Brookfield Zoo, Photo Credit credit Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society
As Illinois is on track to reach its next reopening phase – Phase 3 – on May 29, Chicagoland attractions are releasing their own reopening plans.
Phase 3 allows for gatherings of 10 or fewer people and outdoor dining becomes an option, but indoor entertainment venues – like museums and concert halls – remain closed. Social distancing and face coverings are still required in Phase 3.
Outdoor attractions have plans in place when Phases 4 and 5 begin, allowing for gatherings of 50 or fewer and when travel restrictions are lifted. Here are a few Chicagoland attractions that may reopen sometime this summer.
We'll update this article as new information arrives.
Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum
Opening: June 1 (members only), June 15
The Morton Arboretum is delaying the opening of Human+Nature until April 2021, but the hottest nature spot in the Western Suburbs is keeping the Troll Hunt in place through early 2021. Beginning June 1, the Arboretum will start a phased reopening for members with timed-entry passes. Non-members can begin to purchase passes starting June 15, though the timeline might change based on virus projections. Buildings, indoor restrooms, the Children’s Garden and Maze Garden will remain closed until further notice.
Brookfield Zoo
Photo Credit: Kelly Tone, Chicago Zoological Society
Opening: TBA
The Brookfield Zoo will sell timed tickets to members and non-members on its website to patrons and members, so that the grounds aren’t crowded. The Dinos Everywhere exhibit will be just that, everywhere. Patrons can look throughout the park for displays while seeing the animals.
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
The Forge: Lemont Quarry
Opening: TBA
Lemont’s newest outdoor attraction has been under construction during the stay-at-home orders. The adventure park with rope courses, ziplines and climbing walls plans to open this summer pending the guidelines that the state sets. $15-$70 passes are available now.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Opening: TBA
The Lincoln Park Zoo will remain closed indefinitely, but the zoo has begun to host virtual tours and events. The zoo’s annual Run for the Zoo on June 7 is a virtual race and proceeds help keep the zoo free to visitors year round. On June 28, the zoo has planned a Zoo-mba virtual class to also raise money to keep the zoo open.
Raging Waves
Opening: TBA
Raging Waves’ newest attraction, Aussie Mat Dash, a non-water-themed slide, will open when the park is ready to reopen its doors this summer. Patrons who purchased a season pass before April 30 will have the pass extended to June 30, 2021. For more information about the park’s opening date, visit the Raging Waves website.
Six Flags
Six Flags Great America
Opening: TBA
Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor in Gurnee have created a reservation system to provide patrons with a timed ticket that will allow them to enter. The system also limits overcrowding at the gates and gives guests a definitive time to enter the park. The park is still scheduling its official reopening, and the reservation system will be up and running when the return date is announced.
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