A big city zoo in Fairmount Park, KultureCity sensory inclusive certified, with free sensory bags (leave an ID), signed quiet zones and headphone zones, a Sensory Map and social stories to read ahead.
Sensory supports. Sensory bags, quiet and headphone zones, KultureCity.
Hours
Daytime: daily 9:30 am to 3 pm through November 30, last entry 2 pm; closed on Thanksgiving. In December, open for daytime visits Thursday to Monday until 3 pm (enter until 2 pm), plus Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec 29 and 30 2026; closed during the daytime on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. LumiNature evenings run 5 pm to 9 pm on select nights through January 9, 2027; LumiNature is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day, and open on New Year's Eve.
“The Philadelphia Zoo is pleased to be a KultureCity sensory inclusive certified venue since 2025.”
“The zoo has installed signage identifying quiet zones and headphone zones to help visitors as they explore the grounds.”
“Sensory Bags are available upon entry at the Membership Booth and at our Mobility Rentals. They include noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, and non-verbal cue cards.”
“Bags can be used free of charge. An ID is required as deposit and a sign out sheet must be completed.”
“We have many quieter places off of the main path, benches, and family restrooms to utilize.”
The zoo's social story is in the free KultureCity app. Its own visiting stories (Visiting the Philadelphia Zoo, Giraffe Experience, Wings of the World, the SEPTA PZ Express Train and the Amazon Rainforest Carousel) are on its Sensory Friendly Morning Resources page.
The Sensory Map marks Quiet Areas, Headphone Zones and the spots where you pick up and drop off a sensory bag.
The zoo's safety tips sheet, made with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, suggests writing your phone number on your child's arm (staff can lend a marker), picking a meeting place, showing your child what Zoo staff uniforms and badges look like, and taking a photo of your child's outfit when you arrive.
For any security, emergency or first aid need, ask a Zoo staff member or use one of the red emergency phones marked on the map. If a child is lost, ask any Zoo employee to notify Public Safety, or call on a red emergency phone. The zoo's field trip FAQ adds that if you can't find a staff member or red phone, you can call 215-243-1100 to reach the Zoo's operator.
On-site staff carry a radio that can translate 34 languages, including Spanish, and the ticket kiosks work in Spanish.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
More about Philadelphia Zoo
Louder, in the zoo's words
The walk to the front entrance and the entry lines (cars, the loud train going by overhead, music and people talking)not stated
Amazon Rainforest Carousel (music, announcements and a bell when the ride starts and ends)not stated
Headphone Zones (signed, and marked on the Sensory Map)not stated
Quieter, in the zoo's words
Quiet zones (signed, and marked as Quiet Areas on the Sensory Map)quiet zone
Quieter places off of the main path, with benchesquiet zone
General admission (ages 2 and up) varies by day and is lower when you book early; children under 2 and members are free. Adult tickets are for ages 12 and up and child tickets for ages 2 to 11. All tickets are non-refundable; you can reschedule general admission up to midnight the night before (subject to availability and variable pricing). The zoo gives no rain checks or refunds due to weather.
Reduced and free routes: PA or DE ACCESS cardholders get admission for up to four people at $2 each (card plus matching photo ID, credit card only, not with other offers, group rates or special events), and LumiNature ACCESS tickets are $8 each for up to four. Active-duty military, veterans and their guests get $5 off general admission with an advance online reservation and ID.me verification. Groups of 15 and up get group rates.
Personal Care Attendants: a government-funded PCA can get a complimentary companion ticket. An advance online reservation is required for each visitor, so email guestrelations@phillyzoo.org before reserving tickets and the zoo will help with your reservation.
Parking is $22 per vehicle (free for members, subject to availability) at the Zoo Garage at 35th St and Girard Ave, Tiger Parking Lot and Zoological Drive. Accessible parking and van spaces are in Tiger Lot and the Zoo Garage. Pay online with your tickets or at kiosks inside the entrance. SEPTA's G and the Route 38 bus serve the zoo, and it is stop WL4 on the seasonal PHLASH.
Food: you are welcome to bring food and water bottles. Glass and outside alcohol aren't allowed, and coolers larger than 12 by 12 inches are prohibited, though guests with special dietary needs are welcome to bring their own food, beverages and coolers. The zoo can't refrigerate anything, and water fountains are turned off in winter.
Bags, packages and containers are screened at entry. Prohibited items include weapons (also toys), skateboards, scooters and bikes, laser pointers, noise makers and sporting equipment.
Rentals at the Main Entrance, while supplies last: single stroller $10, double stroller $12, wagon $15, wheelchair $8, electric scooter $30 (first come, first served; ages 18 and up to drive, 325 lb limit; no advance reservations). Some buildings and exhibit areas aren't stroller accessible, stroller parking is required at some exhibits, and PECO Primate Reserve, The Treehouse and Small Mammal House have no automatic doors.
Family restrooms are at the Main Entrance, KidZooU and WildWorks Plaza; the KidZooU family restrooms have adult-size changing tables.
LumiNature (select nights, 5 pm to 9 pm, through January 9, 2027) is a separate evening ticket; adult tickets start at $27 and change by night. The zoo describes a million shimmering lights, seasonal performances and the Pherris Wheel.
Questions: guestrelations@phillyzoo.org, or the online chat through the Support button on the zoo's contact page.
