Big Cat Falls

📍 West Philadelphia, PA

★4.6(235 Google reviews)

Big Cat Falls is a signature exhibit at Philadelphia Zoo, home to more than 1,900 rare and endangered species. The zoo offers guided tours, seasonal topiaries, conservation programming, and daily public access.

✓ big cats✓ endangered species✓ guided tours✓ conservation✓ urban zoo

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children aged 3 and up who can engage with animal exhibits over a multi-hour visit. Guided docent tours add depth for curious older kids. Stroller-friendly paths and the compact urban layout make it manageable for families with toddlers. Membership pays off quickly for families planning more than two visits per year.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book timed-entry tickets online in advance — the zoo enforces a last entry cutoff daily

⏰Add a guided Amazing Animals or Explore the Gardens tour at booking for a richer experience with school-age kids

🎟️Arrive early to catch animal feeding sessions before afternoon crowds build on weekends

Overview

Philadelphia Zoo — America's first zoo, founded in 1874 — houses Big Cat Falls as one of its headline exhibits. The wider zoo campus holds 1,900+ rare and endangered species across an urban oasis in West Philadelphia. Visitors can add specialty guided tours covering Amazing Animals or Explore the Gardens with Zoo docent narration. Seasonal programming includes ZOOtopiaries — large mosaic topiary sculptures included with admission.