Metro Philadelphia

Spring has arrived at Philadelphia Zoo, and with it comes a seasonal transformation that’s hard to miss. As temperatures rise, the Zoo’s 42-acre campus shakes off winter dormancy, bursting into bloom with vibrant gardens and renewed animal activity. 

Here are some can’t-miss events and experiences at Zoo this spring.

Bunny Brunch 

One of the season’s signature offerings, Bunny Brunch brings a mix of holiday cheer and Zoo exploration. Held on Sunday, March 29, and Sunday, April 5, the event invites guests to enjoy an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet alongside family-friendly entertainment.

Beyond the meal, the experience includes photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and a close-up encounter with one of the Zoo’s ambassador animals. With timed seatings, the brunch is designed to feel relaxed and celebratory, giving families time to linger and explore the Zoo afterward.

Easter Egg Hunts 

To celebrate Easter weekend, the Zoo will be holding a relaxed Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 3, Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children ages 2-12. Children are welcome to bring a basket and find as many eggs as they can to turn them in for candy.

A golden egg prize adds an element of surprise, but the focus remains on discovery and enjoyment. No registration is required. 

Egg-cellent Egg Search

Running through early April, the self-guided Egg-cellent Egg Search offers a more exploratory take on the seasonal theme. Guests can follow clues throughout the Zoo to find examples of eggs from across the animal kingdom, learning about the diversity of species that lay them.

From tiny insect eggs to larger reptile and bird varieties, the activity highlights differences in size, texture and adaptation. It’s a subtle but effective way to weave education into a spring outing, rewarding participants who complete the search with a small prize.

Penguins return 

This spring also marks a milestone moment for the Zoo with the arrival of Magellanic penguins at Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point. The new colony represents the first time in more than 75 years that the species has been housed at the Zoo.

Their upgraded habitat features a spacious indoor area and a 5,500-gallon pool, giving visitors a chance to observe the penguins both above and below water. As a species classified as near threatened, their presence also underscores the Zoo’s broader conservation mission.

Actions for Animals 

In honor of the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial, the Zoo is encouraging guests to take part in a collective goal: 250,000 actions for animals. The initiative invites visitors to think beyond their day at the Zoo and consider how everyday choices—like planting native species or reducing waste—can support wildlife.

Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience

For those looking to go beyond the Zoo’s physical boundaries, the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality experience offers a different kind of adventure. Located at Bird Lake Plaza, the attraction uses motion seating and immersive visuals to transport guests to environments around the globe.

From swimming alongside humpback whales to trekking through forests or witnessing prehistoric worlds, the experience adds a modern, tech-driven layer to the traditional Zoo visit.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  philadelphiazoo.org.Â