The Philadelphia Zoo

So, let me start out by saying that normally I LOVE my GPS...but was an exception.  First off, my GPS doesn't have the Philadelphia Zoo programed into it, which I would let slide if it wasn't the first zoo ever in the United States!  I know for a fact that my GPS was created far after the birth of this zoo, so TomTom, you have no excuse.  And I digress...

After typing in the zoo's address, rather than taking us the easy, family-friendly, route, it drops us off smack dab in the middle of a stereotypical, terrible Philly neighborhood.  Winner!  It was the opportunity to discuss how fortunate we are s well as have a four year old ask why some man was peeing on a car.  Again, WIN!

Anyways, we finally get to the zoo.  We arrive pretty soon after it opens.  The boys, who haven't been there in two years, were gushing.  There are two huge advantages to going early: the crowds are substantially less and the temperature is WAY cooler which leads to the animals (and the kids) moving around more.

The zoo itself is pretty clean and overall sprawling (which leads to some tired legs by the end.)  The layout of the zoo is pretty disorganized and somewhat haphazardly put together, but considering its age and how many animals it holds, it's easy not to be bothered by this.  With that being said, the kids loved it.  The baby otters were on display today which was fantastic.  Who knew that the babies just screamed constantly.  It was hilariously adorable.  The zoo also features several docents at the popular animal sites to help answer questions (the kids weren't interested in these people, but I was!)

Becky's Bottom Line: While it isn't the best zoo, it is certainly not the worst.  Get some good walking shoes, and a quality GPS, and check it out.

Rating:  8/10

GPS Rating: 2/10