Big Cat Falls

Big Cat Falls is the headline big cat exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo — home to lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, and pumas in naturalistic habitats designed to allow natural behavior. It's one of the most popular exhibits at America's first zoo, and the glass viewing panels that allow eye-level viewing of animals are particularly good for children.

This listing represents the exhibit specifically, but practically speaking, you visit Big Cat Falls as part of a full Philadelphia Zoo day. The zoo is open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays), 9:30AM-5PM. Big Cat Falls is included in general zoo admission, which runs approximately $25-30 for adults and $20-25 for children — making a family of 4 visit roughly $90-120 before food and parking.

The best time to see the big cats active is morning — lions and tigers in particular tend to be more active in the morning hours before the midday heat makes them want to rest. Check the daily schedule for any feeding demos or keeper talks, which are the best times to see active behavior up close.

Philadelphia Zoo is accessible via SEPTA's Route 38 bus from Center City, which saves the $15-20 parking fee. For members, the zoo is free all year — a membership pays off after 2-3 visits for a family of 4.

Big Cat Falls is consistently one of the most Instagrammed spots in the zoo, and for good reason: there's something primal and unforgettable about a tiger walking toward you with only a pane of glass between you.