There’s a chill in the air and the leaves are beginning to change! Fall is just about here and there’s no better way to usher in the cooler temps than a trip to the zoo. But which one? The two main zoos in our area — the Philadelphia Zoo, located at 3400 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, and Elmwood Park Zoo, located at 1661 Harding Boulevard in Norristown — offer different experiences, perks, and challenges. Here’s how they line up in a head-to-head comparison on seven of the most frequently asked questions in our Facebook groups.

Getting There

Located just two miles from downtown Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Zoo is accessible by SEPTA public transportation. Visitors can take a bus or trolley to the zoo, as well as the Philadelphia PHLASH, a seasonal weekend bus. The zoo is not accessible by subway. If driving, parking is $17 per visit for non-members (members can park one car free). Members of our Facebook group note however, that some lots are far from the entrance.

Elmwood Park Zoo’s parking lot is right in front of the zoo entrance and parking is free for all visitors. If you rely on public transit though, the zoo is one mile from the Norristown high speed rail station, and otherwise serviced by buses.

For Very Young Children

Almost unanimously, our members recommend Elmwood Park Zoo for toddlers and very young children. The zoo is small, so you can easily cover the whole thing before nap time. The exhibits are small, so younger children can see the animals more easily and there is basically just one circular path around the zoo. What’s more, the playground in the middle of the zoo is a little kid favorite.

If your child is obsessed with a particular animal, though, chances are better that it will be on view at Philadelphia Zoo. Home to more than 1,900 animals, the Philadelphia Zoo has little kid favorites like lions, bears, and penguins.

Overall Cost for a Day

For a family of four with kids over two years old, the cost to park and visit the Philadelphia Zoo costs about $107. And that’s not including food or extra attractions. At the Elmwood Park Zoo, this visit would cost about $62. When comparing, do consider your visit goals though. For the Philadelphia Zoo’s higher price, you get a much larger zoo with more animals to see and areas to explore. This most likely means a longer outing.

As with anything, there are ways to save a few bucks. Many local libraries have free passes for Elmwood Park Zoo through the Museum Passport program. If you’re a AAA member, check for discounted tickets. Another suggestion is to check Acme Markets for discounted tickets and coupon codes for zoo admission. Of course memberships are available at various times throughout the year (often in May and November) and make sense if you visit more than once or twice a year. Additionally, SEPTA Key cardholders can get discounted rates at both the Elmwood Zoo and the Philadelphia Zoo, as well as free rides on Philadelphia Zoo’s SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train.

Inclement Weather

Philadelphia Zoo is the clear winner for inclement — or even questionable — weather days. With many indoor exhibit areas, including the PECO Primate Reserve and the Rare Animal Conservation Center, there is plenty to explore when it’s too hot, cold, or rainy to spend the day outside. And on a day when there is a chance of rain, you can feel confident that there will be shelter close by if the skies do open. Many of our members say that the Philadelphia Zoo is not only doable in bad weather, but that bad weather days, with their lighter crowds, are their favorite days to visit the Philadelphia Zoo.

Animals

As noted above, the Philadelphia Zoo has a much larger animal population, with more than 1,900 animals and 330 different species in residence, many of which are endangered. Over the zoo’s 42 acres, there are 13 animal exhibits and a children’s petting zoo. Also, the Philadelphia Zoo has many large animals, including lions, tigers, bears, gorillas, hippos, rhinos, and more.

The Elmwood Park Zoo, being small, is home to fewer animals. You’ll find 300 or so animals, with just about 100 species on view, and very few large animals. However, it does offer some things not available at Philadelphia. For example, you can see and learn about elk and bison, and visit farm animals in the barn.

Extras

Extra attractions at zoos can be a bane or a boon for parents. They can be highlights of the day and may extend the years that older kids are interested in visiting a zoo, but they can also inspire lots of begging from kids and quickly increase the price of your day.

At the Elmwood Park Zoo, members get discounted prices for numerous attractions, including carousel rides and giraffe feedings, and a significant discount for Treetop Adventures, their popular zip lining course. Treetop Adventures is extremely appealing for older kids and can make Elmwood Park Zoo a great choice for families as their kids age.

At the Philadelphia Zoo, attractions include the Amazon Rain Forest Carousel and the SEPTA PZ Express Kiddie Train. Older children may enjoy Nature Blazers, an interactive scavenger hunt powered by a smart compass, where they complete challenges and answer trivia questions, or Wings of the World, an up-close experience with some of the most beautiful birds on earth. Members save on all attractions, with some tiers receiving free attractions at every visit.  

Tips

Our Main Line Parent Community Facebook group is a great place to get tips on visiting any local attraction with your family, and the zoos are no exception. For both zoos, members recommend going either when they open, or late in the day. Not only do these times avoid peak crowds, but also animals are more active in the morning and the evening. Many members love popping into the zoo for a quick visit in the late afternoon and evening, in particular.

Juggling older kids who want to do zip lining and younger ones at Elmwood Park can be tricky. Consider partnering up with another family with kids of similar ages, so you can split up and take the little ones to see animals, while the older ones zip line.

At the Philadelphia Zoo, many seasoned visitors suggest making a beeline for the back of the zoo when you arrive. That way you work forwards to avoid crowds. Another suggestion is head left instead of right at the main entrance.

So, which zoo wins? It depends on so many things and there is a different winner for each family! You might also consider the Cape May Zoo or the Brandywine Zoo, too. Both are recommended as fun, less expensive (Cape May is free!), and less-visited zoos that are worth the trip.

Photograph by Rachel Kramer.