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    Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    3.9 (998 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Adeola O.

    We went here today for a field trip. It's a great place for the kids but because this was my first time going here, the zoo is very small. You will get done with it pretty quickly especially if you have busy kids. They have a few carnival attractions like a Ferris wheel in a carousel. They didn't have too many food options. The food court of course is overpriced, dipping dots were nine dollars for a small. We were allowed to bring sack lunches and refillable water bottles. The staff was very nice. The park was fairly clean. They do have some animatronic dinosaurs, they give 90s. This zoo felt pretty safe for families because of how small it is and it's easy to navigate.

    Glow Wild
    Jackie M.

    This review is for the Glow Wild exhibit this spring. I HIGHLY recommend checking this exhibit out before it's gone. It went ABOVE and BEYOND expectations. This wasn't just a few installations, they had dozens all over the park! They were divided into categories like sea animals and African animals, fantasy creatures, etc. Simply amazing! We went on an April evening and the weather was perfect. They have snacks available, special glow cups and free rides on the Ferris wheel and carousel. It wasn't over-crowded either. Many of the main animal exhibits are closed for the evening but the main event are the glowing animal sculptures which are pure magic. It gave off Paris vibes. This goes for a few more weeks into May. Don't miss it!

    Rosa J.

    This review is specifically for the holiday zoolights. My partner and I took our 2.5 and 4.5 old boys for some festival activities. We went for the zoolights the weekend after Christmas because it was a relatively warmer evening. I have been to the "Brookfield Zoo" a few times before, so I was familiar with the layout for the most part. I found a promo code "COCOA" to save $5 per ticket for admission. However, I really did think they were quite pricy for non-members. Of course, I also reserved a parking pass online as well in advance. Many of the lights were interactive and photo-friendly. My kids running inside the light maze for several times. The maze was nothing complicated, but it was enough to entertain these young kids and their families. My older one enjoyed the "tic tac toe" light setup since he often asked us to play with on his tablet. Patrons were courteous and no one seemed to occupy the entire station and everyone took the turn to try it out. Their main restaurant was open and were busy when we walked in around 5pm. Nevertheless, we were able to find a table without much effort. There were some indoor exhibits open during the zoolight hours, such as the dolphins and some other sea creatures, just in case we wanted to take a break from walking outdoor for an extended period of time. Parking spot wasn't hard to find, yet my suggestion would be to remember what section you have parked because one could easily get lost if not paying attention. Oveeall, the "Brookfield Zoo" zoolights cater more toward the younger generation. We may consider coming back for another year or two.

    Lam B.

    Brookfield Zoo was a surprisingly big zoo. The animals were a bit more lively here than at Lincoln Park Zoo, which I would hope for with a thirty dollar admission fee. The parking lot filled up quickly and the available spots depended on which gate you entered. The entire zoo took nearly three hours to explore thoroughly because some exhibits required a 30 to 45 minute wait to enter. The Living Coast showcased aquatic and flying animals. Interacting with the birds up close was surreal, although it was difficult to see the underwater creatures due to the scratched glass. The penguin viewing area was especially enjoyable and we had to wait for the crowd to thin out to get a clear view. The Reptiles and Birds section was not the largest area, but the animals looked content. I enjoyed how open the bird exhibits were. The birds flew freely around the entire building. The Great Bear Wilderness had a playful bear that entertained guests by interacting through the glass. He even had a ball he pushed around. The Dolphin Bay had a line for the shows that was long, but the underwater viewing area felt like more than enough on its own. I wished the dolphins had more enrichment or toys in their tanks, but watching them glide by was still fascinating. The Sea Lion Cove offered a similarly active experience. The sea lions happily swam in circles, and there were several spots to observe them. They also had ledges to hop onto and slide from, which made the area entertaining to watch. The Big Cats section ended up being my favorite. Surprisingly, it was the smaller cats that stood out the most. Some were curled up in their hammocks, while others wrestled playfully with each other. The African habitat, however, felt rather small. Many of the animals appeared again in separate spaced out areas, which made the section feel repetitive compared to other exhibits. If there was anything I would skip, it would be the Dragonfly Marsh. The trail was muddy and not consistently cleared and clouds of bugs filled the area. Walking through it did not lead to any particularly interesting animal sightings. The seasonal Butterflies exhibit required an extra fee, but it felt underwhelming compared to the butterfly house at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The line moved very slowly and the butterflies did not have much space to fly. This led to families repeatedly shouting to keep children from stepping on them. I would not purchase any of the add ons. The base experience was more than satisfying and the extra event I tried was not worth the cost or the wait. The smaller mammals and aquatic animals were the most memorable parts of the zoo, while I would visit Lincoln Park Zoo for larger African animals.

    Sayaka Y.

    I didn't expect much since it is free. But they are way better than I expected. First of all this zoo is big like a regular zoo and many animals to see from large and small species. We saw penguins being fed. I liked that I could see lions and giraffes through glass windows. The facility is a bit old but it's understandable as it is free admission. We easily spent about 3 hours. Definitely recommend this place.

    Mark Y.

    The zoo itself is fine and the animals seem to be well taken care of. The admission price is about what we expected, and even the parking fees are understandable, though the parking lot itself leaves a lot to be expected. I spent the day pushing my mother-in-law's wheelchair up and down hills and over cracked pavement, that was disappointing. By the time we left I thought someone was going to have to wheel me out to the car too. I still hurt, and it's been a month. The food is outrageously expensive. I understand they have to charge enough to support the zoo, but I can't imagine trying to take a family for the day and feeding them there. A couple of the biggest exhibits were closed. I wish we could have seen them but then again I'm also glad we didn't add anymore walking to the day. I couldn't have survived it. Other exhibits we skipped because there was yet another fee on top of the $100 we'd already spent getting inside. So, yes we had fun. A big shout out to the bears for putting on an unscripted show for the m-i-l, it made the whole trip worthwhile. If you go, wear comfortable shoes, eat before you go in, take ibuprofen,stay hydrated (you can refill your water bottles inside), and have plenty of money on hand.

    Sea lions
    Susan F.

    I love everything about this Zoo. From the moment that you walk up, you can't help but smile. They keep it sparkling clean. The animals are all happy and healthy. They make you feel as if you traveled around the world as you visit each animal exhibit. I love animals more than anyone and this zoo is a one of a kind amazing experience! I'd suggest it to everyone that I know. Also, they have fair prices on toys and treats. So, make sure to take something home with you to remember this unforgettable experience.

    Jason P.

    Two large parking lots...the North is a bit further of a walk and costs $17 to park, while the South is a bit closer to the zoo and costs $20 to park. You can buys tickets online in advance...or at the gate...they are the same price either way. $30 for adults and $21 for children. Same with parking. The zoo was practically empty on the Tuesday early afternoon (12pm arrival) that we visited. At the North entrance, there is a souvenir shop, information desk and a place where you can rent carts/trolleys for toddlers/kids. Prices ranged from $12-20ish after returned deposit. There are only a few indoor exhibits where strollers/trolleys were restricted...but all of the outdoor and some of the other exhibits allowed them in. There are lots of animals and interesting exhibits to see throughout this large zoo. Be sure to plan your route accordingly. Of particular interest, we enjoyed the big cats, underwater dolphin tank, bears, and underwater fish/shark area. Lots of bird poop around on the floor throughout the zoo...mind your step! There were a bunch of animals that were out (understandably due to the colder weather) but also a few exhibits that were closed and under construction (Tropical World). May be best to visit when the weather is warmer...most of the animals would be out then.

    G P.

    I have been going to this zoo since I was a little girl. Since being back in Illinois, we have been here twice. We would go more, however, the drive is well over an hour each way. This being said, both times we have been to Brookfield zoo has been a pleasure! The first time, we had the opportunity to watch the giraffe feeding and we talked with the giraffe keeper, who was so kind and informative. The second time we went (March) the primate exhibit was open and wow, what a great job they did! The monkeys appeared to be so happy swinging and playing, and the orangoutangs were fabulous as were the gorillas. Again, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the primate keepers, and she could not have been more kind and informative. Just about all of the exhibits were open. Oh, and the Polar Bears..... WOW.... did we get a show from one of them, swimming and swimming, just a complete show off! Thank you to the staff at Brookfield Zoo for making our experience so memorable and mostly, for caring so well for the animals.

    Sami U.

    First time at the Brookfield Zoo with my wife! The cost of two tickets and the parking pass for the north gate was $79.90 - purchasing beforehand via the website buying was super easy. Bathrooms and benches distributed throughout the zoo for comfort. The zoo is massive so be prepared to walk! - nice mix animals to see.

    Tropic world
    Amy J.

    I've been coming to Brookfield Zoo since I was an infant -- literally before I could walk, talk, or properly point at animals. Decades later, I'm still here, walking, talking, and pointing at animals like it's my full-time job. This zoo is the gold standard. You can tell because every other zoo I've ever visited makes me say, "Hmm... nice try, but where's the giant anteater?" The layout, the exhibits, the staff -- all top-tier. The animals look happy, the snacks are dangerously good, and the Mold-A-Rama machines are basically my childhood investment portfolio. Brookfield isn't just a zoo; it's a rite of passage for every Chicagoland kid. Whether you're watching the dolphins, trying to spot the elusive snow leopard, or pretending not to get lost on purpose, it's pure magic. If I could give it six stars, I would -- one extra for all the squirrels who think they're part of the exhibit.

    Tapir
    Dave C.

    This is quite a big zoo. We've gone several times, and usually only cover part of the zoo. To do the entire thing took 6 hours. It can be hard to find an easy way to cover the entire zoo without some backtracking. There's hundreds of exhibits (both indoor and outdoor), a dinosaur trail, a carousel, a little kids' area, a playground, a petting zoo area, a dolphin show - and we even got to see them feed penguins. Some of the buildings are new; several date back to the 1930s. There is something for everyone - so take a good look at the map and decide what you want to see. And ensure you end up at a midday stop for food.

    Example of the dirty water  play area.
    Paul S.

    Well, not to be too harsh because I was very hot while walking around, it is summer. Parking is $17. Ok, fine. Fix the holes in the parking lot. Also kill the weeds! Adults are charged $27 per person- not cheap but what is anymore. My biggest complaint is the overall maintenance - could be much better. There are some beautiful areas being redone either way new flowers and bushes - but lots of walkways in less than great shape. Also, it was nice to have an area that the kids could play in the water fountain. However, the concrete was dirty, there was some mildew and was generally in need of a good cleaning crew. This play area would take me a hour to clean up by myself - the zoo should never let it get this bad!

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    Beautiful weather. Great so see some of the Halloween decorations. Great to see a fountain

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    Brookfield Zoo Chicago Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    Can you park at the HS nearby for free?

    No ,I believe that's a private lot . Best bet is to purchase Zoo Membership includes parking

    How much cost Brookfield Zoo membership?

    $158 per year and, as listed on the site, has the following benefits: -Free admission for 2 adults & their children under age 18… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Brookfield Zoo Chicago

    I'd highly recommend seeing the Dolphin show, and coming during Christmastime to see their Zoo lights.

    Mentioned in 99 reviews

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    Lincoln Park Zoo - Snow Leopard

    Lincoln Park Zoo

    4.4(1.6k reviews)
    12.1 miLincoln Park

    One of the best things about the zoo is that it's completely free which makes it feel incredibly…read moreaccessible without sacrificing quality. You can just walk in and explore at your own pace without worrying about tickets or time pressure. The zoo itself is beautifully laid out inside Lincoln Park and it feels more like a peaceful nature escape than a typical crowded attraction. There's a variety of animals to see without it feeling overwhelming. I liked how walkable everything is and you can easily spend a few hours just wandering between exhibits, gardens, and just enjoying the views. It's a great spot whether you're going solo, with friends, or on a casual date. Everything feels relaxed, clean, and well-maintained.

    I love the zoo. I've been to zoos all over the world when the boys were little it was always a…read morefirst stop on any vacation. I was so excited when the hotel was literally across the street from the zoo. I don't know how they do it, but entrance is free and it's open every day of the year. It's not a small zoo either. It's quite large. It was a warm day in Chicago so I think a lot of the animals were sleeping. We did see the lions, the giraffes, and the gorillas. There was so much more to see. I just really wish I had more time. I love the zoo. I've been to zoos all over the world when the boys were little it was always a first stop on any vacation. I was so excited when the hotel was literally across the street from the zoo. I don't know how they do it, but entrance is free and it's open every day of the year. It's not a small zoo either. It's quite large. It was a warm day in Chicago so I think a lot of the animals were sleeping. We did see the lions, the giraffes, and the gorillas. There was so much more to see. I just really wish I had more time.

    Photos
    Lincoln Park Zoo - The rare and indigenous "derpy owl"

    The rare and indigenous "derpy owl"

    Lincoln Park Zoo - Lying Lion

    Lying Lion

    Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago Skyline

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    Chicago Skyline

    Cosley Zoo - Llama. Or Alpaca

    Cosley Zoo

    4.0(151 reviews)
    15.0 mi

    Small zoo in the suburb of Chicago that offers free admissions in December. Kids can spend about an…read morehour or so to check out all the different animals, from chicken and rabbits, to racoons, llama, and Canada lynx. The newest additions are 2 coyotes. The lights turn on at 3PM. They also sell Christmas tree and weaths in December.

    I had no idea about that "Cosley Zoo" existed until I found the deal on Groupon. My partner and I…read morewere planning a weekend getaway with the kids and "Cosley Zoo" came into the picture. The Groupon offer was equivalent to 50% off per adult, plus an internal promo code. That definitely sealed the deal for us. The surrounding area was having some constructions, but the direction to parking lot was clearly marked. I could see this zoo would be designed for local residents, but this was a quality one for taking small children for some good time. The animals appeared to be well taken care off. We dined at their cafe and the food wasn't too expensive. The giftshop was nicely air-conditioned and that was really a treat after a walk/chase with the little ones. My conlusion is that there is no need to travel specifically for "Cosley Zoo" unless you are also visiting other places in the area and happen to stop by. However, our little ones had great fun (no charge on admission for children under 11 year old) and helped us make some wonderful memories as a family.

    Photos
    Cosley Zoo - Sandhill Crane

    Sandhill Crane

    Cosley Zoo - Buzzard

    Buzzard

    Cosley Zoo

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    Phillips Park Zoo

    Phillips Park Zoo

    4.3(103 reviews)
    24.6 mi

    Good place to explore with children in Aurora. It turns out to be a bigger place than it looks…read more Phillips Park Zoo is the highlight of this big public park and one of the best things about the city as well. Best thing is there's no admission price. This makes it even more worth it for looking around once, and you can come back as often as you want if planning to come more times. Even though it's kind of small, it feels there's a lot inside and you can be here awhile. It's got an interesting history. The beginnings of the zoo started when it was established in 1915, and a birdhouse was built the next year. Over the following few years the animal collection grew. There were birds, black bears, buffalo, deer, elk, foxes, monkeys, and wolves. In 1933 the birdhouse was destroyed in a hailstorm, and the following year the Brookfield Zoo opened. They chose to refocus on native animals after this. A few years after this, mastodon bones and tusks were found in the park. These were put on display in the zoo. In 1950 a barn was built. The following years included the addition of a water wheel. Farm animals such as goats, as well as birds like swans have their exhibits around these. The more recent additions include cougars, as well as improvements to exhibits for reptiles and wolves. Also the zoo has a few resources for education. The ZooCiety has various activities and programs. Have to say it's a good zoo for the city. It's located in the middle of the park. This is particularly a good one for young children, but it's open for everyone, so it's also okay for adults or whoever.

    If you're visiting Aurora when it's nicer weather, this is worth checking out. It's been a min…read moresince I was last here but I wanted to share some pictures and add another positive review. Admission is free. Parking is free and has more than adequate space available. The zoo is closed on Wednesdays. During the summer months, the hours are extended until 5 pm. Fall-Spring, the zoo is closed at 4 pm. Besides the zoo, they have a visitor center, sunken garden, veterans waterfall, etc. Inside the visitor center, they have mastodon bones along with information to read. They also have bathrooms that are clean and well kept.

    Photos
    Phillips Park Zoo
    Phillips Park Zoo
    Phillips Park Zoo

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    Johansen Farms - Photo area had fun places to pose

    Johansen Farms

    2.8(115 reviews)
    16.1 mi
    $$

    Just visited their fall pumpkin patch and had a great time! It's free to enter but the children's…read morezoo is paid. There was a great selection of cute fall decor items and giant pumpkins plus mini gourds. They also had the fullest mums I have seen all year- gorgeous!! The fall treats were delish. We indulged in the apple cider slushie and donuts. There is also a section set up with several cute photo opportunities, it was a lot of fun for a fall activity! We spent a little over an hour but I'll be going back again in a few weeks!

    AUTUMN INDECISION I…read morewant to like Johansen Farms, but the cynical part of me sees through their charade. To me, dunking on a small business is usually 'no bueno', but after two visits to Johansen's fall petting zoo I find myself wondering "THIS is what we paid for??" Very few things are truly free these days, and I get that, but admission to Johansen's does not fall in the realm of good value. Located along Boughton Rd in Bolingbrook, Johansen's is open during the spring/summer as a nursery and farm (April-July), during autumn as a pumpkin patch, and briefly in the winter to sell Christmas trees. On busy weekends in October, police have a lane blocked off to shepherd traffic in & out of the parking lot. On that note, parking is free, thankfully, as is walking around their pumpkin patch. I saw a review from 2017 - a mere seven years ago - that mentions admission was $13.50. It's nearly doubled since that time! $23 allows you to feed the goats, enjoy a small corn maze, hayride, a "train" (actually just a bumpy trailer pull with tiny, uncomfortable carriages), and rinky-dink mini golf. Kids have to be 42" to bounce on the myriad inflatables, however, anyone over 2yo is full price. How many 2-4 year olds have you met that are 42" tall?? Apart from Kareem Abdul Jabbar's kids, how about NONE. I'm sure Johansen's knows this, so they're screwing plenty of people with this sneaky little exploit. The pumpkin patch is nice; we found an orange specimen that was a solid 9/10, with everyone in my group agreeing it was the roundest and most picturesque gourd they'd seen in a long time. Apple cider donuts are decent and you can buy hot cider at their bake shop counter. * TL;DR * Johansen's fall festivities are cute, though you get shockingly little for the money. You'll have to pay full price for your 3-year-old, but due to height restrictions on their bouncy houses, they won't be able to go in. Adults aren't allowed on inflatables, ditto for the ponies. In fact, grown-ups will spend most of their time standing around, which I can do for free at home (or literally anywhere else). Oh, but don't despair, as you can join their fanclub for a whopping $1 off general admission! *sprays confetti* gee, thanks guys! My wife likes them because they're local, but sorry honey, I'm done-zo with Johansen's. We'll take our annual (free) picture on the hay bales, but if it's my money we're spending, next year we're making the trip to Bengtson's.

    Photos
    Johansen Farms - Pony rides!

    Pony rides!

    Johansen Farms - Mums mums mums! In every color and so full and pretty.

    Mums mums mums! In every color and so full and pretty.

    Johansen Farms - Mums

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    Mums

    Brookfield Zoo Chicago - zoos - Updated June 2026

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