4 Reasons You Need To Make Visiting Philadelphia Zoo Your Top Priority This Fall

Photo credit: Philadelphia Zoo

For most Philadelphians, a trip to the Zoo is an annual tradition. Whether it’s been a few years since you’ve returned to your roots or the meerkats know you as a regular on the weekends, nothing beats an autumn afternoon at Philadelphia Zoo.

Grab your pumpkin spice latte (you’ll need the extra caffeine) and start checking off all these awesome to-do’s before October is over!

1. Meet the new primates

If you haven’t checked out the Gorilla Treeway, this fall is prime time to see the primates in Zoo360. Start by visiting the Zoo’s newest addition to the family, Amani, in the PECO Primate Reserve and make your way to Philadelphia Zoo’s own “lowlands” to see what the rest of the troop is up to.

Also joining them are Lucky and Charlie, two ring-tailed lemur newborns who you might be able to spot hanging around. Or, see if you can spot one of the members of the newest quartet of black and white ruffed lemurs Maddie, Lincoln, Teddy and Quincy.

2. Trick-or-treat on safari

In the high-stakes competition for the best neighborhood trick-or-treating, Philadelphia Zoo takes the win hands down. Kids (and adults) can dress up in their favorite costume and set out on a trick-or-treat safari. October 22, 23, 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. take a stroll through extinction graveyard to learn about extinct species and those in danger of disappearing in the next 15 years all while sipping on hot apple cider.

Trying to fit every Halloween activity into one day can be exhausting. Make a weekend of it by booking an overnight stay during “Boo at the Zoo.” Overnight guests get to experience waking up in the midst of wildlife, have early entrance to Boo at the Zoo events and are given premium parking passes.

3. Frequent the “Watering Hole”

Tis the season for rotating drafts and Oktoberfest brews. And Philadelphia Zoo’s “Watering Hole” will have them all on tap Fridays-Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of October. Located next to the Eagle’s Roost, The Watering Hole is an outdoor oasis for the 21+ club. Plus, a portion of all sales goes toward protecting the Brandywine Watershed.

4. Keep coming back for more

Whether you’re trying to watch the baby gorilla grow up before your very eyes, or you’re just trying to sample all the beers on tap this fall, now you can see it all—even if you’re on a tight budget. Visiting this link gives you 15 percent off when you sign up for a new membership at Philadelphia Zoo. A membership gives you full, unlimited access to new exhibits and the option to taste rotating drafts at The Watering Hole before anyone else.

Still not sure where to start for your trip? A full day of jam-packed family (and grown-up) fun in this itinerary should help you get started.