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Erie Zoo

🐾 Erie Zoo: A Wild Adventure for the Whole Family

Nestled within the scenic Glenwood Park neighborhood of Erie, Pennsylvania, the Erie Zoo offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Spanning 15 acres, the zoo is home to over 400 animals and features 11 beautifully curated gardens, making it a perfect destination for family outings.


🦁 A Diverse Animal Kingdom

The Erie Zoo boasts a rich collection of wildlife from around the globe. Visitors can marvel at majestic big cats like lions and tigers, observe playful primates such as orangutans and spider monkeys, and discover unique species like the Patagonian cavy and sand cat. The zoo’s layout allows for close-up views, with glass enclosures providing intimate glimpses into the animals’ habitats.


🎠 Family-Friendly Attractions

Beyond animal exhibits, the zoo offers additional attractions to delight younger visitors. The Safariland Express train provides a scenic ride through the zoo, crossing over Mill Creek and offering unique perspectives of various exhibits. The Wildlife Carousel, adorned with hand-carved animal figures, adds a touch of whimsy to the adventure.


🌿 Botanical Beauty

Complementing the animal exhibits are the zoo’s 11 themed gardens, showcasing a diverse array of plant species. These gardens not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the zoo but also serve as educational spaces, highlighting the importance of plant conservation and biodiversity.

Address
423 West 38th Street, Erie, PA, USA
Hours
Season: March 1st through November 30th Daily Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:15 PM)
Cost
Adults (13 & above): $12.00 Seniors (62 & above): $10.00 Children (2–12): $8.00 Children under 2: Free Discounts: $1 off for military personnel; free admission every Sunday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Our Rating
Target Age Range
All Ages

Accessibility & Sensory Considerations

Accessibility Notes

  • Wheelchair Accessibility: The zoo features wheelchair-accessible routes throughout the premises. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the gift shop, with manual wheelchairs offered free of charge and motorized scooters available for a fee.

  • Restrooms: Two restrooms are accessible to all visitors; however, they are not fully ADA compliant.

  • Terrain: The zoo’s layout includes hilly areas, which may pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or respiratory conditions. accessibleerie.com

Sensory Considerations

  • Sensory-Friendly Events: The Erie Zoo hosts sensory-friendly events, such as the Sensory Awareness Night during ZooBOO, tailored to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities.

  • Train Ride Considerations: Staff members are attentive to sensory needs; for instance, during train rides, they advise passengers about loud whistles and suggest seating arrangements to minimize discomfort. visiterie.com

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Diverse Animal Exhibits: Home to over 400 animals, the zoo offers a wide array of species for visitors to observe and learn about.

  • Botanical Gardens: Eleven themed gardens enhance the zoo’s landscape, providing educational and aesthetic value.

  • Family-Friendly Rides: Attractions like the Safariland Train and Wildlife Carousel add to the fun, especially for younger visitors.

  • Educational Programs: The zoo offers various educational tours and programs, fostering learning opportunities for all ages.

Cons

  • Limited Operating Season: The zoo operates from March 1st through November 30th, closing during the winter months.

  • Accessibility Challenges: Hilly terrain and non-ADA compliant restrooms may limit accessibility for some visitors.

  • Additional Costs: Certain attractions and rentals, such as rides and motorized scooters, require additional fees.

Photos

Photos are sourced from a variety of sources including Google Reviews, the locations website, and more.

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Erie's most affordable
birthday venue.

Address
4108 Main Street
Erie, PA 16511
Next to Lawrence Park Fire Department
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