Brookfield Zoo Chicago
4.6(29K)google
3.9(1.0K)yelp
WildlifeFamilyKidsEducationalOutdoor
Overview
Brookfield Zoo Chicago, known until 2024 as simply Brookfield Zoo, and also known as the Chicago Zoological Park, is a zoo located in Brookfield, Illinois. Brookfield Zoo is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society. It is the largest zoo in the Chicago metropolitan area and houses approximately 511 species of animals in an area of 216 acres (87 ha).
Practical Info
Every day9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-6 hours
Best TimeThe best seasons are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the mild weather encourages animals to be highly active outdoors. Arriving exactly at 9:30 AM opening time is highly recommended to catch the early morning active window for the polar bears and big cats while bypassing peak mid-day family crowds.
Getting TherePublic transit is excellent; take the Metra BNSF line from Chicago Union Station and exit at the Hollywood Station (Zoo Stop), followed by a clear, 8-10 minute walk north to the South Gate. If driving from downtown Chicago, take I-55 S to exit 282 for IL-171 N (First Ave), then turn left onto 31st St to access the main North Gate parking lot.
Travel Tips
- Standard general admission excludes specialized attractions like the carousel, 4D theater, and animal feedings; purchasing an all-inclusive bundle ticket online in advance eliminates high individual on-site add-on fees.
- The North Gate off First Avenue offers massive parking lots ideal for drivers, while the South Gate connects directly to Pace buses and the Metra BNSF Hollywood station, making it the required checkpoint for transit users.
- The iconic Tropic World indoor pavilion maintains a high-humidity tropical microclimate; layer lightweight clothing beneath winter coats before entering, and leave selfie sticks or external speedlights outside to avoid agitating primates.
Reviews
Positive
- The zoo is massive with excellent natural environments; the dolphin show, gorilla exhibit, and elephant feeding are perfect for an immersive day out with older kids.
- The layout is highly stroller and wheelchair friendly, with most main pathways being accessible and plenty of benches to rest when tired.
- The casual dining options inside are plentiful and hygienic, offering food quality that is much more satisfying than typical fast-food theme park options.
- The Holiday Magic Zoo Lights during Christmas offer stunning visual effects and an incredible festive atmosphere that is absolutely worth the admission.
Heads up
- On top of the admission, parking, specific premium exhibits, the carousel, and the dolphin show all require extra fees, making the cumulative cost sky-high.
- The grounds are simply too massive, easily exceeding 20,000 steps a day; if you don't rent an electric safari cart, the physical toll is exhausting.
- During peak summer seasons and weekends, lines are terrible, especially at popular exhibits and dining areas; multilingual signage is lacking for non-English speakers.
- Restrooms and trash cans in some open-air areas are not cleaned promptly during peak hours, occasionally causing bad odors, and some older exhibits had no animals visible.