A zoo in Pennsylvania got its official charter in 1859, then took fifteen more years to finally open its gates. That kind of patience feels relatable when you’re waiting for the turkey to come out of the oven.
Here’s what grabbed me most. One park lets kids hold a baby kangaroo.
Another lets giraffes lean right up to your car for a snack from your bucket.
Then there’s an indoor bird zoo where macaws fly freely around visitors. I love that you can meet a sloth there too.
Penguins, alligators, and gray wolves also show up across this lineup.
Thanksgiving weekend hands families a rare stretch of free days and restless kids. Some of these parks close on the holiday itself, so a quick hours check before you leave saves a sad car ride.
So which animal will your kids beg to see first?
Elmwood Park Zoo
Few things wake up a turkey-stuffed kid faster than a giraffe tongue. At this Norristown favorite, giraffe feeding ranks as one of the most popular moves in the house.
The zoo stays on the smaller side, and that works in your favor. Exhibits feel close and personal, so little legs don’t wear out before the fun does.
Bison feedings add another dose of excitement for animal fans. Kids can also head to the petting zoo to meet goats and sheep up close.
Got a kid who needs to burn energy? A playground gives them room to run, and the grounds also feature a zip line for braver adventurers.
Winter daytime hours run Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 PM. The zoo closes on Thanksgiving Day, so aim for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday instead.
Want a little holiday sparkle? The Wild Lights evening event runs on select nights with millions of lights, live music, and a Santa workshop.
Miniature Highland cows even dress up for the season during Wild Lights. That alone might be worth the trip for your family photo collection.
Here’s a fun twist for dog owners. Sunday Dog Nights during Wild Lights let your four-legged buddy join the party.
Saturdays tend to draw the biggest crowds, so a Friday visit could feel calmer. Buying tickets ahead is a smart move, and the parking lot is free.
A cafe and gift shop round things out when snack or souvenir requests start rolling in.
Address: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401
Philadelphia Zoo
History buffs, meet your new favorite field trip. The Philadelphia Zoo holds the title of America’s first zoo, chartered in 1859 and opened to the public in 1874.
Old doesn’t mean dusty, though. Today the zoo cares for nearly 1,700 animals, including many rare and endangered species.
Kids can spot hippos, penguins, giraffes, lions, tigers, and leopards. Lions, tigers, and bears really do all live here, so go ahead and sing it.
One of the coolest features is the Zoo360 trail system. Overhead mesh walkways let animals like big cats and primates roam above your head.
The newer Francis J. Carey Bear Country exhibit adds upgraded bear habitats and its own Zoo360 trail.
It’s a great stop for kids who love big, fuzzy residents.
Little ones can also visit the petting zoo and a reptile room. A carousel, a train, and a playground help break up the walking.
Thanksgiving Day is a closed day here. From Friday through Sunday, the zoo opens 9:30 AM to 3 PM, with last entry at 2 PM.
Advance online reservations are required for general admission, so plan before you pile into the car. Weekday mornings tend to feel quieter than Saturdays.
Stick around after dark on select nights for LumiNature. Millions of lights transform the grounds, and a 110-foot Ferris wheel lights up the scene.
That’s a lot of zoo for one long weekend.
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Lehigh Valley Zoo
Buffalo, elk, and white-tailed deer roam freely in the preserve here, and your kids might forget they ever wanted screen time. The setting alone makes this Schnecksville zoo special.
It sits inside the Trexler Nature Preserve, surrounded by woods and hiking trails. That gives the whole visit a peaceful, outdoorsy feel.
More than 300 animals representing over 100 species call this place home. Kangaroos, cockatoos, bobcats, zebras, red pandas, wolves, and giraffes are all on the roster.
Penguin lovers should head straight to the Penguin Pavilion. African penguins waddle around there, and visitors can feed them during set times of day.
Other seasonal interactions may include feeding goats, sheep, swans, lorikeets, or giraffes. Availability can shift with the weather, so check what’s running before you go.
Activity stations and a playground keep younger kids busy between exhibits. Pony rides and a kids camp also appear among the zoo’s offerings.
Hungry? The Watering Hole serves tacos, burgers, hot dogs, and loaded fries.
The Nature Store gift shop is ready for anyone who needs a plush penguin.
Winter hours run Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 3 PM. Confirm holiday hours ahead, since schedules can change around Thanksgiving.
Getting tickets in advance is recommended, and parking is free. The zoo has also held AZA accreditation since 2006.
Fresh air and penguins make a pretty great cure for leftover overload.
Address: 5150 Game Preserve Rd, Schnecksville, PA 18078
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Ever watched a polar bear swim right over your head? Underwater viewing areas at this Pittsburgh zoo make that happen.
It’s the largest zoo and aquarium in Pennsylvania, with more than 4,000 animals spread across 77 acres. Comfortable shoes are a must.
The grounds include an African Savanna, an Asian Forest, and a bear area. The PPG Aquarium adds a whole underwater world to explore.
Kids who like to touch things will love the stingray touch area. A regular petting zoo offers more hands-on fun.
Sea lions also show off in underwater viewing spots. Those glass walls make for some great faces and even better photos.
Off-season hours run 9:30 AM to 4 PM, from November through March. The zoo closes on Thanksgiving Day but opens Friday through Sunday.
Cooler weather changes the lineup a bit. Warm-weather animals move indoors or behind the scenes, though big cats often stay visible year-round.
Heads up on construction. The Upper Kids Kingdom is closed through winter, and the ZooFit Path stays closed through November 2026.
That still leaves plenty to see, especially inside the aquarium. Food stands and gift shops help keep the troops happy.
Parking is free, and kids get discounted admission. Booking tickets ahead is a smart idea for holiday weekends.
Address: 7370 Baker St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park
Chocolate town has a wild side. Right next to Hersheypark, this 11-acre walk-through zoo focuses only on animals from North America.
More than 200 animals live here. Kids can look for gray wolves, river otters, Canada lynx, snowy owls, mountain lions, and reindeer.
Bears and bald eagles also make the list. Some of the residents are rescued animals, which gives kids a great conversation starter.
Cold weather actually works in your favor at this park. Many outdoor animals become more active as temperatures drop.
November and December hours run daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. The park closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so plan for Friday through Sunday.
Here’s the sweet part. Admission to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane includes access to ZooAmerica.
You reach the zoo by a bridge from Hersheypark near the Kissing Tower Hill area. That means one ticket covers holiday lights and wildlife.
Animal of the Month keeper talks share fun facts about featured residents. The Water Friends Tour adds feeding opportunities for curious kids.
Older kids might enjoy the after-hours Creatures of the Night experience. It’s a fun way to see how animals act once the sun goes down.
The zoo holds AZA accreditation, and parking is free. Just maybe skip the reindeer jokes around the reindeer.
Address: 201 Park Ave, Hershey, PA 17033
Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland
Scales over feathers? This Allenwood specialty zoo puts reptiles and amphibians in the spotlight, and it does so indoors.
That makes it a smart pick for chilly November days. Modern indoor exhibits house more than 40 species from around the world.
Kids can stare down mambas, cobras, and pythons from a safe distance. Alligators, tortoises, and colorful frogs round out the cast.
The star of the show might be Sirphis, an albino alligator. Pale, huge, and totally fascinating, he tends to steal the spotlight.
Axolotls also live here, and their goofy smiles win over plenty of visitors. Turtles, lizards, and crocodilians add even more variety.
Live shows help kids learn how these animals live and move. Hands-on animal encounters bring things even closer.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 28. A Komodo dragon feeding is scheduled that day, and it’s a sight your kids won’t forget.
Reptiland stays open year-round, with daily hours from 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s still wise to confirm the schedule before you drive.
Warm-weather extras like the animatronic dinosaur area and Parakeet Landing run seasonally. So save those for a spring trip.
The zoo is AZA-accredited, and the parking lot is free. Expect weekend afternoons to be the busiest times.
Address: 18628 US-15, Allenwood, PA 17810
Erie Zoo
All aboard for gorillas! A train ride at the Erie Zoo rolls through the forest and past animal habitats, and riders may spot turtles, deer, and a large alligator.
The zoo pairs its animals with a botanical garden. Around 400 animals share space with 11 gardens and a greenhouse.
Kangaroos, giraffes, and gorillas are on the guest list. Penguins and tigers also give kids plenty to point at.
The size feels just right for young families. A relaxed walk through the zoo and gardens usually takes about two hours.
Paths are easy to follow, and animals are easy to view. That means fewer meltdowns and more happy discoveries.
Kids will find interactive play options throughout the grounds. A children’s playground offers a great break between exhibits.
Timing matters here. The season runs through November 30, and the zoo closes on Thanksgiving Day.
That makes Thanksgiving weekend one of your last chances until spring. Hours run 10 AM to 5 PM, with last admission at 4:15 PM.
Concessions are fairly priced, and kids get discounted admission. Parking is free, which leaves more room in the budget for souvenirs.
Head out early if you can. Saturdays and Sunday afternoons tend to pull the biggest crowds.
Address: 423 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508
Living Treasures Animal Park
Peacocks to porcupines, this Laurel Highlands park covers a lot of alphabet. More than 70 species live at the Jones Mills location.
Hands-on fun is the main event. Kids can feed and interact with most of the animals, using park-provided food.
The large petting zoo features farm favorites like goats, llamas, and peacocks. Free-roaming chickens and geese add a little friendly chaos.
Pony rides give young riders a thrill. A playground offers a spot to wiggle out extra energy.
Want something extra special? Sloth and otter encounters, plus Meet Our Animals sessions, bring kids even closer.
Paths are easy to navigate, which helps with strollers and tired legs. The grounds stay clean and organized.
Worried about cold-weather critters? Many animals have access to heated indoor shelters during winter months.
Hours can vary by season, so check before you go on Thanksgiving weekend. Listed hours show the park open daily starting at 10 AM.
Hungry kids can grab a bite at The Watering Hole concession stand. Picnic areas work well for leftover turkey sandwiches.
A gift shop rounds out the visit. Just warn the kids that the chickens are not coming home with you.
Address: 288 PA-711, Jones Mills, PA 15646
Living Treasures “Wild” Animal Park
Holding a baby kangaroo sounds like a dream, right? At this New Castle park, it’s one of the experiences kids can enjoy.
Like its Laurel Highlands sibling, this location features more than 70 species. Peacocks, porcupines, and plenty in between call it home.
Feeding is a big part of the fun. Kids can offer snacks to giraffes, deer, and flamingos.
Bird feeding and goat exhibits add even more hands-on moments. The petting zoo gives smaller kids a gentle start.
Pony rides bring out the cowboy in young visitors. A playground helps when attention spans start running low.
The space is well laid out and rarely feels packed. That makes it easier to keep track of excited little ones.
Listed hours run Friday through Sunday, 11 AM to 6 PM. Seasonal schedules can change, so confirm hours before Thanksgiving weekend.
Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. A Friday or Sunday morning could mean more one-on-one time with the animals.
Staff keep the animals well cared for and stay friendly with guests. Tours are available too.
Don’t skip the gift shop on the way out. Somebody will want a stuffed kangaroo for the ride home.
Address: 268 Fox Rd, New Castle, PA 16101
National Aviary
Birds flying freely around you is a pretty great way to end a Pennsylvania zoo road trip. The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is America’s only independent, indoor, nationally designated bird zoo.
More than 500 birds from over 150 species live here. Many of them are threatened or endangered.
Large free-flight habitats let kids walk among the birds. Macaws, penguins, and other feathered friends share the space.
Since it’s indoors, chilly weather won’t spoil the plan. That’s a big win for late November.
Add-on programs bring the fun even closer. Kids can hand-feed rainbow lorikeets, which feels a little like holding a living rainbow.
Animal Encounters may feature African penguins or a two-toed sloth. Yes, a sloth, at a bird zoo.
Immersive bird shows and educational presentations help kids learn while they gawk. A playground also helps younger visitors blow off steam.
The aviary closes on Thanksgiving Day and on Tuesdays. Friday through Sunday, doors open 10 AM to 5 PM.
Getting tickets in advance is recommended for the holiday weekend. Paid lot and street parking are both nearby.
Atria’s Kookaburra Kitchen handles hungry tummies, and a gift shop offers feathery souvenirs. Your kids may leave chirping all the way home.
Address: 700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
