Phillips Park
An outdoor oasis in Aurora, IL, featuring a free zoo, playgrounds, sports courts, and scenic gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for zoo visits
Phillips Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for zoo visits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An outdoor oasis in Aurora, IL, featuring a free zoo, playgrounds, sports courts, and scenic gardens.
"A great local park with a free zoo and plenty of activities for all ages!"
Free Zoo Admission! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy the Phillips Park Zoo without an entry fee – a great budget-friendly option for families.
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of picnic tables available, making it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Phillips Park Zoo
Aurora, IL
A free, family-friendly zoo with a variety of animals, perfect for a fun-filled day.
Sunken Gardens
Aurora, IL
Beautiful gardens offering a serene escape, especially when tulips are in bloom.
Playgrounds & Sports Courts
Aurora, IL
Multiple playgrounds and well-maintained tennis and basketball courts for active fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for a Peaceful Stroll
Family Fun & Free Admission
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Zoo Admission! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy the Phillips Park Zoo without an entry fee – a great budget-friendly option for families. 
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of picnic tables available, making it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Explore the trails, gardens, and zoo comfortably with good walking shoes.
Check Zoo Hours :clock1:
The zoo is closed on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Zoo Admission! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy the Phillips Park Zoo without an entry fee – a great budget-friendly option for families.
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of picnic tables available, making it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Explore the trails, gardens, and zoo comfortably with good walking shoes.
Check Zoo Hours :clock1:
The zoo is closed on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Seasonal Splash Pad :droplet:
Visit during summer for the splash pad, a hit with kids on hot days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Phillips Park for its free zoo, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's seen as a great local spot for recreation and a peaceful escape. Some minor drawbacks include potential crowds on weekends and the zoo's closure on Wednesdays.
"Quiet park located near the University of Delaware which lays kind of concealed from travelers. There are tennis courts, a small playground, a skating area and a few walking trails. All this make for a good place for an evening walk. Would recommend this place to people in and around the area."
Praswin Prakash
"I have grown up around this park and I have always loved it. The park has a great playground and patch of woods. It is quite well maintained"
James C-V
"Nice park and they have clean courts for people to play on and a nice playground area for kids. They even have a skateboard area as well."
LC Collins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Phillips Park is located at 1000 Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may vary, so check local transit schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, Phillips Park offers parking facilities for visitors. It's generally sufficient for most visitors, though it can fill up during peak times or special events.
The park generally offers accessible pathways, especially around the main attractions like the zoo and gardens. However, some natural trails might be less accessible. It's always a good idea to check with park management for specific accessibility details.
Public transportation options to Phillips Park can vary. It's recommended to check with the local Aurora transit authority for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules that serve the park's vicinity.
Phillips Park is quite spread out. For the zoo and gardens, walking is best. If you plan to explore multiple areas, consider parking closer to your primary destination. Maps are usually available at the park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Phillips Park Zoo offers free admission, making it a very popular and accessible attraction for everyone.
Phillips Park itself is generally open daily. However, specific attractions within the park, like the zoo, have their own hours. The zoo is open from 9 AM to 5 PM but is closed on Wednesdays.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Phillips Park or its zoo as admission is free. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
Phillips Park sometimes hosts events, such as the 'Festival of Lights' during the holiday season, which is a free drive-through light display.
While Phillips Park has golf facilities, information on the 'Phillips Park Golf Course scorecard' suggests it's a public course. Fees would typically apply for golfing, and it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for current rates and booking information.
🎫 :compass: Onsite Experience
Phillips Park offers a variety of activities including a zoo, playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, a skating area, walking trails, and sunken gardens.
Absolutely! Phillips Park is very kid-friendly with a great playground, a free zoo, and a splash pad in the summer. +1
Yes, Phillips Park features several walking trails that are well-maintained and suitable for an evening walk or a leisurely stroll through nature.
Yes, Phillips Park has picnic tables available, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic or a casual outdoor meal.
The Phillips Park Zoo houses a variety of animals including reptiles, birds, mammals, and even cattle.
📸 :camera_with_flash: Photography
The Sunken Gardens offer beautiful backdrops, especially during spring. The zoo provides opportunities for animal photography, and the general park landscape is scenic.
Yes, with its walking trails and gardens, Phillips Park is a good location for nature photography, especially during different seasons when the flora changes.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Phillips Park Zoo. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restrictions near certain enclosures.
Typically, personal photography is allowed in public parks. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits. It's best to check with park authorities if you plan extensive professional shoots.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – often provide the best natural light for photography in Phillips Park, creating softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids will love the multiple playgrounds and the splash pad during warmer months. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many tables, making it an affordable and fun-filled day out. Remember the zoo is closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly!🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🏃♀️ Active Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Phillips Park Zoo
+1While it might not be the largest zoo, its charm lies in its intimate setting and the ability to get relatively close to the animals. It's a perfect spot for a few hours of exploration, offering a delightful experience for both kids and adults who appreciate wildlife. Remember that the zoo is closed on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Pro-tip: Arrive early on weekdays to enjoy the animals with fewer crowds and potentially more active behavior. The zoo is a highlight for many who visit Phillips Park, offering a wonderful way to connect with nature without a hefty price tag.
Active Pursuits at Phillips Park
Beyond the courts and playgrounds, the park also features a skating area, catering to those who enjoy skateboarding or rollerblading. The walking trails weave through the park's natural areas, offering opportunities for jogging, biking, or simply enjoying a brisk walk.
Whether you're looking to shoot some hoops, practice your serve, or let the kids burn off energy, Phillips Park provides the facilities. The presence of these amenities makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking outdoor exercise and fun.
The Charm of Sunken Gardens & Mastodon Gallery
It's a spot where visitors can appreciate the effort put into maintaining the park's aesthetic appeal.Adjacent to the gardens, the Mastodon Gallery is a unique feature that adds a touch of history and intrigue to the park. This small museum showcases mastodon bones, offering a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past. It's a fascinating stop for those interested in natural history and adds an educational element to a visit to Phillips Park.
These areas, though perhaps less bustling than the playgrounds or zoo, contribute significantly to the overall appeal of Phillips Park, offering diverse experiences from natural beauty to historical discovery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit