Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown offers a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure where families can get up close and personal with wildlife in a fun, engaging environment. Home to hundreds of species, the Zoo features unforgettable experiences like hand-feeding towering giraffes, watching jaguars prowl through lush habitats, and exploring our Welcome Center that showcases behind-the-scenes animal care and conservation efforts. The Zoo’s compact, walkable layout makes it easy for families to explore at their own pace, while its playgrounds, animal shows, and interactive learning stations make every visit exciting for kids and adults alike.
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Elmwood Park Zoo hosts a variety of seasonal events and themed experiences throughout the year that go beyond everyday zoo visits. One of the zoo’s most anticipated seasonal highlights is Wild Lights, a beloved holiday-season tradition where the zoo transforms into a glittering nighttime wonderland with millions of illuminated displays, animal-shaped light features, live entertainment, and themed activities. In the winter months, the zoo also holds Winterfest Weekend (Feb. 14-15), a seasonal celebration with a giant ice slide, carousel rides, animal ambassador interactions, live music and keeper chats, ice carvings, and cozy campfire s’mores; adults can enjoy drink specials during the ZooBrew experience tied to this event. Throughout the year there are monthly and member-exclusive experiences, such as Member Mornings where yearly members get early zoo access (often paired with giraffe feedings and the ability to bring a guest), and recurring family-oriented programs like Tiny Tots & Tall Tales or Member Mornings PLUS gatherings. Beyond specific seasonal events, the zoo’s visit offerings—like giraffe feedings, carousel rides and special animal encounters—vary by weather and time of year, giving families something fresh to enjoy on repeat visits.
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Business Review
"My 5 year old son had a blast at this place and there was so much to do that we were there from when they opened until when they closed. Feeding the giraffes I would say was his favorite thing to do and they even have a red panda also. My son really enjoyed the playgrounds as well, all around it was a great experience and a great place to take children too. They also house the Philadelphia Eagles ambassador Eagles and they are truly amazing animals!!!" - Michael Edell (Google Review)
"Lived in PA for years and never knew about this place, I saw the $15 admission price online and I figured it was worth a shot to take the family and we were pleasantly surprised. The initial building where you enter is very new/modern looking and clean and the rest of the zoo is very clean as well. Great selection of animals to see and it is a very easy walk to get around the entire place. With two toddlers we were able to walk the whole place and have time for the playground in about 3 hours. Gift shop is even reasonably priced as well. Overall would definitely recommend to anyone and it was great for our little ones too, we’ll definitely be back!" - Chris Candreva (Google Review)
"Great location, I just heard that they’re expanding the zoo again which will be phenomenal. Great day trip with kids are on your own with just friends as they now have a bar garden. Love the giraffes." - Paula Burns (Google Review)
