Located in the near West Suburbs, Brookfield Zoo is home to over 3,400 animals. This year-round zoo offers a chance to see animals from around the world in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Brookfield is a great family outing providing hours of fun, with a zoo that includes a walking path, two parks, and much more!
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Admission to the Brookfield Zoo is $29.95 with parking being an additional cost. Sometimes they offer free days in the off-season. Brookfield is currently open 10 am to 5 pm and is open year-round.
Getting to Brookfield Zoo
Metra
Take the BNSF train. The best stop to get off at is the Hollywood train station. It’s only about a 2 block walk from here. However, it is also possible to walk from the Brookfield and riverside stops as well. Check the metra schedule as not every train stops at every station.
Bus
You can also take Pace bus 331 to Brookfield Zoo. It will stop close to the South Gate.
Via car
Brookfield Zoo has 2 parking lots.
The North Gate is only $17 to park. This parking lot is a bit farther from the main entrance gates. There’s a tunnel and a nice walking path to the main entrance.
The South Parking Lot costs $20 however it is conveniently located right next to the Zoo’s South Gate entrance.
Please note that these parking lots lead you to different sides of the zoo. If you are looking to plan out your day make sure you know what gate you will be at.
Animals at Brookfield Zoo
Are you brave enough to explore free-flying bats? Come say hi to these nocturnal animals in the dark bat room located in the Australia House.
Stand quiet and still to spot the Arabian Sand Cat in the Desert’s Edge. This cat is only slightly larger than a household cat but has a fierce personality!
The Laughing Kookobaros are also located in the Australia House. Perhaps you will see them sitting in a gum tree.
See a beautiful Snow Leopard in the big cat walkway. In the WInter their coat tends to be a lighter color. ;ll
Spot a Clouded Leopard. These cats can be found inside the Clouded Leopard Rainforest building.
Waddle on over to The Living Coast to see the Humbolt Penguins.
Cheer on the Grey Seals as they zoom past the window in the water. Catch them playing on the water surface at Pinniped Point too.
Check out one of the smallest antelope in the world, the Kirk’s Dik-Dik. You can find them in Habitat Africa! The Kopje.
Atmosphere
Brookfield feels like a larger zoo with a longer walk between exhibits. There are of course park benches, bathrooms, and concessions everywhere. Be prepared to get your steps in though.
This zoo is open year-round with lots to see both inside and outside. There are several buildings to jump into when the weather gets unkind (snow, rain, extreme heat). Please note that a couple of buildings are closed and or under construction as the zoo works on creating better space for both visitors and the animals!
Brookfield also has a strong emphasis on animal care and conservation. Similar to Lincoln Park Zoo these animals may not always be on stage and have backstage spaces. I have found the best time to go to the zoo is early morning when they are catching their breakfast and are more likely to be active. If possible I’d also suggest non-busy days like weekdays and during the off-season. Most animals will get closer to the viewing areas when the space is quiet.
Brookfield Zoo Activities
Walk among butterflies during the seasonal Butterflies! Although this is an added cost to the day, $4 for an adult, I enjoyed seeing all the butterflies up close. One even landed on me! A first, and I have been to a few butterfly rooms.
Hike on a forest preserve nature trail in the zoo. This path takes you along Swan Lake.
Brookfield Zoo has 2 playgrounds. The one located near the Big Cats even has a cool train theme!
Feed a Giraffe. This activity does cost an extra fee of $15. However, I would also suggest looking at the time frames of these feedings as before, during, and after is almost a guarantee you’ll see these long-necked animals.
Seasonal
In the fall celebrate the Halloween season with Boo At The Zoo! The animals join in the fun with a pumpkin treat! With photo ops and activities, this event is sure to be a spooktacular time.
During ZooLights walk under light-up tunnels and spot some lights in the shape of your favorite animals. I’m a fan of the polar bear light-up decoration.
Know Before You Go
Concessions
Concessions can be found throughout the zoo. If you are looking for indoor seating swing by Cafe De Sol, located by the Penguins, with meals starting around $12.
Strollers/Wagons
Not all indoor areas can accommodate strollers or wagons. There are stroller parking areas for these buildings. Wagons, Strollers, Wheelchairs, and ECVs can also be rented at the zoo.
I think that zoo is expensive.
Yes, there can be a bit of sticker shock between admission and parking. However, if you like zoos, the Brookfield Zoo offers hours of fun. Plus there are plenty of transportation options, which can offset the cost of parking. Right now, the zoo offers free admission days through February 29, 2024, on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.