Philadelphia Zoo: America’s first zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo bills itself as “America’s first zoo,” with a charter dating back to 1859 and its official opening on July 1, 1874. While zoo historians point out that places like New York’s Central Park Zoo had animal collections earlier, the Philadelphia Zoo is widely recognized as the first true zoo in the United States to open under a chartered zoological society—part of what gives it such a special place in American history.
Today, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to more than 1,900 animals across 42 acres and is known for innovative habitats like Zoo360, a network of overhead mesh trails that allow animals such as big cats, primates, and small mammals to move around above guests. It has long been a leader in conservation, education, and animal welfare, pairing historic charm with modern zoological science.
Hours, tickets, and practical details (current guidance)
For a rainy Memorial Day weekend visit, planning ahead is key:
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Location: 3400 W Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104.
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Regular hours: Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last entry at 4:00 p.m.
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Memorial Day: Listed as open for the holiday, though hours may follow standard daily schedule; advance online reservations are required for general admission.
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Tickets:
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General admission for ages 2+ varies by day and demand (dynamic pricing).
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Children under 2: free.
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Members: free general admission; some experiences extra.
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Parking: On‑site parking currently around $22, free for members.
Because you will be dealing with holiday crowds and wet weather, it is smart to:
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Reserve tickets online in advance for your preferred time slot.
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Arrive early in the day to make the most of the indoor and semi‑covered exhibits before the afternoon gets busier.
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Build in time for indoor areas like the Reptile & Amphibian House, McNeil Avian Center, and indoor primate spaces, which are especially welcome on rainy days.
Elmwood Park Zoo: intimate, approachable, and close‑to‑home
If you are looking for a slightly smaller, more intimate experience—especially with young kids—Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown is another excellent Memorial Day weekend option. Founded in 1924, the zoo has grown into a beloved regional institution featuring North and South American species, interactive feeding experiences, and a strong focus on education and conservation.
Hours and admission
Elmwood Park Zoo’s schedule and pricing can vary seasonally, so checking their website before heading out is essential:
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Location: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401.
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Typical hours: Many seasons see the zoo open Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., with Mondays and Tuesdays closed, though schedules change with improvements and events.
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Some recent updates note temporary closures for improvements, with memberships extended and special programming offered—another reminder to confirm the current calendar before you drive.
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Standard admission (subject to change):
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Adult (13–64): about $14.95 online / $15.95 onsite in regular seasons.
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Child (3–12): similar pricing tiers.
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Student: discounted with ID.
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Senior: discounted, sometimes free on Wednesdays during certain promotions.
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Baby (0–2): free.
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Extras: Giraffe feeding, parakeet feedings, and other experiences run about $4–$6 per person, depending on membership status.
While Elmwood is more exposed to the elements than some larger city zoos, there are enough covered areas, barns, indoor viewing spaces, and nearby cafés to make a rainy day manageable—especially if you come prepared with rain gear and plan for breaks.
Other rainy‑day ideas for Memorial Day weekend
If the weather looks truly stubborn, you can build a full weekend around indoor or mostly‑indoors experiences in Philadelphia and Bucks County. A few ideas that pair nicely with zoo visits:
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Old City & Independence National Historical Park
Explore Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, and the National Constitution Center. Many of these experiences are indoors or partially covered, making them ideal on a drizzly day. -
Reading Terminal Market
Step into this iconic indoor market for lunch, coffee, or dessert after a morning at the zoo. The market’s mix of Pennsylvania Dutch stands, bakers, and global food stalls is perfect for multi‑generational groups. -
Museums and specialty attractions
Consider the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, or the Independence Seaport Museum for hands‑on science and maritime history; all are strong rainy‑day bets with plenty of indoor space. -
Bucks County indoor escapes
In Bucks County, rainy days are a great excuse to linger in New Hope’s galleries and shops, enjoy long brunches in Lambertville, or visit local wineries and tasting rooms for slow afternoons with friends or family.
Making the weekend meaningful
Memorial Day’s heart is remembrance: honoring those who lost their lives in service to the country. A rainy forecast can actually support that mindset, inviting slower, more reflective moments. You might:
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Start the day with a brief family conversation about the meaning of Memorial Day before heading to the zoo or museum.
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Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., even if you are out and about.
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Visit a local veterans’ memorial or cemetery on the way to or from your planned activities.
By weaving in a bit of history and gratitude alongside your plans, the weekend becomes more than just “finding something to do in the rain”—it becomes intentional time together.
B&B Luxury Properties: home as your favorite destination
At B&B Luxury Properties, there is a deep belief that home is more than a structure; it is the place you return to after days like this—wet umbrellas in the mudroom, zoo maps on the kitchen counter, kids comparing favorite animals at the table. Those are the moments that quietly define a life in Bucks County and Greater Philadelphia.
Whether you are spending this rainy Memorial Day weekend discovering the Philadelphia Zoo, strolling Elmwood Park Zoo with little ones, or exploring historic neighborhoods between showers, you are also getting to know the region’s rhythm—its culture, its families, its pace. That understanding is invaluable when you are considering your next move, whether it is a riverfront retreat in New Hope, a walk‑to‑town home in Doylestown, or a pied‑à‑terre closer to the city.
If this weekend has you thinking about what “home base” you would love to come back to after days out in Philadelphia and Bucks County, B&B Luxury Properties would be honored to guide that conversation. From detailed market insight to curated property tours, the team specializes in matching people with homes—and communities—that fit how they actually live.
