Opening in 1934 on approximately 200 acres of donated land, the Brookfield Zoo quickly received worldwide prominence for its cage-less displays and unique exhibits.
Brookfield Zoo general admission is included with the purchase of a Go Chicago Card. (Buy Direct)
Brookfield Zoo Animal Pictures
I-290 (Eisenhower) west to First Avenue exit. Head south approximately 2.5 miles and follow the signs to the zoo entrance.
Insider Tip: Skip the signs pointing to the main parking lot and continue to head down First Avenue to Ridgewood Road. Turn right and follow the signs to the zoo's south parking lot which provides much easier access for the same parking fee for non-members (members pay $2). This lot is much smaller, however, and fills up quickly so arrive early.
Brookfield Zoo is open 365 days per year.
Hours:
Effective Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Effective Monday, October 29, 2007
Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- General Admission: Adults (12-64), $11; Seniors (ages 65+), $7; Children (ages 3-11), $7; Children 2 and under, free; Members, free.
- Hamill Family Play Zoo: Adults, $3.50; Seniors, $2.50; Children, $2.50; Children 2 and under, free.
- Children's Zoo: Adults, $1.50; Seniors, $1.00; Children, $1.00; Children 2 and under, free. Free between November 1 and March 1.
- FREE DAYS
General admission is free during normal zoo hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays October through February. Saturdays and Sundays are free in January and February. The regular admission fee applies for the nighttime "Holiday Magic" in December.
- Tropic World
- Wolf Woods
- The Swamp
- Living Coast
- Feathers and Scales
- Seven Seas
- Fragile Kingdom
- Australia House
- Habitat Africa
The Brookfield Zoo is a sprawling area located just minutes outside city limits in -- where else -- Brookfield, Illinois. It's home to a dizzying variety of animal species, and its use of natural barriers and moats is so much more relaxing and enjoyable than watching a lion pace back and forth in a cage. The absence of bars also makes for great wildlife photo opportunities.
The Brookfield Zoo also focuses on education, with detailed displays about the animals being viewed, outdoor stations manned by zoo docents doling out bits of trivia and information, and the interactive Hamill Family Zoo that let kids get hands on to learn what it takes to run a zoo as well as face painting and crafts.
Brookfield Zoo Website: http://www.brookfieldzoo.org
General admission to the Brookfield Zoo is included with the purchase of a Go Chicago Card. (Buy Direct)
