandywine Zoo is an excellent destination for smaller children. Reddit Its manageable size, petting zoo, and engaging exhibits make it perfect for little ones. Reddit There's also a playground nearby for added fun. Instagram

Yes, there's an adorable playground located just a short walk or drive from the main zoo area, often referred to as 'Monkey Hill'. Instagram It's a great spot for kids to burn off energy after exploring the animals.

You can get up close with the animals in the petting zoo area, where friendly goats are available for interaction. Reddit The zoo also offers 'Keeper Chats' where guests can learn directly from animal care staff. Instagram

The zoo is designed with a main path that's easy to follow, making it a straightforward visit. Reddit Many visitors find it takes about an hour or two to see everything. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the zoo may have limited concessions, it's a fantastic spot for a picnic. Reddit There are beautiful areas within Brandywine Park perfect for enjoying a packed lunch. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly encouraged and a great way to save money. Reddit Brandywine Park offers scenic spots for dining al fresco. Reddit

Wilmington offers a variety of dining experiences. For a quick bite or brunch before or after your zoo visit, consider places like Park Cafe. TikTok The area around the zoo also has other park venues that complement a day out. Reddit

The zoo itself typically has limited food service. It's best to plan for a picnic or explore nearby dining options in Wilmington. Reddit

It's advisable to bring your own water bottles, especially during warmer months. While some facilities may have water fountains, carrying your own ensures you stay hydrated.

📸 📸 Photography

The animal exhibits themselves offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially the lemurs Instagram and red pandas. Instagram The surrounding Brandywine Park also provides beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms often blooming near the zoo parking lot. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at Brandywine Zoo. Instagram It's a great place to capture memorable moments with the animals and the park's natural beauty.

A camera with good zoom capabilities is helpful for capturing clear shots of the animals from a distance. However, even a smartphone can take great photos, especially with the charming exhibits and scenic park surroundings. Instagram

While generally permitted, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can disturb them. Check for any specific signage at individual exhibits.

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light for photography. TikTok This is also when animals tend to be more active.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Brandywine Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. Its compact size means little legs won't get too tired, and the variety of animals, including a popular petting zoo, keeps children engaged. Reddit Don't miss the nearby playground for extra fun! Instagram Consider visiting during 'Keeper Chats' Instagram for interactive learning opportunities. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, or plan for a picnic in the beautiful surrounding park. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Brandywine Zoo is a gem. The most significant saving comes from using a Delaware library card for free admission! Reddit Parking is also free. Reddit Packing your own picnic lunch is another excellent way to keep costs down. Reddit The zoo offers great value for a few hours of enjoyable exploration.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The zoo provides numerous opportunities for captivating photos, from the unique animal residents like red pandas Instagram and lemurs Instagram to the scenic park setting. Instagram Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. TikTok While photography is encouraged, be mindful of animal welfare and avoid direct flash. The surrounding park also offers beautiful backdrops, especially during spring bloom. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Small Zoo with Big Charm

Brandywine Zoo, nestled within the picturesque Brandywine Park, is celebrated for its intimate size and engaging atmosphere. Unlike sprawling zoological parks, Brandywine offers a more personal experience, allowing visitors to connect with the animals without feeling overwhelmed. InstagramReddit This manageable scale makes it particularly appealing for families with young children, as the entire zoo can be explored comfortably within a couple of hours. Reddit The zoo's commitment to conservation and education is evident in its well-maintained exhibits and knowledgeable staff. Instagram

Meet the Residents: A Diverse Collection

The zoo boasts a fascinating array of animals, each with its own unique appeal. From the energetic lemurs Instagram and the charming red pandas Instagram to the impressive Andean condor and the elusive bobcat, there's a creature to captivate every visitor. A standout exhibit for many is the giant anteater, offering a rare chance to see this unusual mammal up close. Reddit The zoo also features a popular petting area, allowing for direct interaction with friendly goats, making it a hands-on experience for younger guests. Reddit

Beyond the Animals: Brandywine Park's Offerings

The Brandywine Zoo is situated within the larger Brandywine Park, which offers a wealth of additional activities. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the park, with walking trails and picnic areas perfect for a leisurely afternoon. TikTokReddit The park also features a playground, often referred to as 'Monkey Hill,' providing further entertainment for children. Instagram Nearby attractions, such as the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the historic Rockford Tower, complement a day trip to the zoo, creating a well-rounded experience. TikTok

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