A Certified Autism Center zoo in Norristown with free Sensory Packs and headphones at Admissions (the zoo holds an ID), a quiet space, a sensory guide and social narrative, Quiet Mornings before opening, and a sensory-friendly Wild Lights hour.
Wednesday through Sunday, 12 pm to 4 pm; closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Prices and hours are subject to change at any time. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
“In May of 2018 Elmwood Park Zoo became the first zoo in the world to earn certification as a Certified Autism Center.”
“Thanks to Geiger and Crazy Aaron’s, Elmwood Park Zoo guests have access to complimentary daily-use Sensory Packs. The backpacks include noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, a stress ball, thinking putty and copies of EPZ’s Social Story, sensory map, and sensory guide.”
“Complementary noise-cancelling headphones are available to guests at the front admissions booth while supplies last.”
“Quiet Mornings offer a less-crowded setting before the zoo opens to the general public.”
“For a quieter visit, join us on a cool, rainy day or after 1:30pm when the zoo is generally less crowded.”
“Experience the magic of Wild Lights in a quieter, more relaxed setting!”
Ask for a Sensory Pack at the Admissions window when you arrive. You give the zoo a valid ID, and it holds the ID until the backpack comes back. For the loaner headphones, Guest Services holds a form of collateral, such as a government-issued ID or driver's license, until they are returned.
The zoo gives two places for a quiet space: a dedicated quiet space at the south facing side of the bison exhibit, with gate access and seating, and a quiet space near the bathrooms inside the Welcome Center, next to Buck Cafe, that can also be used as a Nursing Room.
The zoo's social narrative says zookeepers and educators wear Elmwood Park Zoo shirts, Guest Services wears an Elmwood Park Zoo shirt, Security wears a white shirt, and volunteers usually wear bright turquoise shirts. Guest Services and Security can help if your kid gets lost or hurt.
Personal care attendants and one-on-one aides who come with a guest who needs their support don't pay admission or need giraffe feeding tickets if they aren't feeding; tell a Guest Services staff member when buying tickets so you aren't charged.
First Aid is at the main admission window and in other spots around the zoo, and you can ask any zoo employee for help.
Percussion Garden (can be loud with multiple musical “instruments” making unsynchronized sounds)
Trail of the Jaguar (can be loud in interior spaces; the zoo also lists it among indoor exhibits that have the potential to be very loud)
Wildlife Lodge (can be loud at times within an enclosed space)
Barn (close, shared space with other visitors while waiting and engaging with animals)
Carousel (music or other background noises)
Nature Shop, Harmony Hideaway and Habitat HQ (have the potential to be very loud)not stated
Playground (can also become very crowded and noisy)
Restroom hand dryers (can be very loud; any zoo employee can give you paper towels)not stated
Quieter, in the zoo's words
Quiet space by the bison exhibit (south side, gate access and seating)quiet zone
Quiet space near the Welcome Center bathrooms, next to Buck Cafe (also a Nursing Room)quiet zone
Admission: adults (13 to 64) $18.95 online or $19.95 onsite, children (3 to 12) $15.95 online or $16.95 onsite, students with valid ID $16.95 online or $17.95 onsite, seniors (65 and up) $15.95 online or $16.95 onsite, ages 0 to 2 free. Prices may change based on days of the week and special events. Tickets come by email and can be shown on a phone.
Free and reduced routes: Yearly Members free. Seniors free on the first Thursday of every month. Active duty military free, with $10.95 tickets for companions (bought onsite that day) and $10.95 for veterans, with a valid Military or Veterans ID and one other photo ID. First responders (police, firefighters, EMT) free with credentials and photo ID. From May through September, SNAP and ACCESS participants pay $10 per person, in person only, with a valid EBT card and photo ID, up to 6 tickets, not on Special Event Days. Norristown Borough residents get free admission on the last Saturday and Sunday of every month (adjusted when it falls on a holiday). Pre-registration is required and tickets are limited. Adults must show photo ID as proof of residency, and children must be with a Borough resident.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, and the zoo issues no rain checks. You can change the date or time of a daily admission ticket online up to two times, up to the minute it starts. To cancel a ticket, call 610-277-3825 ext. 222 (the zoo's terms also give 800-652-4143 ext. 222); refunds are at the zoo's discretion.
Extras: Giraffe Feeding (at the Savanna Station pavilion, not offered below 55°F), Carousel and Barrel Train are each $6 for non-members, $4 for Yearly Members. Children under 42 inches on the carousel ride the inside row with someone 14 or older; the Barrel Train is for children at least 2 years old and under 48 inches. Call 610-277-3825 ext. 222 to check whether an attraction is running.
Parking is free; the lot entrance is at Johnson Highway and Harding Blvd. Handicap spaces are just outside the main entrance. Overflow parking is along Harding Blvd past Coolidge Blvd (enter through the South Gate when it is open) and at 1700 Markley Street (Logan Commerce Center), with a weekend shuttle that doesn't run on bad-weather days.
Rentals at the front admissions booth: double stroller $14, wheelchair $10, motorized scooter $30 plus an ID held until return, first-come, first-served. You can bring your own wagon or stroller.
Restrooms are in the Welcome Center, outside the Trail of the Jaguar exhibit and next to Tosco's, across from the pond; the Welcome Center and Tosco's restrooms are family-style with adult changing tables.
Not allowed inside: skateboards, scooters, bikes, skates, balloons, balls and alcohol. Service animals check in at the admissions counter and can't go into Harmony Hideaway, the barn or onto the giraffe and bison feeding decks.
Wild Lights (select evenings, 5 pm to 9 pm, through Dec 30 2026) needs its own non-refundable ticket for everyone, members too: non-members $27.95 online for ages 13 and up and $24.95 for ages 3 to 12. The zoo describes dazzling light displays, illuminated animals and live entertainment, rain or shine.
Questions about accessibility, or to make arrangements before you arrive: Guest Services, 800-652-4143 ext. 241. Main number: 610-277-3825.
