Zoo Threw a Fourth of July Party, and Offered A Gift Too

NORRISTOWN PA – A surprising and valuable offer, made by the popular public zoo near Pottstown, attracted hundreds of people Friday (July 4, 2025) from across Montgomery County. Elmwood Park Zoo, the Norristown attraction accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, eliminated all admission fees on Independence Day.

For a Montgomery County family of four without a zoo membership, that saved as much as $54. Elmwood also remained open longer than its usual 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. operating hours, providing visitors with an extended stay. Some families took advantage of later entry times to see exhibits of more than 300 animals across its 16-acre property.

Thanks to a donor’s generosity, county residents during 2025 pay only half-price fees for regular admission. The zoo notes that a regularly used family membership could save even more, and provide several added benefits. Elmwood is located at 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown PA.

Elmwood’s gift, celebrating the 259th year of the nation’s freedom, was promoted by a Thursday (July 3) e-mail from the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. Admission was controlled by entry times, and advance online registration was required.

The Independence Day offer may replicated on other dates during the year. For example, free admission days for only Norristown residents with suitable identification is scheduled on the last Saturdays and Sundays of every month.

Will similar free days will appear in the future? There’s no guarantee, but find out by keeping up with zoo events at its webpage.

Events Coming to Elmwood Park Zoo

The Elmwood events page lists several upcoming open-to-the-public events:

• July 10 (Thursday), “Nature Explorers – Camouflage,” 10:15-10:45 a.m., ticketed; discover how and why animals use camouflage to survive; put your camouflage skills to the test; and meet an animal that’s a true master of disguise; held at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown PA
• July 11 (Friday), “Zoo Snooze,” starts at 5 p.m., ticketed; pack up the family for an exciting and educational overnight trip to the zoo, ZooSnooze overnight campouts are a perfect way to explore the zoo after the sun sets; held at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown PA
• July 12 (Saturday), “Wildlife Workout,” 8-10 a.m., ticketed; the zoo has partnered with Arete Athletics to offer a truly unique fitness experience; held at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown PA
• July 19 (Saturday), “Zoo Snooze,” starts at 5 p.m., ticketed; pack up the family for an exciting and educational overnight trip to the zoo, ZooSnooze overnight campouts are a perfect way to explore the zoo after the sun sets; held at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown PA
• July 24 (Thursday), “Nature Explorers – Scale and Tails,” 10:15-10:45 a.m., ticketed; learn what makes reptiles unique, discover their amazing adaptations, and meet a scaly friend who lives at the zoo; held at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown PA
• July 25 (Friday), “Eco-Family Programs: Nature At Night Hike,” 8-9:30 p.m., ticketed; join educators for a nighttime investigation into the world of nocturnal invertebrates, examine and survey the beauty, life cycles, and habitats of moths; held at Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd., Norristown PA
• July 26 (Saturday), “Breakfast with the Giraffes,” 8:15-10 a.m., ticketed; rise and shine for the most important meal of the day, and share it with the zoo’s three towering giraffes; held at Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown PA

All photos and videos by Travels With The Post