Families can enjoy seeing penguins at the Philadelphia Zoo for $10 per person, when they come dressed in “penguin garb.” One part costume party, one part scientific and historic field trip, Penguin Palooza should provide an amusing walk in a winter park.
The Philadelphia Zoo is the oldest zoo in the nation. It’s Main Gates were constructed by Frank Furness for the grand opening on July 1, 1874. The Solitude sits just beyond the Small Mammal House and was the home of and sits on land that once belonged to William Penn’s grandson, John.
Although many families might consider visiting a zoo a spring or fall activity, when the days are longer and warmer, the lighter visitor traffic at in winter can make viewing the many indoor exhibits easier to see for young children, but you will need to dress for the weather. The pathways between buildings are all paved, so stroller traffic is simple, even with damp conditions, with plenty of animals to see along the way. Guests are permitted to bring their own food into the zoo, but there are also indoor eateries. Call or check the zoo’s Winter 2013 brochure online for details. Although most rides are closed, a family could spend several hours touring the exhibits.
(Of course, there’s always the armchair tourist option to just dress in black and white and pop in one of the many penguin movies to release on dvd since “March of the Penguins” in 2005.)
Other local zoos include: Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown and the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, DE. Both take about one to two hours to tour and are open daily during daylight hours.
Zoos in winter are one way for families to enjoy the outdoors while we wait for snow! Dress up like a penguin Saturday and Sunday, January 19th and 20th to claim your discount at the Philadelphia Zoo.
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