Phillips Park Zoo
A charming, free zoo in Aurora, IL, featuring native animals and surrounded by beautiful park amenities like gardens and playgrounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Phillips Park Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, free zoo in Aurora, IL, featuring native animals and surrounded by beautiful park amenities like gardens and playgrounds.
"A wonderful little zoo inside a beautiful park, and it's free!"
🎯 Free Admission Fun
Enjoy this charming zoo without any cost! Perfect for budget-conscious families.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is part of a larger park, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Native Animal Exhibits
Zoo grounds
Discover over 40 native species of mammals, reptiles, and birds in well-maintained enclosures.
Sunken Garden
Adjacent to the zoo
A beautifully maintained garden offering a serene escape and picturesque views.
Playground & Splash Pad
Near the zoo entrance
Perfect for kids to burn off energy with fun play structures and a refreshing splash pad.
Visitor Center Exhibits
Visitor Center
Unexpectedly cool displays, including mastodon bones, offering a glimpse into natural history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Admission
+1Beyond the Animals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Fun
Enjoy this charming zoo without any cost! Perfect for budget-conscious families.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is part of a larger park, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
☀️ Pack for the Weather
Check the forecast; it's an outdoor experience with a great splash pad for warm days.
🗺️ Explore the Whole Park
Don't just visit the zoo; enjoy the gardens, playgrounds, and walking trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Fun
Enjoy this charming zoo without any cost! Perfect for budget-conscious families.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is part of a larger park, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
☀️ Pack for the Weather
Check the forecast; it's an outdoor experience with a great splash pad for warm days.
🗺️ Explore the Whole Park
Don't just visit the zoo; enjoy the gardens, playgrounds, and walking trails.
⏰ Check Animal Exhibits
Some animals may be off-exhibit; check ahead if you have specific must-sees.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Phillips Park Zoo for its free admission and family-friendly atmosphere, highlighting the surrounding park's amenities like the sunken garden and playgrounds. While some note the zoo's small size and occasional animal inaccessibility, the overall experience is viewed as a charming and valuable outing for the community and visitors alike.
"I have been to this zoo many times. It's free for everyone. The zoo is small, and while we were there a good amount of the animals were not on exhibit. The zoo is showing signs of wear and tear. The visitor center could use a good clean up. Love being able to go in there and look at the bones on display. However the space feels empty. The sunken garden was beautiful as always. We drove to see the waterfall, and spent time admiring the park grounds as well. It's definitely somewhere you should stop if given the chance."
Emily Bayer
"Very small, but free! We drove a bit to get here, so I’m not sure we would come back. The animals had nice enclosures and the staff were working hard taking care of them! There are two parks close by, there is a splash pad out front too. The sunken garden was beautiful. The visitors center had mastodon bones which was unexpected and really cool."
Victoria Dellinges
"This is such a a wonderful little zoo inside a beautiful park, and it's free! It's not home to many exotic animals but the enclosures for who they have are well made and you can tell the animals are cared about. Many are there because they are not able to be released into the wild, so this is a wonderful "retirement home". It's small but offers nice natural views, good educational signage, and a nice layout for a short walk. There is a free tram tour hourly at the visitor center that takes reservations or walk-ups by chance that takes you on a 20 minute ride around Phillips Park (not inside the zoo but a lovely ride). Nearby is a beautiful garden, mammoth bones on display, a playground, splash pad, and walking paths and sports facilities. I'm not from the area but if I were I would spend a lot of days here."
Melissa McCracken
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phillips Park Zoo is located at 1000 Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available within the park. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the Aurora area.
Yes, there is parking available at Phillips Park. Visitors can typically find parking near the zoo entrance and other park facilities.
Absolutely! Phillips Park Zoo is noted as being stroller-friendly, making it easy for families with young children to navigate the grounds.
While Phillips Park itself may have areas for dogs, the zoo typically does not allow pets inside the animal exhibits for the safety of the animals and visitors.
Phillips Park Zoo is located in Aurora, Illinois. Use your preferred GPS navigation system with the address 1000 Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505 for precise directions from your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The great news is that Phillips Park Zoo offers free admission for all visitors, making it a fantastic and accessible family outing.
Phillips Park Zoo is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, but it is closed on Wednesdays. Always check their official hours before your visit, as they can change seasonally.
Since admission is free, you do not need to purchase tickets in advance for Phillips Park Zoo. Simply arrive during operating hours.
Phillips Park Zoo sometimes offers a free tram tour that takes you around the park. These tours may require reservations or are available on a walk-up basis.
The tram tour at Phillips Park Zoo is generally free. It's a 20-minute ride around the park, offering a different perspective of the grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Phillips Park Zoo features over 40 native species, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. While it's not home to exotic animals, it provides a wonderful 'retirement home' for animals unable to be released into the wild.
Yes, it's considered one of the most fun places for little ones! The zoo is small and easy to navigate, and the nearby playgrounds and splash pad are a big hit.
Phillips Park is a large complex with a beautiful sunken garden, a playground, a splash pad, walking trails, sports facilities, and even an 18-hole golf course.
While the zoo itself may not have extensive dining options, there are often concessions or picnic areas within Phillips Park. It's a good idea to pack your own snacks or a lunch.
The zoo is small and easy to walk through. Many visitors recommend taking your time to observe the animals and then exploring the surrounding park amenities like the sunken garden and playgrounds.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture shots of the native animals in their enclosures, the vibrant colors of the sunken garden, and happy kids enjoying the playground and splash pad. The visitor center's mastodon bones also make for unique photos.
While primarily a zoo, the surrounding park offers natural beauty. The well-designed enclosures can also provide interesting subjects for animal photography.
Mornings often offer softer light and potentially more active animals. Late afternoons can also provide nice lighting, especially in the gardens.
Tripod policies can vary. It's best to check with the zoo administration or park staff upon arrival to ensure you can use a tripod without issue, especially during busy times.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The zoo is compact and easy to navigate with strollers, and the nearby playground and splash pad are huge hits for kids to burn off energy. Make a day of it by exploring the rest of Phillips Park. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful sunken garden or near the lake. The variety of activities ensures that kids of all ages will find something to enjoy, making it a perfect weekend or weekday outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 This makes it an ideal stop for those on a tight budget or looking to save money for other travel expenses. Combine your zoo visit with other free amenities in Phillips Park, such as the sunken garden, playgrounds, and walking trails. This allows for a full day of exploration and enjoyment at no cost. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to further minimize expenses, making Phillips Park Zoo and its surrounding grounds a prime example of excellent value for money.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Chicago
+1 The zoo's size is perfect for a few hours of exploration, and you can easily combine it with other attractions within Phillips Park. Spend your day enjoying the sunken garden, letting the kids play at the playground or splash pad, or taking a scenic walk around the park. The visitor center's exhibits, like the mastodon bones, add an interesting historical element. It’s a great way to experience a different side of the region without a long journey or significant expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Family-Friendly Oasis
Beyond the zoo, the surrounding Phillips Park offers a wealth of entertainment. The sunken garden is a beautiful spot for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic, providing a tranquil contrast to the zoo's excitement. The playground is well-equipped, and the splash pad is a lifesaver on hot summer days, ensuring kids have plenty of opportunities to play and cool off.
Exploring Phillips Park: More Than Just Animals
For those seeking active recreation, Phillips Park features an 18-hole golf course and various sports facilities. During warmer months, the splash pad becomes a major draw for families, offering a fun and refreshing way for children to beat the heat.
Budget-Friendly Adventures
+1 This cost-effectiveness is frequently mentioned in reviews and social media posts, highlighting its value as a local attraction. Beyond the zoo, the surrounding Phillips Park continues this theme of affordability. The playgrounds and splash pad are free to use, offering hours of entertainment for children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit