In 1938, the Philadelphia Zoo was the first in North America to open a special zoo just for children. Today's new Children's Zoo introduces kids of all ages to animals in a stimulating and safe setting. Petting and feeding sheep and goats, watching chicks peck their way out of eggs, and seeing rabbits frolic in a kid-sized bunny village are just a few of the many things youngsters can see and do here.

You'll find much more than just farm animals in this part of the Zoo. We know that kids really like bugs, so we've made them a big feature of the Children's Zoo. At Backyard Bugs, you can get close to lots of creepy creatures like hairy tarantulas, giant roaches and bugs that look like giant sticks! Here, you can learn all about the interesting things bugs do and why they come in so many shapes and sizes.

In the farm area, kids can climb on a life-sized tractor and play in the hay while learning about life on the farm and the important connection between farm animals and people. Throughout the day, families can engage in interactive animal shows at the brightly colored theatre.

During the summer months, some of the animals in the Zoo's teaching collection will stretch their legs and wings in two new animal exercise yards. Get an up-close look at macaws, porcupines, hedgehogs, owls and other fascinating creatures, and discover which animals make good pets - and which don't!