Community Access Program
The Philadelphia Zoo’s Community Access program aspires to increase accessibility to the Zoo directly to our immediate neighbors, families, schools and mission-aligned organizations.
To increase access to the Zoo’s 42 acres of gardens and 1,900 amazing animals we decrease the barrier of admission in the simplest way possible: by eliminating it. We are eager to offer the Zoo as a joyful destination that is a safe asset to our nearest neighbors by providing free access for at least 60,000 visitors annually. Through engagement with our staff, animals, and experiences during these visits, the Zoo encourages and empowers our guests to protect wildlife and the environment we share.
If you are a Neighbor to the Zoo either by way of residency, school enrollment, or participant in a conservation, animal welfare or other mission-aligned project in our nearby neighborhood we welcome and encourage you to consider the Zoo as an extension of your home and classroom. Please review the following options available to people and programs in the following zip codes: 19104, 19131, 19139, 19143, 19151
Free 1 Day Zoo Passes
Local residents, neighborhood schools, and mission-aligned organizations can click the button below to request free visits to the Philadelphia Zoo.
Request Free Visit
Free School Field Trips
The Zoo’s Community Access Program (CAP) provides free admission to students in kindergarten through 12th grade from Title I public and charter schools (with 50% or more of the students receiving free or reduced-priced lunches). Applications for the Spring 2024 Season will be made available in late January.
Neighborhood Membership
To increase continuous access to the Zoo and offer our space as a resource to local residents, we offer 1,000 free Family Plus Memberships to local families. Membership information has been shared exclusively with nearby schools and neighborhood organizations to offer to their community members and residents. Contact one of our partners below for more information:
• Mantua Civic Association
• East Parkside Residents Association
• Centennial Parkside CDC
• Parkside Association
• Viola Street Residents Association
• Mt. Vernon Manor
• Morton McMichael Elementary School
• The Belmont Charter Network
• School of the Future
• KIPP Dubois Collegiate Academy
• Dimplez for Dayz Resource Center
Community Night
The Zoo provides exclusive access to Community members to the Zoo 3 times per year—Spring, Summer and Fall. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29th. Invitations to attend are shared directly with our Neighborhood partners and residents 3 weeks prior to the event. You can also access tickets provided at various community events throughout November – check back here regularly for a list of events!
We are recruiting local groups of residents, schools and families to be a part of a Zoo display during LumiNature called “Our Neck of the Woods” that will premiere at our Fall Community Night and remain a part of LumiNature all season! Click here to learn more. The deadline for proposals has been extended to Tuesday, October 10th!
Thank you to our sponsors!
Each year, with the financial partnership of individuals, corporations, and foundations, the Zoo is able to offer the Community Access Program which provides free visits and fun, engaging, and relevant learning opportunities to more than 60,000 community members annually. We could not offer these experiences without the very generous support of the following people and organizations:
- Dee Hillas
- Estate of Edna Thomas
- Independence Foundation