Philadelphia Zoo-- is it nice?

[BWVDenise]

I don't live far, but I've never been there. I was just wondering if it is a nice zoo, or a dive. Anyone have any input?

 

[poohbears5]

I haven't been in there in couple years but last time I was there it was nice really enjoyed it.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

It's been years since I've been there, too (my youngest is 20!), but it was nice the last time I was there. Getting there isn't hard, but, pay attention when you come home. We got lost and ended up in a not-so-nice part of Philly!

 

[Breezy_Carol]

It has been a few years since we went but we relly enjoyed it.

 

[toefungus]

It's a very nice zoo, they have a new hot air zoo balloon where you can go up 400ft over the zoo. They also have a recently re-done primates exhibit. I really enjoy it. Just watch out for the neighborhood, it's not the nicest one.

 

[pumba]

have ever been to.......nice....clean and alot to see....

 

[vacationwoman]

I'm not a big promoter of Philly but the zoo is one of the best in the country.
Be very careful driving though unfortunately it is in a very bad area. Stay on the main highways and it is fine, do not go off onto the side streets.

 

[KJo719]

I took my class there last year on our class trip and it's a very nice zoo. The only other zoo I had ever been to was the San Diego Zoo, so I had pretty high expectations. San Diego was definitely nicer, but the Philadelphia Zoo was very nice and I'd go again. Like others have said, just be careful of the area!

 

[Spinning]

We have an annual pass and love to go and walk around. I like it and the kids love it. IT is very clean and for the most part, not smelly! Except one time first really warm day of spring and they were cleaning out all the tanks/pools!
In June (I think that is the start date) they have a new safari exhibit and they have what sounds like it would be really kewl, birds of flight and they have free flying birds (show).
Definately go! It is easy to find and I hate to drive in Philly but have no problems driving to the zoo!

 

[Disney Dee]

I was there afew yrs ago, and had a great time! And the drive isn't bad, its on the outskirts of the city. I have been in tat area alot, my oldest son went to Drexel U, and to get to his school you have to pass the zoo. Go and have a great time, you can park in one of the zoo lots so you will be safe.

 

[mbw12]

We happen to be members and really enjoy it. It is not in the nicest of areas, so don't venture too far away from the zoo area itself....but the zoo itself is great. My kids, ages 3 and 5 love it.

 

[Cindy B]

I personally don't like it.. its very old fashioned (its the first zoo ever!0.. so think lots of concrete, and animals in cages... not many "natural" environments... except for the primates.

Its just depressing to me!


West Philly is a tough neighborhood... not the roughest in Philly, IMO (North Philly/Kensington gets that distinction) but the neighborhood can get tricky if you get lost. Basically, if you do get lost continue on Girard... you will eventually wind up near University City High School/Market... on 36th Street.

There is free parking on the street.. you can manage it on the street the zoo is on.. near the animal bridge.

 

[Saffron]

I don't like it. I never go there. Well, I shouldn't say never, but I try to avoid it. Have you been to the Bronx Zoo? You can check out information about it on the Disney Family Fun site. It always gets their vote as one of the top zoos in the country to visit! It's an excellent zoo! I like the Cape May County Zoo much more than I like the Philadelphia Zoo.

 

[CRB#33]

I'm with Cindy and Saffron.

While the new Primate exhibit is wonderful (the old one burnt down and killed several orangatangs--very sad), the big cats are pretty much in cages, except for a small outside area. Same with elephants, giraffes and a few others.

The bird house is neat, as is the reptile house. I always walk away from there depressed.