Looking for an unforgettable day out filled with wildlife encounters and aquatic wonders? Look no further than the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, a premier attraction conveniently located on Baker Street in Pittsburgh, PA. Whether you’re a local resident or planning a trip from nearby areas like Erie, this expansive zoo and aquarium offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Discover the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium on Baker Street
Nestled at 7370 Baker Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is easily accessible and boasts ample parking, making it stress-free to arrive with strollers or wheelchairs. Spanning across 77 acres, it’s significantly larger than the Erie Zoo, offering a vast landscape to explore. Well-maintained cement paths wind through the property, ensuring accessibility to every exhibit for strollers and wheelchairs, regardless of terrain. You’ll be immersed in beautifully landscaped greenery as you navigate between diverse animal habitats, each thoughtfully designed with natural or man-made barriers to provide safe and engaging viewing experiences. Throughout your visit, you’ll discover various buildings inviting you to delve deeper into specific animal worlds, or simply continue your outdoor exploration.
A World of Wildlife Awaits: Animals and Exhibits
Prepare to be amazed by the sheer diversity of life at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 475 species, there’s something to captivate every member of the family. Animal enthusiasts will be thrilled by the wide array of mammals and reptiles from around the globe. Highlights include playful lemurs, majestic big cats, and fascinating Komodo dragons.
The PPG Aquarium adds another dimension to your visit, showcasing brilliantly colored aquatic life from oceans around the world. Explore a lush rainforest teeming with life and discover cascading waterfalls, all within the aquarium’s immersive environment. Don’t miss the chance to observe the entertaining sea lions in their habitat.
Beyond simply observing, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium enhances your visit with opportunities for interaction. During our visit, we were fortunate to have an up-close encounter with a bearded dragon and its keeper, a spontaneous and educational moment. For a more in-depth experience, consider a “Wild Encounter,” offering behind-the-scenes access to animals like elephants, giraffes, red pandas, and even sharks. While these encounters require an additional fee, they promise an unforgettable and personalized experience.
For younger visitors needing playtime, “Kids Kingdom” provides a dedicated play area where children can run, climb, and slide, adding a fun break to your animal adventure.
Dining and Shopping Options
To keep you fueled throughout your exploration, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium offers a variety of dining options. Quick service counters like Village Market, Arctic Express, Swahili Pizza, and Swahili Ice Cream provide convenient snacks and meals. For a more substantial dining experience, Jambo Grill, centrally located within the zoo, features a made-to-order menu and a pleasant seating area. During our visit, we enjoyed refreshing Dippin’ Dots, a perfect treat on a zoo day.
Before you leave, browse the zoo’s three gift shops, located at the front entrances and within the PPG Aquarium. You’ll find a wide selection of souvenirs, from plush animals and figurines to t-shirts, mugs, and jewelry, ensuring everyone can find a special memento of their visit.
Who Should Visit? Everyone!
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is truly a destination for everyone. During our visit, we saw visitors of all ages, from infants to grandparents, all enjoying the zoo’s offerings. It’s an ideal outing for families, romantic dates, educational school trips, and fun gatherings with friends.
The zoo is committed to inclusivity, offering sensory bags and weighted lap pads for visitors who may benefit from them. To further enhance your visit, consider downloading the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium app from their website, providing helpful information and interactive features.
Plan Your Visit to Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium on Baker Street
If you’re seeking an engaging and full-day activity, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium on Baker Street is well worth the trip, even from locations a bit further away. We spent four hours exploring and felt we could have easily spent even longer immersed in the exhibits. It’s a fantastic experience for children and adults alike, and we highly recommend adding it to your list of must-visit Pennsylvania attractions.
During our visit, preparations were underway for the Asian Lantern Festival, an example of special events hosted at the zoo. Check their website for current events and plan your visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for an unforgettable adventure on Baker Street!
