Photo of Chicago Zoological Society in Illinois
Zoos

Chicago Zoological Society

📍 Brookfield, IL

★4.7(320 Google reviews)💰$20.95-$29.95đŸ‘ļAll ages

Brookfield Zoo features diverse animal exhibits including dolphins, primates, reptiles, and big cats, plus a carousel, ferris wheel, and seasonal events like Boo at the Zoo and summer concerts. Open year-round.

✓ Great for all ages✓ Worth membership✓ Seasonal events✓ Constantly upgrading✓ Dolphin shows
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★★★★★Featured review by Edna Tymick

Always enjoy visiting this zoo. They are constantly upgrading older areas and building new state of the art animal exhibits. There are summer concerts on the mall. The carousel is beautiful. The free flight show was amazing (performed only during summer). Craft beer is available at several vending areas throughout the park.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

A full-day destination for families with children of any age. Toddlers love the carousel and animals at eye level; older kids engage with keeper talks and the dolphin shows. Membership pays off quickly for Chicago-area families visiting more than twice a year.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Purchase an annual membership if you live in the Chicagoland area — it pays off within two visits
⏰Check the events calendar before your visit for keeper talks, free-flight shows, and seasonal events
đŸŽŸī¸Pram-friendly paths run throughout the grounds
🚗Multiple cafe locations are spread across the zoo for convenient meal stops

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

320 Google reviews

Excellent animal variety40%
Great seasonal events30%
Strong membership value20%
Weather affects outdoor exhibits10%
E

Edna Tymick

9 years ago

★★★★★

“Always enjoy visiting this zoo. They are constantly upgrading older areas and building new state of the art animal exhibits. There are summer concerts on the mall. The carousel is beautiful. The free flight show was amazing (performed only during summer). Craft beer is available at several vending areas throughout the park.”

J

Jeff

5 years ago

★★★★★

“Always a good time at Brookfield Zoo! Everything is streamlined due to COVID but you can still watch a few hours disappear here. Most of the indoor exhibits are closed, so be sure you plan around the weather.”

M

Michael Endres

6 years ago

★★★★★

“A.K.A. the Brookfield zoo. It is a great place to take your kids. They are always having special events and are open year round. I would suggest if you live in Chicagoland too become a member. It is worth it.”

E

Edgar Hernandez

6 months ago

★★★★★

“We always enjoy going to the zoo. With a zoo membership we go at least once per week. So many things to do and so many animals to see.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Brookfield Zoo covers 216 acres with hundreds of species across indoor and outdoor habitats, plus family attractions including Dolphin Discovery, carousel, and ferris wheel. Keeper talks and free-flight bird shows run seasonally. The zoo continuously upgrades exhibits and hosts major events throughout the year. Cafe dining, pram-friendly paths, and ample parking round out the visit.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 18:00

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