Brookfield Zoo Chicago is one of Chicagoland’s most beloved attractions for families — and it’s one of my favorite places to spend a free day with my loved ones!
I love Brookfield Zoo Chicago year round. In the summer, I can see animals out and about while enjoying an ICEE. In the winter, the cold weather animals emerge and the zoo is decked out in holiday lights. Plus, the zoo has some exciting attractions — like a hand-carved carousel and a new Ferris wheel — and hosts family fun runs, holiday celebrations and tons of fun seasonal events for families.
The 235-acre zoological park features 3,481 animals belonging to 511 species. Your child could probably spend all day gazing at their favorite animals, but Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers plenty of fun and educational activities for kids that will take your family’s next zoo outing to the next level.
Quick details about Brookfield Zoo Chicago
- Address: 8400 31st St., Brookfield
- Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Cost: $29.95/adults, $24.95/seniors 65-plus, $20.95/children ages 3-11, free for children ages 2 and under
- Parking: $17-$20 for non-members. Park at the North Gate to save a few dollars.
In March 2024, the zoo launched a name change and rebranding campaign, along with exciting new attractions for families like the 90th Anniversary Ferris Wheel.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago will unveil its Next Century Plan this summer. By its 100th anniversary in 2034, the zoo will transform its animal habitats and facilities to improve animal well-being and care.
Tropical Forests will be the first of many new habitats at the zoo. Set to open in spring 2025, the three-acre outdoor space for primates will feature multi-use environments that allow the animals more control and decision-making in how they use their environment.
While we’re anxiously awaiting these exciting new additions to the zoo, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with the zoo’s current offerings! Check out these educational activities, special events and more happening at the zoo.
Things to do at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with kids
- Join animal care specialists for daily Zoo Chats about everything from birds and reptiles to bears, camels and rhinos.
- Hop aboard a Motor Safari and enjoy a narrated tour of the zoo.
- Watch dolphins show off their intelligence and agility with aerial displays and other clever tricks at Dolphins in Action!
- Ride the 110-feet-tall Anniversary Ferris Wheel.
- Take a spin on one of the largest hand-carved wooden carousels in the country. The ride features 72 animals from around the world.
- Experience wild animals through breathtaking VR experiences. Gorilla Trek (gorillas), The Great Migration (wildebeests, zebras and antelopes) and Flight of the Mantas (manta rays) are the current experiences offered at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
- Refuel at BZ Red Hots, Cafe del Sol or Wild Burger. There are also plenty of stations for sweet treats, food trucks and more snack stands around the zoo. See the zoo’s menus here.
Family-friendly events at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Take your family’s zoo experience to the next level with one of these family-focused events. Some seasonal events are included in general admission; others require a special ticket, but still offer all of the zoo fun plus other special activities.
Zoo Run
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
- Cost: $30-$40 per person
Get active with a run or walk around the zoo. Compete in a 5K race, or walk and enjoy the scenery of the zoo. A one-mile Kids Dash will also be held. The proceeds will raise funds to help threatened and endangered species.
Hispanic Heritage Fest
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024
- Cost: Included in zoo admission
New at the zoo this year, Hispanic Heritage Fest will offer live music, cultural performances, yummy food and more, all included in zoo admission.
Oktoberfest
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
- Cost: Included in zoo admission
Prost the season with live polka music, a seasonal menu of brats, sausages and pretzels with beer cheese and, of course, seasonal brews. Kids are welcome.
Boo! At the Zoo
- Date: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 5-20, 2024
- Cost: Pricing TBA
Put on your best wild animal costume then head to the zoo for sweet treats, family photo opportunities and exciting Halloween fun. Even the animals will be in the spooky spirit; many of the animals at the zoo will receive pumpkins as a seasonal treat!
Tree Trim
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 9-Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024
- Cost: Pricing TBA
Local organizations, scout troops, schools and community groups from around Chicagoland sponsor and decorate trees each year. Even if your family isn’t decorating a tree, this special day at the zoo is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Reindeer Run
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2024
- Cost: Pricing TBA
Grab your glow sticks, lace up your running shoes and run a two-mile course entirely within Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Runners will pass under holiday lights and be the first to see the zoo’s Holiday Magic decor.
Strollers are welcome. Children riding in strollers during the race do not need to be registered.
Holiday Magic
- Date: Nov. 22-24, 29-30 and Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31, 2024
- Cost: Pricing TBA
Prepare to be dazzled by over two million twinkling holiday lights. A full schedule of family-friendly activities and holiday entertainment will be provided later this year.
Holly Jolly Gingerbread Party
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
- Cost: Pricing TBA
Celebrate the holidays at the Zoo’s Discovery Center. This festive fundraiser includes brunch, a dessert buffet, a mimosa, Bloody Mary and hot cocoa bar, a visit from Santa, gingerbread decorating and some surprises from zoo animals.
Helpful tips for visiting Brookfield Zoo Chicago with kids
Whether you’re visiting the zoo for the first time, for a special event or just returning for more wild adventures, plan your family’s next trip to Brookfield Zoo Chicago with these helpful tips.
- Climbing is not allowed anywhere except the children’s playgrounds. If your kiddo loves to climb and explore, be sure to let them get their energy out at the exciting nature-based play spaces designed just for kids.
- Skip the concession stand lines and prices by bringing your own food and drink to the zoo. You’ll find plenty of picnic seating through the grounds to enjoy a snack or sack lunch. Glass containers and alcohol are not allowed.
- Family restrooms are located adjacent to the North Gate ticket booths, Great Bear Wilderness–Bison Prairie Grill, between Great Bear Wilderness and Habitat Africa-The Savannah, BZ Red Hots restaurant, Bramsen Pavilion and next to the Café del Sol restaurant.
- A private room is available at Hamill Family Play Zoo. Nursing pods are available at the Feathers & Scales exhibit and in underwater viewing at the Seven Seas Dolphinarium.
- Strollers are allowed inside the zoo, but not inside the Tropic World, Australia House, The Fragile Kingdom and Seven Seas Dolphin Discovery habitats.
- Stroller, wagon, wheelchair and electronic convenience rentals are available. Wheelchair and ECV rental reservations can be made in advance online.
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