Lincoln Park Zoo

Zoo · Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park Zoo

Zoo · Lincoln Park

Chicago, IL 60614

5 Postcards

Highlights

Discover the charm of Lincoln Park Zoo, a free oasis in Chicago filled with diverse animals, lush landscapes, and family-friendly fun year-round.

Chicago, IL 60614 Get directions

lpzoo.org

@lincolnparkzoo

@infatuation

"Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting a wide variety of events as part of their annual Fall Fest. Haunted history tours take place every Tuesday and Wednesday, and for a less spooky way to see the zoo, there are fall garden tours every Friday at 10am. On October 19th, they’re hosting Spooky Zoo, a day where kids can show up in costume and trick-or-treat while checking out the animals. They also have a few scheduled events like "Adult’s Night Out" on Thursday, October 24, with free rides on the Giant Fun Slide, a DJ, and a cash bar." - john ringor, nick allen

13 Things To Do For Halloween In Chicago If You Haven’t Made Plans Because Life Is Scary Enough

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@onthegrid

"Lincoln Park zoo, which started with the donation of mute swans from New York City's Central Park in 1868, has grown to an extensive collection of about 1,100 animals from 200 species. Adhering to their slogan "Lincoln Park Zoo is everyone's zoo", the zoo is dedicated to permanently keeping its admission policy free for everyone, 365 days a year. A fun day out for people of all ages - I may or may not have watched the beaver swim for a solid 10 minutes. When you need a break, grab a snow cone and some popcorn in the cafe (located in the middle of the zoo) and be sure to check out the amazing view of the Chicago skyline from the south pond." - Stephen Merlo

On the Grid : Lincoln Park Zoo

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@infatuation

"Lincoln Park Zoo is hosting a wide variety of events as part of their annual Fall Fest. Throughout October, you can expect installations and pop-ups with things like a harvest maze, professional carvers making jack o'lanterns, and a pumpkin patch. They also have a few scheduled events like "adult's night out" on October 27, with games, a DJ, and cash bar, and Spooky Zoo, a day where kids can show up in costume and trick-or-treat while checking out the animals." - john ringor

17 Things To Do For Halloween In Chicago If You Haven’t Made Plans Because Life Is Scary Enough

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@cntraveler

"Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park, this zoo offers free, family-friendly entertainment year-round including the festive Zoolights around the holidays (reservations are required for all visits though). The sprawling grounds are seamlessly woven into the park’s landscape, balancing open, natural spaces and numerous animal exhibits. If you skip the pricey concessions (but maybe spring for a paddle boat ride), Lincoln Park Zoo is a great option to keep all ages occupied while staying on a budget. Visit the animals, take a spin on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel or the Lionel Train Adventure, and enjoy family-friendly dining options, such as Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill or the Patio at Café Brauer." - Nicole Schnitzler

The 23 Best Things to Do in Chicago That Aren’t the Bean

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@onthegrid

"Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park zoo, which started with the donation of mute swans from New York City's Central Park in 1868, has grown to an extensive collection of about 1,100 animals from 200 species. Adhering to their slogan "Lincoln Park Zoo is everyone's zoo", the zoo is dedicated to permanently keeping its admission policy free for everyone, 365 days a year. A fun day out for people of all ages - I may or may not have watched the beaver swim for a solid 10 minutes. When you need a break, grab a snow cone and some popcorn in the cafe (located in the middle of the zoo) and be sure to check out the amazing view of the Chicago skyline from the south pond."

Chicago

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Tricia Pieper

Google

The Lincoln Park Zoo is 100/10! It's one of the best zoos I've ever been to. The animal enclosures are spacious with lots of activities designed to stimulate their bodies and minds, which is so important to keeping the animals happy and healthy. All so walkable and the landscape is stunning. The attention to detail for both animals and the environment is spot on! And the very best part is the FREE entry fee, unbelievable!

Delal Freight Inc.

Google

Lincoln Park Zoo is a fantastic destination in Chicago that should not be missed. With its expansive green spaces and natural habitats, it offers a fun experience for both children and adults. The zoo places a strong emphasis on animal welfare and features intriguing exhibits showcasing a variety of species. Additionally, the fact that admission is free makes it even more appealing to visitors. Guests can create unforgettable memories while enjoying both fun and educational experiences. With beautiful views and picnic areas, it’s an ideal spot for families to spend a perfect day together.

Joan Lazar

Google

This zoo is free! Which is a big bonus. Despite that, it was just.., okay. The monkeys and the giraffes are the coolest part IMO. We finished in about an hour. It’s also a botanical garden which was awesome to walk through. The pond was sadly closed; which is honestly what we came for. Wish there would’ve been a sign online. The zoo is well kept and clean. The staff is friendly. Parking on site is very difficult, I highly recommend you find street parking one or two blocks up. The walk isn’t that long and it’s worth it. Parking on the main streets here is free.

Платон Радулов

Google

We arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo at 10 AM, eager for a family day out. The zoo is divided into areas like the African Journey and the Kovler Lion House. We saw polar bears, zebras, and chimpanzees. The zoo’s beauty, with its open spaces and gardens, made it feel like a peaceful escape. Fun fact: Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. and is free to the public! A minor downside was the limited food options, but we spent an amazing day discovering wildlife and enjoying the zoo’s charm.

Roberto Guzman

Google

Awesome Zoo, lots of great things to see. Some animals are either put away and no longer there, we didn't get to see all of them. Zoo is very clean as I seen some that are not well kept. Polar Bear wasn't out this day and didn't get to see any elephants but the lions were out and it was fantastic! Great place to take your kids for some animal history.....lots to see!

Raj Panda

Google

For a quick couple of hours' weekend getaway with your kids, no doubt this is great. You can come post lunch on a usual pleasant day; definitely clear skys and take a stroll across the zoo. Normally, take something about 1-2 hours for a full tour and then just go across and relax at the beach in the evening. It's really worth it if you have plans for the zoo and beach. However, if it is just a zoo visit, then maybe I would recommend going early in the morning for a couple of hours. All in all, it's a good place for a couple of hours' getaway and have your kids enjoy the sight of some really great wild animals up close.

Nina Schwartz

Google

This is a really nice zoo, it’s FREE! & humanely rated for its care of the animals. Plus, they do a lovely job with their flowers & plants. We spent a nice day here & enjoyed the exhibits. Food options onsite were decent; they even had vegetarian & vegan options. I would return & recommend others to visit.

Cruz

Google

Fun. Cute. Free. Barely saw animals tho, they were kind of shy this time around. Will return for the lights so maybe I’ll see more. Park is very spacious and clean. Plenty of sitting/resting places. We didn’t get food because we were full so I don’t much to say on that. Bathrooms were clean. Cute gift shop. Getting to the zoo was easy. & once you say bye to the animals there’s a lake nearby.

Tricia Pieper

Google

Delal Freight Inc.

Google

Joan Lazar

Google

Платон Радулов

Google

Roberto Guzman

Google

Raj Panda

Google

Nina Schwartz

Google

Cruz

Google

Aidan Z.

Yelp

Great place to spend an hour or two in the beautiful Lincoln Park. Suitable for all ages and groups. The zoo is free which makes it even better! There is so much to see and experience in the zoo. A huge range of different animals like gorillas, apes, lions, giraffes, zebras, flamingos, penguins, rhino, and even a polar bear. The animal availability does depend on the time you visit. But there's still plenty more animals to see if one is taken off exhibit.

Mara S.

Yelp

Completely open plan, great weather and very walkable! It's a very nice zoo and it's free!And gets humane ratings for their care of the animals.Also, they do a great job with their flowers and plants. We had a great day here and enjoyed the exhibits. The food options on site were great; they even had vegetarian and vegan options. I will be back and recommend others to visit.

Katie R.

Yelp

Such an awesome zoo, made even better by the fact that it's free! When I heard free zoo I honestly wasn't expecting it to be that great, but since it was no cost to me, figured it was worth the visit, and it so was! The zoo is rather large, has a good variety of animals, and the landscaping is lovely. You get beautiful cityscape backdrops in some areas, and in others you're surrounded by plants that transport you out of the city. We saw lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys, a snow leopard, and lots of other animals too. The zoo also has polar bears, who sadly were inside during our visit. It seemed that most of the animals had the choice to be inside or out, so it was hit and miss which animals were viewable. When we first got there the lions were all hidden away, but when we passed by again later they were out gnawing on some bones. The layout of the zoo was a little confusing because there were lots of loops so it was easy to miss out on some of the animals. I didn't see any maps to take with you at the entrance we came in through, but worth finding one or taking a picture of the big map boards before you venture in. We interacted with a few employees or animal docents while we were here, everyone was super friendly and full of cool knowledge. It was great learning more about the snow leopards from the woman at their habitat.

Wendy L.

Yelp

Lincoln Park Zoo is just one of my many favorite things about Chicago. This zoo is fantastic and I always have a great time here. The entire place is beautifully kept and even if you don't care to visit the animals, it's just a nice park to walk through. There's lots of plants and it's right next to a nature board walk and a lily pool. You can walk, bike, drive or take public transportation here. Parking at the zoo starts at $30 for 3 hours. I prefer this since it's the closest to the zoo entrance and you will be doing plenty of walking inside the zoo. A little farther away there are many free street parking spots but you have to get lucky since they're typically always full.

Mistey W.

Yelp

I attended meditation with Jay Taylor. It was amazing! At 8am, street parking was still a challenge, but if you don't mind the $30 fee, you can park at the zoo. It was so quiet early morning and the staff was warm and welcoming.

Chris A.

Yelp

In a city that loves it parks ( and has many) a FREE zoo awaits those who love animals and like to get a good walk in. It is a lot larger than we thought. Some of the buildings are old but in excellent shape. Art Deco and other designs. Good amount of animals from all over the world with up close viewing. Plenty of options for food, drink, and souvenirs. Even beer or wine. The LP Zoo rounds out all the offerings of this great city and even though it's free try to donate a few dollars to keep it as nice as it is.

Kate M.

Yelp

Such a great zoo, and I love that it's woven in Lincoln Park. Because it's free, it makes exploring the park and zoo as a whole really enjoyable. I came here a few weeks ago for a weekend activity with my 9 month old. He enjoyed all the sights to take in, and we enjoyed the afternoon out of the house. It can be hit or miss with any zoo how many animals are out, but we saw a decent number, our favorite exhibit being the primates. With my many years in Chicago, I somehow have never done zoo lights. I can't wait for my first one to be with my baby boy this year! I'm sure we'll have many more trips to the zoo in the meantime.

Craig D.

Yelp

While visiting Chicago and searching for kid-friendly activities, we discovered Lincoln Park Zoo. To our surprise, it's completely free of charge, which is almost unheard of! I've never been to a zoo that's free every day for the public. We spent about two hours exploring, and the kids absolutely loved it. The zoo is packed with all the animals children adore, like lions, monkeys, apes, and zebras. There's also a nice food court, perfect for a quick lunch break. If you're visiting Chicago and looking for something fun and educational to do with the family, I highly recommend Lincoln Park Zoo. It's a gem in the city!

Kathy C.

Yelp

Within lncoln park is the Lincoln Park Zoo. Im not a huge fan of Zoos or putting animals in cages. That said there is something to be said for learning about wildlife in order to appreciate it and conserve animals and their natural habitats. Generally, most enclosures at Lincoln Park Zoo are don't resemble the cages of old. What I appreciate is the ability to glimpse animals from several vantage points within their natural environments. The other thing is that, as it serves as the front yard for many condos and apartment buildings, the community supports landscaping efforts within the zoo. Public donations actually make up 80% of the cost of running the zoo, while the cHicago Park District picks up the remaining 20%. And yet it is one of only a few free zoos in the country.

Terri K.

Yelp

Wonderful free zoo. The gorilla & lion exhibits are great. Get the Chicago dog here, it is one of the best in the city.

Jillian B.

Yelp

Very fun free activity in Lincoln Park! My partner and I chose to check out the zoo after a morning run and had a great time checking out all the animals. We had gone pretty much right when it opened (around 10) so not all of the exhibits were fully ready for the day, but it was still nice to walk around and see the animals that were already out and about.

Gellie E.

Yelp

Free zoo with lions, rhinos, and polar bears - oh my! Lincoln Park Zoo was one of our first stops on our trip to Chicago. They have daily schedules posted on their website, so we were able to plan our day around the polar bear care (11am on Sundays) and penguin feeding (2pm daily). There's also other events such as feeding the chickens, feeding the cows, seal training, giraffe training, etc. on different days. You can also purchase special experiences such as going inside the penguin habitat ($80 per person). The zoo is easy to access - we took the bus here and there's multiple gate entrances around the park. You can bring your own water, snacks, wagons, etc. It's also located right next to the Lincoln Park Conservatory (also free) to make a day out of it. Staff members were easy to identify and helped answer questions to direct us to where we wanted to go. There were plenty of indoor facilities with restrooms and water fountains throughout the park. The animals were pretty active when we visited. We saw monkeys, gorillas, lions, seals, beavers, zebras, dogs, meerkats, and checked out the reptile and small mammal house, bird house, and farm. Lincoln Park Zoo was a great way to spend a day in Chicago.

Niki B.

Yelp

Lions, monkeys, and zebras - oh, my! Those are the only animals we saw before my toddler fell asleep and then we walked back to the hotel (LOL), but hey, it's a free zoo. It was nice to have the freedom to walk in for only thirty minutes and then leave, without feeling like you wasted money on a full-day pass. We rode the carousel at the front (that costs money) and the place was pretty crowded, but we saw some lions roaming about and my toddler absolutely loved it. I hope to return and explore the rest of it next time we're in Chicago!

Ludin J.

Yelp

Who doesn't love free? The Lincoln Park Zoo is HUGE and the entrance is free. Support the zoo by purchasing drinks, snacks, and merchandise if you can. Lots of animals; lions, giraffes, zebra, monkeys, etc. I wish there was some sort of security upon entering but you can just walk in. I saw some families with coolers, which allows for a very low cost activity. But as mentioned, no security check so you just come in. Overall, I would come back if in the area though.

Tank G.

Yelp

This is an amazing zoo, and the fact that it is free makes it even that more amazing. Parking here can be kind of tricky, but not impossible. The zoo has its own small parking lot, but it is pricey. You will find tons of street parking within a reasonable walking distance. That parking goes quickly and can be a challenge to find. There are also a few commercial parking lots available, but they can get a little pricey. I used a parking app to find me a reasonably priced spot. It was about a half mile away from the zoo. The zoo has all the usual suspects including lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, penguins, polar bears, sea lions, meerkats, pigs, black bears, turtles, monkeys, vultures, owls, camels, pelicans, storks, pigs and snakes. The zoo also has a birds of prey exhibit and a cockroach exhibit. Notable area of the zoo include Farm in the Zoo, Children's Zoo, Train Adventure, a carousel, African Journey, the Bird House, the Education Pavilion and a pond. The Children's Zoo area was under renovation during my visit, but I was still able to go to the area's building which had some nice restrooms and a huge play structure. Being that it was 90 degrees during my visit, the building's AC and water fountain were greatly appreciated. Of course the zoo has a gift shop and kiosks that sell snacks and toys scattered around the zoo. The zoo has 4 seasonal eateries that serve pricey food including burgers, wraps, macaroni, and hot dogs. I ate at the Bird's Eye Bar & Grill. It was ok. I wanted to walk the fine line of supporting the zoo, but not paying too much for a basic meal for my family. With that being said, I recommend bringing some water and snacks with you during your visit to the zoo. The zoo was pretty well maintained and and has many beautiful gardens with a wide assortment of plants and flowers. The park has a few places to sit and take a load off. There are not many shade spots, but there are some buildings that you can duck into to get out of the heat for a bit. The zoo is not only entertaining, but it is also educational. There are lots of placards in front of or around zoo exhibits that provide information about the animals. This park is the blueprint of what parks across the country should be. I did not feel that I had to stay because I paid an admission, There was tons of room, I never felt crowded, and there were tons of exhibits to see. You can easily spend a half day to a full day here. My family had a great time here. It was a highlight of or trip. I highly recommend checking out this gem of an attraction while in Chicago. It is located just outside of downtown and is in walking distance to OZ Park.

Lisa P.

Yelp

Wasn't sure if the animals were going to be energetic enough to make an appearance. After all, this was an after hours event. Not only did they make an appearance, they also performed. It was so sweet to see the lions, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, birds and even the creepy roaches. First time ever being at the zoo without any kids. The music was nice; the DJ had a little something for everyone. So many different shades of pink everywhere. Drinks were good, food was limited but it was good. Tacos or nachos, churros and pretzels. Beer and wine. Photo ops throughout the zoo. If you are thinking about attending next year's PINK PARTY at the zoo, just do it!

Sam F.

Yelp

The architectural details and the sculptures plus the view of the city make it worth the visit alone and for a free activity in the middle of Chicago you couldn't ask for anything better. The animals are well cared for and just a beautiful addition to what would be an enjoyable day even without them.

Cody S.

Yelp

Love coming here. It's a beautiful place right in the city. Get the amazing views of the zoo scenery plus the skyline! It's a free zoo run only with donations, which is pretty amazing considering the amount of animals they have. With plenty of room for them to roam around! New lion exhibit last year is amazing. They also have a gift shop and bar and restaurant for alcohols like me! Fun events for adults only, the holidays are a blast! Beautiful lights for Christmas! Definitely a fun day for the family or a romantic date!!

Graciela G.

Yelp

Still cannot believe this zoo is free admission. We had a blast checking out the zoo and could not believe that it's free year round. It's amazing that the city has this available, it is a beautiful well taken care of zoo. The zoo was a lot larger than we had anticipated. We got to spend a lot more time there than we originally planned to. We got to see and learn about so many animals, my favorite being the meerkat. We also got some cute pics at one of many photo booths that they have throughout the zoo. Another cool souvenir we grabbed was a pressed pennies set with the zoo animals on there. Would recommend this free activity to anyone that is visiting chicago!

Anthony D.

Yelp

Great free zoo that I highly recommend visiting! Even if it's just for a few moments, there are great exhibits here and it's a rather large zoo even if it is completely free. It can get very busy during peak hours but there are plenty of animals to see and you can easily spend a full morning/afternoon here (or even a full day if you love the animals!!). It is very easily accessible by public transit so you can take a bus here and not have to worry about parking.

Jennifer B.

Yelp

The way the zoo is available to the public to enter at multiple entrances doing the day made the visit so enjoyable with my friends and being able to see such a wide range of animals was incredible. The areas were well kept, clean and presentable.

Constance M.

Yelp

Great Zoo day! We arrived at 9 and enjoyed strolling through. We took fabulous pictures on the nature boardwalk this year. We love this zoo!

Yosef M.

Yelp

Who says Zoo's are just for kids lol? There is nothing like an old fashioned date at the Zoo with your girlfriend. We decided to come on the 4th of July as something different to do. The weather was nice and we got to take our time and see almost all of the animals! My favorite exhibit was the lions, and hers was the exhibit with the giraffe. By the end of the visit our legs were tired and it was time for some good ol bbq. Can't wait to come back for the zoo lights this winter.

Mirella K.

Yelp

Good ole Lincoln Park Zoo. I've been coming to Lincoln Park Zoo ever since I was just a toddler (this was the first zoo I've ever been to and easily the most frequent one I've been to, too). It's right by Lake Michigan which is super pretty, it's free, and there are a bunch of (kinda expensive) eateries/food stands around the zoo. I recommend finding a restaurant in Lincoln park outside of the zoo. It's hardly dead here; the only time I've came here when it wasn't packed was a random weekday during the winter time around 2 years ago. Besides that, expect crowds, strollers, and big groups. They also have a conservatory on the grounds that's filled with plants and colorful flowers which is really pretty. When I was a kid, I thought this zoo was magical. Over the years as I got older, they got rid of more and more animals plus the zoo got a little dirtier/worn down. I truly feel bad for the animals since their enclosures are not the biggest, so I try to not really go here anymore. Also seeing a polar bear out and about in warm weather just doesn't feel right to me. The monkey enclosures and penguin enclosures are just way too small. The last time I was here was in the fall time and that's because they had a little pumpkin festival going on. In the winter time, the zoo lights are fun to look at too since they deck out the zoo in fun holiday light shows. It isn't the greatest zoo in the world but certainly not the worst. If you want a free day and see animals with friends or family, this is your best bet in the city of Chicago.

Regina C.

Yelp

Free entrance to a zoo?? Say less! My boyfriend surprised me by leading us to Lincoln Park Zoo on our last day in Chicago. I was so excited! I love all kinds of animals. We both loved seeing the polar bear as we've never seen one before. The lions looked majestic as always. The giraffes were eating but I got to sneak a peek at them! Such an enjoyable experience :)

Allison L.

Yelp

Wow, I had pretty low expectations because I read it was free but the Lincoln Park Zoo was great! There's a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits and a good variety of different types of animals! I especially loved the lion and gorilla exhibits because the glass walls let you get really close to them! There was even a room where birds fly around freely! Super cool. You can spend a good half a day here. There were a lot of little kids on field trips when I went so some of the rooms were crowded and loud, but can't really complain since it was free!

Mandy P.

Yelp

Great free experience in Chicago. Came the Saturday before Mother's Day and it wasn't too crowded. It was closing early for a prom so we had just enough time to see the seals and lions.

Meg R.

Yelp

Hi can someone at the zoo tell me penguin math? What's the equation for penguin to people years? Basically can Pesto run for president yet?

Mike M.

Yelp

I visited the Lincoln Park Zoo last week on a very cool and windy day. It is a nice zoo with many indoor and outdoor viewing areas of all of the animals, birds, snakes, etc. The indoor exhibits were really appreciated on the day of my visit. All of the residents of the zoo were able to be seen easily and their habitats were all well kept. They also have a food hall with several types of food available for us visitors. It's the kind of zoo that I would expect a city the size of Chicago to have except for one fact. The admission is free. You walk in one of the several gates just like you would in a city park. Now isn't that nice! Nothing is perfect because you do have to pay for parking if you drive here. It's a 4 star zoo with an added star for being free.

Melanie W.

Yelp

Free entry... must go if you have time especially when the weather is nice... great place to visit even for just adult.

Ashley F.

Yelp

We stopped here after visiting CloudGate because we had some extra time and it was free! Got through in about 2 hours and it was an enjoyable experience! Great exhibits, animals looked comfortable and well cared for. Saw a lot of species I haven't seen before in East Coast zoos including Chimpanzees which was awesome! Parking was $30 but it was worth it.

Rod D.

Yelp

One of the few remaining zoos in the nation that is free admission and open to the public. They have generous donors that continue to make the zoo available to the public for free. They have a variety of attractions from the lion house, to the penguin area, on to the reptile and separate primate areas, you cannot go wrong visiting this great establishment. On top of all this, the parking lot is situated right across the lake AND just north of the scenic skyline views of the city.

Nathan K.

Yelp

I can't believe I haven't left a review for this place yet. Because it's one of my favorite places on earth. First, it's free. But we gladly sign up as members every year to keep supporting the zoo. The lion house is gorgeous and such a gem to see 8 lions in the middle of Chicago. A lot of days I just go for a morning run and stop to check in the lions out and use the restroom. Where else can you brag about seeing lions during a bathroom break. But they've got so many treasures that are impossible to all list. Polar bears, rhinos, giraffes. The bird house is ridiculous. You can just hang out with birds flying and walking around you from all over the world. Can't get enough of it. The zoo has a fantastic fall fest that kids and families love. Zoo Lights is affordable and an amazing holiday experience. One of the best places to visit in Chicago on the regular no matter what season. Look into getting a membership. And if you need a gift for an animal lover, the gift shop isn't a joke. One tip: lookup the present hours because they change somewhat frequently with seasons and with events. Don't get caught coming before they open or when they close early.

Tricia D.

Yelp

Love: the range of animals this free zoo has to offer in wonderful Lincoln Park. With scattered views of the city, you can find giraffes, zebras, axolotls (my 2nd grader introduced me to this sea lizard like creature), rhinos, monkeys, exotic birds, and my 2 highlights, the lions and flamingoes! Our family visited on a weekday, and it was peaceful and not crowded at all. Bonus fun fact: lions rest up to 20 hours a day! Need that beauty rest to be the king of the jungle, am I right? Like: plenty of food options scattered through the zoo. The snack pricing is fair. We got a small popcorn for $6. Accessible Spot Hero ($15) parking a close 0.4ish miles away. Dislike: that we don't live a little closer, but it's not much of a complaint! Highly recommend for locals and tourists alike!

Amy D.

Yelp

This is a Pokémon Go haven. I'm not sure if this review will reach the right crowd, but just an FYI. :) I love how large and well-cared for the area is. The flowers and decorations are very nice! The zoo itself is free and I suggest paying it a visit. Unfortunately, the animals don't always look too happy. Right next to the zoo is a large bridge and park-like area where I'd rather spend my time. It's beautiful out there! - AT

Steve A.

Yelp

Free zoos are thought of as being lame and small but this is an exception. It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be the first time coming here. Lincoln Park Zoo is the main reason people come to this big park. Has much more than one would expect for something that's completely free. The parking is pay and it can get heavy with traffic, but you can easily get here by public transportation and avoid that kind of stuff. A good way to get here is by entering from the Nature Boardwalk. It's a great way to see some wildlife before you even get here. The zoo is what most people coming to the park are the most interested in though. Basically you can come in from any direction. There's a big variety of animals to see. Basically most of the noteworthy ones. There's the camels and zebras. Apes, monkeys. There's the big cats like lions and tigers. Also people come to the park to see the Conservatory, and that's at the north end. That's free too so go to both if you're looking for cheap fun times. Great zoo for being free and there's more than to be expected. It can take a few hours seeing everything especially with kids. The zoo is always free any time of the year when it's summer, winter, or whenever.

Alex A.

Yelp

Well done played out zoo, with a lot of the viewing areas having both interior and exterior environments. The zoo is FREE of charge!

Kathrine W.

Yelp

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a treasure! We went on a rainy Monday and had the place to ourselves! Fav part: It's free!!!! Right in the heart of Chicago, it's easily accessible via public transit & you can just walk right in, no online reservations or booking or ticket booth. Hurrah! The space was clean and educational, but not overwhelming. We are two adults and had a great time, but I imagine it would be awesome for kids too. Maps and signage make navigating the zoo super easy. Their enclosures are spacious and thoughtfully designed and the animals were active in all of the exhibits. Lincoln Park Zoo is a gem that not only showcases the wonders of the animal kingdom but also provides a peaceful, educational escape right in the heart of the city. It's an excellent option for a relaxed day out or an educational adventure, rain or shine. I can't recommend it enough!

Christa M.

Yelp

I'm so glad that I was able to stop by this zoo which was not too far from the city. We planned to spend a few hours here and there was no cost to visit which we were surprised and happy to see. We were greeted right away by one of the workers that was at the main entry and he was very cheerful. Our first stop was the gift shop and it had so many cute souvenirs, we all walked out with a cute plush stuffed animal. Since we only had a few hours to explore we were not able to visit every exhibit. We were able to visit the lions, the farm animals, the monkeys, and gorillas just to name a few. This is a must visit for the family! The zoo is big so plan to be there all day.

Tony J.

Yelp

What a great stop while in the Chicago area! Free to visit; reasonable prices throughout the park, and lots to see! We really enjoyed it!

Melanie B.

Yelp

This is the only zoo I'll ever go to. It's free 365 days a year. It's very well maintained and really pretty with all of the landscaping that was planted in such a way that it looks like natural habitats Instead of soulless, manicured beds. It's relatively small, so you can see it all in 2-3 hrs, and it's in (Lincoln Park, duh) a great neighborhood. When my kids were littles, I used to bring them here often. We could get through the whole zoo without interrupting nap times. Its size also allowed us to get through before meltdowns. Until of course we got to the gift shop. Then there was always a meltdown. If you take the L, the closest are the Brown and Purple Lines that stop at the Armitage station and the Red Line stops at the Fullerton Station, which are all about one mile west of the zoo. If you drive, parking costs between $30-$40 a day. Be prepared to also walk a bit of a distance from the parking lots.

Megan S.

Yelp

I've visited this zoo plenty of times throughout the years and it's always been a fun excursion to do on a nice day. The zoo lights are also fun as well in the winter time. Clean zoo with many fun exhibits to walk through!

Steven W.

Yelp

Hands-down Lincoln Park Zoo is THE BEST free zoo in the US. The family enjoyed our day in the sun and the ample enclosures, witnessing lions, giraffes, meerkats, hissing cockroaches, a spectrum of birds, monkeys and chimps. Overall, this zoo is an excellent way to spend a whole morning and early afternoon without breaking the bank.

Amber S.

Yelp

I visited here during a work trip on one of the absolute WORST days to do so. My company arranged for us to have a boxed lunch served here with a scavenger hunt activity and come back later for a dinner. We took rideshares to the East gate and descended upon the Pepper Family Wildlife Center. The boxed lunches included a sandwich, fruit cup, vegetables, cup of ranch dressing, and a rice krispy treat. Bottled water and canned soda was provided. There were multiple sandwich choices to meet dietary needs. The center was open for visitors while we were eating. It was a humid day and the temperature was over 100. Many teams split up during the scavenger hunt to cover more ground and some people (like me) gave up after an hour because of the heat. Trying to hurry to get the answers and taking team photos to prove we did it wasn't conducive to taking a rest and drinking water. The volunteers were very knowledgeable and friendly. One of them asked us if we were with the [company name redacted] group. Later, for dinner, we went through the same gate. The center was transformed. There were round tables for 8 with white table cloths, two bars, a dessert table, two sets of tables with food (salad, bread, aus jus lemon chicken that wasn't dry, pasta salad and more), a podium for announcements and a caricature artist. With over 400 people, and music on a playlist, it did get really loud after a while. The temperature had dropped since the afternoon and the building was air conditioned so it was comfortable.

Judit C.

Yelp

It's a must visit place every time I go to Chicago! First of all, it's free entry, no charge! Please donate if you can! There are multiple ways you can support the Lincoln Park Zoo while you are there, you can donate, you can shop at any of the gift shop/kiosk, eat, drink, or even "adopt an animal" ... The programs are amazing and very helpful for all ages. Last year I was eagerly looking at the newborn lion cubs ... This year, I learned so much about the endangered gorillas ... And of course, loved the zebras, the seals, and all other species. The zoo is located in the beautiful Lincoln Park, and I never get bored with the amazing Chicago skyline while I walk around the boardwalk, birdwatching, turtle watching ... The plants are luscious, rich and vibrant, especially during the summer. At spring, I loved the blooming tulips and violets ... There are multiple places where you can find something to eat. The cafe shop, the Grill restaurant, and multiple kiosks are selling a variety of food and beverages. The ice cream shop is located right off the boardwalk! You can find pretzels in sidewalk kiosks! There is also a petting zoo for little children and a farm where you can find cows and horses ... The zoo has multiple entrances. Public transportation is available right on the street from CTA. Buses are running quite often, but they can be filled up quickly especially in the afternoon / early evening when the zoo is closing.

Sarah Y.

Yelp

An awesome experience for sure! We will be back with the kids. Pretty impressive for a free zoo.

Kevin B.

Yelp

This was a very fun activity for our group to do when we were in town for a conference last year, particularly since admission is free. Despite being free, the zoo does not feel like a place that's underfunded and it looked like all of the animals were well-cared for and healthy. We particularly loved the gorilla exhibit and the polar bear as we love gorillas and we had never seen a polar bear in real life before. It's a really nice place to visit and I would recommend it!

Nadine S.

Yelp

Went for zoolights. Always a treat. Had the best time! It's like the perfect Christmas tradition for the holidays. The lights and the animals. It's perfect for kids and adults .

Sheron C.

Yelp

This is such a lovely zoo and it is free. It is a well-endowed zoo that is maintained well and has excellent exhibits as well as some thoughtfully designed spaces. We went in November and lucked out with exceptional weather. Despite the sunny skies, the zoo was lively and busy, but not overly crowded. It has great spots to eat and sit for a spell after walking so much. The extras like the carousel and ferris wheel etc. do have a cost but it isn't astronomical. A word of caution, some things like the cafe and conservatory close at 4pm so not a spot to head to later in the day. Don't forget to check out the ducks and swans. The reptile house was also a favorite of ours. Would definitely recommend and visit again.

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Aidan Z.

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Mara S.

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Katie R.

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Wendy L.

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Mistey W.

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Chris A.

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Kate M.

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Craig D.

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Kathy C.

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Terri K.

Yelp

Wonderful free zoo. The gorilla & lion exhibits are great. Get the Chicago dog here, it is one of the best in the city.

Jillian B.

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Gellie E.

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Niki B.

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Ludin J.

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Tank G.

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Lisa P.

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Sam F.

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Cody S.

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Graciela G.

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Anthony D.

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Jennifer B.

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Constance M.

Yelp

Great Zoo day! We arrived at 9 and enjoyed strolling through. We took fabulous pictures on the nature boardwalk this year. We love this zoo!

Yosef M.

Yelp

Mirella K.

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Regina C.

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Allison L.

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Mandy P.

Yelp

Great free experience in Chicago. Came the Saturday before Mother's Day and it wasn't too crowded. It was closing early for a prom so we had just enough time to see the seals and lions.

Meg R.

Yelp

Hi can someone at the zoo tell me penguin math? What's the equation for penguin to people years? Basically can Pesto run for president yet?

Mike M.

Yelp

Melanie W.

Yelp

Free entry... must go if you have time especially when the weather is nice... great place to visit even for just adult.

Ashley F.

Yelp

Rod D.

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Nathan K.

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Tricia D.

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Amy D.

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Steve A.

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Alex A.

Yelp

Well done played out zoo, with a lot of the viewing areas having both interior and exterior environments. The zoo is FREE of charge!

Kathrine W.

Yelp

Christa M.

Yelp

Tony J.

Yelp

What a great stop while in the Chicago area! Free to visit; reasonable prices throughout the park, and lots to see! We really enjoyed it!

Melanie B.

Yelp

Megan S.

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Steven W.

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Amber S.

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Judit C.

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Sarah Y.

Yelp

An awesome experience for sure! We will be back with the kids. Pretty impressive for a free zoo.

Kevin B.

Yelp

Nadine S.

Yelp

Went for zoolights. Always a treat. Had the best time! It's like the perfect Christmas tradition for the holidays. The lights and the animals. It's perfect for kids and adults .

Sheron C.

Yelp

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

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