Nestled in the heart of Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving and showcasing wildlife. Established in 1868, it is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, spanning 35 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. Boasting a diverse collection of animals, educational programs, and a commitment to conservation, Lincoln Park Zoo has become a cherished destination for locals and tourists alike. With free admission to Lincoln Park, this urban zoo offers an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the environment.
Overall Thoughts on Lincoln Park Zoo:
Value:
Experiences:
Transportation & Accessibility:
Atmosphere:
Animals:
Overall Rating:
More Information:
The Lincoln Park Zoo is open year-long, with varying hours depending on the season. It has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, allowing guests the chance to warm up in the colder season. On top of that admission is free for everyone!
Getting to Lincoln Park Zoo:
Via Car:
Zoo Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, then it goes up to $30 for the first 4 hours. Parking caps out at $40 for the day.
There are street parking options, however, the spots are usually hard to come by. I have been in a car circling and looking for a spot for nearly an hour and we still ended up parking elsewhere.
Cheaper parking options including garages, can be found throughout the Lincoln Park area, however, they can add a bit of a walk to the experience. I always recommend looking at SpotHero or a similar parking app to reserve a spot and see what best fits your needs.
Via Public Transportation:
If you are looking to be dropped off directly at the zoo’s gate, I recommend taking the 151 or 156 bus that does just that. The 22 and 36 buses also get you to the zoo area via Clark Street.
Animals
African Penguins: We love penguins! This cute cove offers a fun way to view these beautiful penguins.
Giraffes: One thing I love about this zoo is its use of indoor and outdoor space. Here you have the opportunity to view giraffes either inside at the Regenstein African Journey or outside. Please note that there is a chance you might not see them at all as it is the animal’s choice where to go and they do have off-stage areas.
Meercat: If you do go inside of Regenstein African Journey for the Gifarees be sure to look for the meercats. A bridge takes you right over their habitat so don’t be too surprised if they pop out to say hi!
African Lion: The Lions ‘Den’ just got an update. Their new home reno in Pepper Family Wildlife Center allows visitors to get a closer look at their large habitat while being inside.
Western Lowland Gorilla: These Critically endangered species can be seen in the Regenstein Center for African Apes with outdoor and indoor spaces and off-stage areas for the animals.
Spot the Grey seals swimming around at Kolvar Seal Pool. You can also catch their training and feeding sessions here at 10 and 1.
Walking around Lincoln Park’s peaceful pond area, you will find Flamingo Lagoon home to the flamingos. Did you know these fabulously pink birds have grey feathers when they are babies?
Chill out with Lincoln Park’s Polar Bear. Catch him swimming or playing about at Walter Family Arctic Tundra.
The Atmosphere:
The City
Lincoln Park has one of the best skylines which is visible throughout the zoo. Of note, the Nature Boardwalk offers a particularly great place to capture the view.
The Green Space
Despite being located in the heart of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo does a wonderful job of making you feel as if you are in a park. With trees and plants everywhere and a large duck pond, this zoo creates a tranquil spot in Chicago. In the spring there are fields of tulips, and even in the bitter winter, the evergreens of the zoo stand tall. You can catch different types of blooms depending on the season.
Indoor and Outdoor Space
This zoo is open year-round. Just be prepared for the day’s weather. Winter is the perfect time to explore the warm buildings while spring and fall is a wonderful time to see the animals enjoying Chicago’s great outdoors.
Animal Oriented and educational
Lincoln Park is free and open to the public allowing people the opportunity to learn more about conservation. The zoo also makes sure that animals have the opportunity to choose when to be in front of guests with back rooms and off-stage areas.
Experiences
Daily Activities
Throughout the day, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about animals.
Seal Training and Feedings happen twice a day at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm.
Monday-Friday, there is also an opportunity to learn more about apes during the Ape Cognition and Care session at 1:30 pm.
Seasonal Activities
Lincoln Park Zoo offers several seasonal activities that are worth checking out.
In the fall, the zoo has carved pumpkins and a few fall photo ops. Along with several activities including a maze.
Zoolights bring the holiday cheer as the entire zoo is covered in lights! This evening ticketed event may have a small fee.
Know before you go
Concessions
This zoo has concession stands throughout the park. If you are looking for a place with spots to eat inside or outdoors, check out Café Brauer. Prices for meals start around $14.
Nature Board Walk
Past the Zoo gates make sure to check out the Nature Board Walk. It feels like a different activity but is still technically part of Lincoln Park. This boardwalk offers great views of the city skyline and has a beautiful pond with many prairie plants.
Extend the Day: Explore more of Lincoln Park
Only a 13-minute walk from Lincoln Park Zoo is the Chicago History Museum. Check out an old Chicago Cable Car and learn more about jazz and blues at this fun interactive museum!
Find more fun activities and dining in Lincoln Park.
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Nice informative article