Brookfield Zoo
Explore diverse wildlife in expansive, naturalistic habitats, from majestic gorillas to playful marine mammals. A top zoo experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are active, fewer crowds.
Brookfield Zoo
Best Time
Animals are active, fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse wildlife in expansive, naturalistic habitats, from majestic gorillas to playful marine mammals. A top zoo experience!
"Brookfield Zoo is hands down my favorite zoo I’ve ever been to! Amazed by its size and beautiful setup."
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 216 acres, so wear your most comfortable shoes!
🎟️ Advance Tickets Save Time
Buy your admission and parking tickets online beforehand to skip lines and streamline your entry.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gorilla Habitat
James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests
Explore one of the country's largest outdoor gorilla habitats, featuring immersive rainforest environments.
Big Cats
Big Cats Area
Witness majestic lions and other big cats in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
Marine Mammals
Marine Mammal Area
Watch playful seals and sea lions in their aquatic habitats.
Polar Bear
Polar Bear Exhibit
See polar bears enjoying their cool pools and icy habitats, especially on warm days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Ticket & Parking Strategy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 216 acres, so wear your most comfortable shoes!
🎟️ Advance Tickets Save Time
Buy your admission and parking tickets online beforehand to skip lines and streamline your entry.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The zoo is vast; map out your must-see exhibits to make the most of your visit.
☀️ Beat the Heat
On hot days, utilize shaded areas, indoor exhibits, and cooling pools for animals.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 216 acres, so wear your most comfortable shoes!
🎟️ Advance Tickets Save Time
Buy your admission and parking tickets online beforehand to skip lines and streamline your entry.
🗺️ Plan Your Route
The zoo is vast; map out your must-see exhibits to make the most of your visit.
☀️ Beat the Heat
On hot days, utilize shaded areas, indoor exhibits, and cooling pools for animals.
🍼 Stroller & Cart Rentals
Rentals are available at the North entrance for toddlers and kids, though some indoor exhibits may restrict them.
💰 Library Ticket Program
Check with your local library for discounted or free Brookfield Zoo tickets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brookfield Zoo for its spacious and naturalistic animal habitats, particularly the impressive new gorilla exhibit. The sheer variety of animals and the overall well-maintained grounds make it a top-tier zoo experience. While the size means a lot of walking, the added attractions like the carousel and playgrounds enhance family fun. Some minor drawbacks include occasional bird droppings and the potential for certain exhibits to be closed for construction or animal comfort.
"My kids and I had such a great time at Brookfield Zoo! The zoo is huge with so many different animals and exhibits to explore—you can easily spend the whole day here. I really enjoyed how natural and spacious the habitats are, and the new gorilla exhibit is amazing. Everything felt well cared for and clean, and the staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful.
It can be a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must, but it’s definitely worth it for the experience. Perfect for families, kids, or even just a fun day out. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the Chicago area!"
Ruhi Sara Ahmed
"Two large parking lots...the North is a bit further of a walk and costs $17 to park, while the South is a bit closer to the zoo and costs $20 to park.
You can buys tickets online in advance...or at the gate...they are the same price either way. $30 for adults and $21 for children. Same with parking.
The zoo was practically empty on the Tuesday early afternoon (12pm arrival) that we visited. At the North entrance, there is a souvenir shop, information desk and a place where you can rent carts/trolleys for toddlers/kids. Prices ranged from $12-20ish after returned deposit.
There are only a few indoor exhibits where strollers/trolleys were restricted...but all of the outdoor and some of the other exhibits allowed them in.
There are lots of animals and interesting exhibits to see throughout this large zoo. Be sure to plan your route accordingly. Of particular interest, we enjoyed the big cats, underwater dolphin tank, bears, and underwater fish/shark area.
Lots of bird poop around on the floor throughout the zoo...mind your step!
There were a bunch of animals that were out (understandably due to the colder weather) but also a few exhibits that were closed and under construction (Tropical World). May be best to visit when the weather is warmer...most of the animals would be out then."
Jemlnlx
"Brookfield Zoo is hands down my favorite zoo I’ve ever been to! This was my husband’s and kids’ first visit, and they were completely amazed — not only by how big the zoo is, but also by how beautifully it’s set up. You can easily spend the entire day here and still not see everything in detail.
What really stands out is the incredible diversity of animals. From majestic big cats and playful primates to exotic birds and fascinating reptiles, there’s something new and exciting around every corner. We were impressed by how well the habitats are designed to match the animals’ natural environments, and how healthy and active all the animals looked.
The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and there are plenty of shaded areas, rest spots, and family-friendly amenities to make the visit comfortable. It’s the perfect mix of education and fun — my kids left with wide eyes and endless stories to tell.
Brookfield Zoo has truly set the bar for what a zoo experience should be. We can’t wait to come back!"
Terran Beasley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brookfield Zoo is located at 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513. It's accessible by car via I-55 and I-294. Public transportation options include Metra trains to the Brookfield station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride.
There are two main parking lots: North and South. The South lot is closer to the zoo entrance and typically costs more ($20), while the North lot is a bit further ($17). Parking fees are the same whether purchased online or at the gate.
No, parking is not free at Brookfield Zoo. Fees apply to both the North and South parking lots, with prices around $17-$20.
Yes, you can take the Metra BNSF line to the Brookfield station. From there, it's a short taxi or bus ride to the zoo.
From downtown Chicago, you can take the Metra BNSF train from Union Station to the Brookfield station. Alternatively, driving is an option via I-55 and I-294, though traffic can be a factor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission tickets are approximately $30 for adults and $21 for children. Prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the gate, but buying them online in advance is often recommended to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
Yes, discounts may be available through library programs, group rates, or special promotions. Checking with your local library for passes is a great tip!
Yes, Brookfield Zoo offers various membership options, including family memberships, which can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple times a year.
Brookfield Zoo typically opens at 10 AM on weekdays and weekends, with closing times varying between 5 PM and 6 PM. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date daily hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the new gorilla habitat, the big cats (lions, tigers), marine mammals (seals, sea lions), polar bears, and the underwater dolphin tank. +1
Absolutely! Kids can enjoy the carousel, Ferris wheel, splash pads, and playgrounds, making it a great family outing.
Yes, the zoo is largely stroller-friendly, with rentals available. However, some indoor exhibits may have restrictions.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the zoo's size. Dress in layers as weather can change, and consider sun protection.
Yes, Brookfield Zoo has several indoor exhibits, including the Bramsen Tropical Forest and areas for marine life, which are great for escaping the weather.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers various dining options, from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Popular choices include pretzels with cheese and other casual fare.
While specific policies can vary, generally, bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages is permitted. Picnic areas are often available. It's best to check the zoo's official guidelines.
Most zoo eateries offer a range of options, and typically include vegetarian choices. Vegan options may be more limited but are often available.
Dining locations are spread throughout the zoo. Consider proximity to your current location or exhibits you plan to visit. The pretzel stand is a popular snack spot.
Food prices at zoos can be on the higher side. Bringing some of your own snacks or a picnic lunch can help manage costs.
📸 📸 Photography
The new gorilla habitat, the big cats, and the marine mammals offer fantastic photo opportunities. The zoo's naturalistic settings provide beautiful backdrops.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check the zoo's official photography guidelines on their website to ensure compliance.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and animal welfare.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and fewer crowds, leading to better photographic opportunities.
Look for seasonal decorations like those seen during Halloween, or unique animal behaviors like feeding times or playful interactions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Arriving early on a weekday is highly recommended to avoid crowds and ensure little ones have plenty of energy to explore. Consider renting a stroller or cart if needed, and pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up. Look for daily animal talks or feeding demonstrations, which can be particularly engaging for children. The new Bramsen Tropical Forests exhibit is a must-see, offering a chance to marvel at gorillas and other primates in a lush, immersive environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
Membership can be a great value if you plan to visit more than once a year, especially family memberships. Visiting on a weekday will also save you from the higher weekend crowds and potential price surges.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for capturing stunning shots with fewer crowds. Be sure to check the zoo's official guidelines regarding photography equipment, especially for tripods, to ensure you comply with their policies. Focus on capturing animal behavior and the naturalistic settings of the enclosures for truly compelling images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Gorilla Habitat: A Primate Paradise
Visitors can expect to see gorillas in a dynamic environment, with opportunities to observe their social interactions and behaviors. The exhibit aims to provide a realistic and enriching habitat, reflecting the zoo's commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The design allows for multiple viewing areas, ensuring a good vantage point for guests.
+1This new exhibit has been a major talking point, with many visitors expressing excitement about the scale and detail of the primate space. It represents a substantial investment in improving the living conditions for the zoo's animals and enhancing the visitor experience.
Navigating Brookfield Zoo: Size and Strategy
To make the most of your day, consider arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons. This allows you to see animals when they are most active and avoid the midday crowds and heat. Weekday visits, particularly Tuesdays and Thursdays, are generally less crowded.
For families with young children, stroller and cart rentals are available at the North entrance. While most outdoor exhibits are accessible, be aware that some indoor areas might have restrictions on these.
Animal Welfare and Conservation at Brookfield Zoo
Recent expansions, like the new gorilla habitat, highlight the zoo's commitment to providing enriching environments that mimic natural ecosystems. This focus extends to ensuring animals have access to cooling pools and shaded areas, especially during warmer months.
While the zoo invests heavily in new exhibits, some community members have raised concerns about the living conditions of existing animals, advocating for continued improvements and transparency in conservation efforts.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit