Join us for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration with FREE admission* for all guests! Enjoy live music, unique animal guests, special appearances by historical impersonators, and more. The Zoo will be open extended hours until 8:00 PM!
*Zoo guests must register for free admission.
Please note, animal exhibits, including Trail of the Jaguar, Habitat HQ and Harmony Hideaway close at 5 PM. The exhibits in our Wetlands area – Alligator, River Otter, Porcupine, and more, close at 5 PM. Animals with indoor access, including Giraffe, Zebra, Bison, Red Panda, and Elk – will be shifted inside at 5 PM. The Zoo’s Welcome Center and its exhibits inside will remain open until 8 PM.
Event Details
Fourth of July at EPZ | Free Admission For All Guests*
*Guests must register for free admission
Friday, July 4th 2025 | 10 AM – 8 PM (special extended hours)
Barrel Train Rides
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Carousel
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Education Programs
Wild Encounters | 11:00 AM | Zoo Bowl Theater
Animal greets will take place throughout the Zoo
Face Paint
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Giraffe Feeding
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Historical Impersonators
Martha Washington | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Benjamin Franklin | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Betsy Ross | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Keeper Chats
Giraffe Keeper Chat | 11:30 AM
Live Music
Tony Alosi
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Stony Creek Stage
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Stony Creek Stage
Puppet Show
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Stony Creek Stage
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Stony Creek Stage
Fourth of July – Know Before You Go
Registration
Guests are encouraged to register before their visit for the available times remaining on our registration page here. If your preferred time is not listed, it means that we have reached our registration capacity for that time slot. A limited number of walk up registrations may be available.
Parking / Parking Shuttles
We expect all onsite lots to fill early and remain at capacity throughout the day. Our lot attendants will be directing drivers to offsite parking when our lots reach capacity. Offsite parking is available at the Logan Square lot on Johnson Highway and Markley Street, as well as at the Eisenhower School on Coolidge Blvd. Both lots will be serviced by shuttles that will transport guests to the Zoo’s main entrance. A limited amount of street parking may be available on a first come basis.
Illegal Parking
Norristown Police will be patrolling the area throughout the day, and vehicles parked illegally will be fined and towed at their owner’s expense. Please respect our neighbors and avoid parking on their lawns and blocking their sidewalks and driveways.
Animal Exhibits
Animal exhibits, including Trail of the Jaguar, Habitat HQ and Harmony Hideaway close at 5 PM. The exhibits in our Wetlands area – Alligator, River Otter, Porcupine, and more, close at 5 PM. Animals with indoor access, including Giraffe, Zebra, Bison, Red Panda, and Elk – will be shifted inside at 5 PM. The Zoo’s Welcome Center and its exhibits inside will remain open until 8 PM.
Fireworks
Elmwood Park Zoo is not responsible for the fireworks show that is scheduled to take place in neighboring Elmwood Park at approximately 9:30 PM. Our gates will close to guests at 7:30 PM, and all remaining guests will be asked to leave by 8:00 PM.
