Lehigh Valley Zoo to build new playground, barn, education center

N. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. -- The Lehigh Valley Zoo has announced a new $10 million construction project.

The two-year, four-phase plans call for major renovations to the lower section of the zoo.

The project, named the Children's Activity Area (CAA), include a new, accessible playground, a splash pad, a new barn and an education center, the zoo said in a news release.

Phase one, which is set to start this spring, consists of a new, modern playground, and a reconfiguration of the Fred & Anne Jaindl Family Barnyard. 

The barnyard area, which will be open year-round, will allow guests to walk through and see the animal "bedrooms" as well as participate in brushing or feeding some of the animals. The new layout will also help staff better care for the animals.

The new barn is supported by David Jaindl and the Jaindl Foundation.

Phase two involves the construction of the Isaacman Family Education Center. The new building, which is supported by Jared and Monica Isaacman, will triple the current capacity for the zoo's education team to host classes, groups and animal encounters, the zoo says.

The building will also house additional restrooms, a nursing station and changing rooms for the splash pad.

Phases three and four will see the addition of the splash pad, as well as improvements to concessions in the area and a covered seating area.

The project is expected to be done in summer 2027.

So far, the zoo has raised about $2.3 million of its $10 million goal.

Details on the project can be found at lvzoo.org/CAA.