Photo of Brookfield Zoo in New York
Zoos

Brookfield Zoo

πŸ“ Brookfield, NY

β˜…4.6(28,251 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

Brookfield Zoo outside Chicago features spacious enclosures, close-up animal viewing, a new gorilla and spider monkey exhibit, and extensive grounds best explored across a full day or return visit.

βœ“ Gorilla exhibitβœ“ Close animal encountersβœ“ Large groundsβœ“ Toddler friendlyβœ“ Winter viable
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Miles, Meals & Magic

Brookfield Zoo has become one of our favorite family spots, especially during the brutal winter months when you’re trying to figure out how to help a toddler burn off some energy without completely freezing outside. It’s such a fun mix of interactive, educational, and family-friendly. There’s always something exciting to see, and getting up close with animals like the giraffes and polar bears makes the visit feel extra special. What we really love is that it’s not just entertaining for little ones, but also a great learning experience. Our toddler gets to explore, stay curious, and see animals up close in a way that keeps the visit both fun and memorable. It’s one of those places where kids can move around, parents can enjoy the outing too, and everyone leaves happy and tired in the best way. Brookfield Zoo is definitely a great option for family outings, especially when the weather makes regular outdoor play a little more challenging. We always leave feeling like it was time well spent, and it’s become one of our favorite ways to make winter feel a little less long.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with toddlers through primary-school-age children who want genuine animal proximity without the scale of a major metro zoo. The gorilla exhibit delivers close encounters reviewers consistently describe as a highlight. Pack snacks where permitted β€” on-site food is sparse in variety outside summer season when the Wild Burger opens.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Dress in layers β€” indoor exhibit halls run noticeably warm even in winter
⏰Pack permitted snacks to supplement sparse on-site food options outside summer
🎟️Plan at least three hours β€” the grounds are large and most families don't see everything in one visit
πŸš—Parking and accessible bathrooms are available throughout the grounds

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.6
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

28,251 Google reviews

Close animal encounters across exhibits45%
New gorilla and spider monkey exhibit standout30%
Large grounds require full day15%
Food options sparse outside summer10%
M

Miles, Meals & Magic

4 weeks ago

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β€œBrookfield Zoo has become one of our favorite family spots, especially during the brutal winter months when you’re trying to figure out how to help a toddler burn off some energy without completely freezing outside. It’s such a fun mix of interactive, educational, and family-friendly. There’s always something exciting to see, and getting up close with animals like the giraffes and polar bears makes the visit feel extra special. What we really love is that it’s not just entertaining for little ones, but also a great learning experience. Our toddler gets to explore, stay curious, and see animals up close in a way that keeps the visit both fun and memorable. It’s one of those places where kids can move around, parents can enjoy the outing too, and everyone leaves happy and tired in the best way. Brookfield Zoo is definitely a great option for family outings, especially when the weather makes regular outdoor play a little more challenging. We always leave feeling like it was time well spent, and it’s become one of our favorite ways to make winter feel a little less long.”

K

karen stites

5 months ago

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β€œWonderful zoo! Can’t say enough about it. Large enclosures, enrichment for animals. The new gorilla and spider monkey exhibit is such a hit amongst visitors. You get up close to so many animals. Food and service was great! I’m going again as I did not get to see it all! Easy entrance and exit. Totally recommended!”

P

Puppers Policetti

5 months ago

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β€œTook the kids to Boo at the Zoo over the weekend and had an absolute blast. There was plenty of parking to go around. The bathrooms were accessible. The interior of the exhibits were quite warm so be prepared for that. And overall I think my only gripe would be the expensive low-grade food. Cheers!”

L

Lonely A Z

a month ago

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β€œI had a great time with my family walking around and enjoying seeing the animals. Food is pricy but only worth it from (Wild burger) that opens in the summer time. Wish they had more things to do and see in the fall going into spring. Didnt take alot of pictures, rather enjoy it with my eyes.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Brookfield Zoo features large enclosures with close-proximity viewing across a sprawling grounds. The new gorilla and spider monkey exhibit is the current standout. Animal collection spans fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles. Exhibits run both indoors and outdoors, making it viable across seasons. Interior exhibit halls can run warm in winter β€” dress in layers. The grounds are large enough that most families cannot cover everything in a single visit.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday10:00 – 16:00
Thursday10:00 – 16:00
Friday10:00 – 16:00
Saturday10:00 – 16:00
Sunday10:00 – 16:00

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