1 / 3Kovler Seal Pool
📍 Lincoln Park, IL
Open-air habitat at Lincoln Park Zoo housing grey and harbor seals with naturalistic rockwork and artificial kelp. Underwater viewing hall provides close-up views during and between daily positive-reinforcement training sessions.
The pond is always a popular attraction as it's so neat to watch the playful seals swim around. The underwater viewing hall gives the best glimpses when the training sessions are not being conducted, plus the area is nicely shaded and air conditioned during the summer months. The training sessions that occur a few times a day are interesting as they explain how they rehabilitate the animals and keep them learning new things for their continued development.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Free entry makes this one of the strongest value stops at Lincoln Park Zoo for families of any size. Young children are drawn to seals approaching the glass in the underground viewing hall — an up-close encounter that holds attention for significantly longer than an outdoor-only exhibit.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →38 Google reviews
Jonathan Douglas
4 years ago
“The pond is always a popular attraction as it's so neat to watch the playful seals swim around. The underwater viewing hall gives the best glimpses when the training sessions are not being conducted, plus the area is nicely shaded and air conditioned during the summer months. The training sessions that occur a few times a day are interesting as they explain how they rehabilitate the animals and keep them learning new things for their continued development.”
Johnette Espinoza
4 months ago
“The seals were so loves! They were swimming around happy they loves to swim up to the glass and pop their head out of the pool”
Alicia Acevedo
a year ago
“My son’s favorite spot. We can spend all day watching them swim and play, especially when the water is so clear ❤️”
Spicy Rat
2 years ago
“I loved the seal pool! They were preparing for a show but unfortunately I did not see it.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Kovler Seal Pool at Lincoln Park Zoo features a naturalistic outdoor habitat with artificial kelp, rocky ledges, and an underground viewing hall with large viewing panels. Grey and harbor seals swim freely between the surface pool and underwater spaces. Daily training sessions led by learning interpreters use positive reinforcement techniques. Evening underwater lighting creates a different viewing experience after dark.
