brookfield zoo

Brookfield is a beautiful and well maintained zoo. The habitats are constantly being remodeled for a more natural environment for the animals and for a much better viewing experience. Highlights for us are the Gorillas in Tropic World, The Great Bear Wilderness area, and the Living Coast. Dolphin show is enjoyable, but very short. Membership is a good value and can pay for itself in one trip, depending on the size of your familiy.

I was stunned to find such a sprawling complex of old and new buildings as well as simply stunning natural surroundings in this urban area. The buildings I found most fascinating were, to my surprise, not new but very old! The monkey building had monkeys literally free roaming within it, and you were simply walking rustic looking paths along the perimeter - able to view them in a seemingly natural way. I was shocked to find an aquarium with dolphins in it, as well as fun fact boards and cut outs for kids to put their heads in - making funny and convenient photos to remember the great day. It was easy to bring a lunch in with you, saving you and your family some money by not having to buy it there.

We had the chance to bring the kids and grandkids to the Brookfield zoo the day after Thanksgiving. I thought it was going to be quiet and that not too many things would be here to see. Boy was I wrong! We got to see a gorilla up close, the giraffes were all there to say hi too and there was the funniest hippo I have ever seen. He was racing around the compound in a circle no sliding into the mud. It was delightful. If you think it's not worth it in winter I urge you to change your mind. What a fun fa,ily day.

We were quite dissappointed with this zoo. Visiting from Colorado and natives to California - we were expecting a lot from a big city zoo. Most of the animals were not in sight... in fact, 1 of the displays had a sign saying the animal now lives in Colorado (go figure). The animals that were in sight weren't even in pairs... it must be lonely for them. All in all, I do not recommend this zoo. They have a lot of work to do!

I remember when you could spend an entire day at the zoo and go home with some money left over. Those days are long gone. Parking $10 Admission $17 Wait were not done. Almost all exhibits have their own admissions $4 to $9. I think some were more. Exhibits closed at 4:30 PM so my credit card still had a little left to go.

We live in brookfield and love the zoo Lots of animals kids have fun reataurants are ok but we usually nring our own sonce were blocks away

My wife and I visited on Feb 15 and had a great time, even with the snow. There are lots of interesting animals to see and generally they seem quite content. Plenty of indoor sections of the zoo, so even if the weather isn't great and the animals choose to be inside, there is plenty to see. Highlights for us included the bison (covered in snow), Tropic World, Australia building, and Fragile Desert.We had low expectations for the one food option open the day we went, BZ Red Hots, but it was actually pretty good -- my wife enjoyed her chicken salad which was all very fresh. Friendly staff too.We also surprised at how close to downtown the zoo is -- only took about 20 minutes from the Loop. Parking was easy, especially on a very quiet winter day.

It was January and a long time due for an outing..the weather was kinda nice and decided to explore a place nearby..thanks to TA we found the review for this zoo with free entries..and bang on we knew where we had to go..being a vegetarian and after reading the reviews we carried our lunch home packed one and advise rest of you to do so if possible..they do have food court options available plenty of it..we found the south gate and parked our vehicle..the parking is of 10 USD. we reached there by 12 and started exploring with the help of the map..we turned into kids again..getting excited by the sight of animals..they are very well preserved. It was not so crowded .kids will have a gala time..we visited almost all the counters..the cat family view and the dolphin underwater show were amazing..it is very well maintained and have a huge vareity of animals of different species..I guess a trip during summer is definitely on the cards It is kind of indoors cum outdoor...we spent a good 3 hours and were able to cover almost the entire zoo...

Chicago Zoological Society inspires Conservation Leadership in its visitors everyday. These animal ambassadors help bring attention to animals that have been designated endangered and in ter SSP (Species Survival Plan). There is an African Savannah plain with giraffes roaming, Great Bear Wilderness includes a floor to ceiling 16" thick glass window to view the bears swimming and frolicking while highlighting the real life problems faced by the Polar and Brown Bears. Tropic World is my favorite which submerges the visitor into the tropical climates of South American, Asia and Africa. These are free once you pay the general admission. Other fee exhibits are the SevenSeas Aquarium (where there staff just hand reared a dolphin calf called Miracle, that was abandoned by its mother), A Carousel, A Butterfly Exhibit to release stress and a tram ride; each at a cost of usually under $5.00. Holiday evens include Holiday Magic and Boo At The Zoo, Fiesta days, Wild Kratt performances, just to name a few. This is a MUST see.

It's big and there is a lot of walking. It's not crowded at all in the winter. My kids really liked the buffalo and the ape house. Also the animals seems a lot more active in the colder months than in the summer.

Every January we manage to find a Saturday or Sunday that is above freezing to take advantage of free park admission. Parking is still $10, and a few exhibits may be closed, but it is the only way we go to this zoo. The main advantage is the lack of crowds. In the summer this zoo is very busy. In January, you feel like they opened the place just for you. Most of the viewing is inside heated buildings, so you only have to deal with short walks outside. The Hamill Family Play zoo is essentially a very nicely done small children's museum within the zoo. Normally it's a $3 charge on top of admission, but it's free in January as well. It's the only area of the zoo that gets somewhat busy as the day wears on. But the real highlight is being able to visit spectacles like Tropic World, Seven Seas dolphin viewing, the Living Coast penguins, and Habitat Africa, with only a few other visitors. We park in the south lot and the entrance gate is right there, and we always have a really great time.

The Brookfield Zoo has always been a great fun time every time I've gone. Make sure you have a whole day and lots of rest, because there is a LOT to see! Some "attractions" require extra money, so plan for that. Check them out before buying, though; some just aren't worth it.

We went as a group of more than 15 with Zoo light tickets. Pretty much walked right in and started walking through the zoo. The lights were pretty spectacular. Plenty of photo op moments for families. The only crowded areas were inside where folks were trying to get out of the cold and see the exhibits. We were more interested in out than in. We had a little one with a stroller and there was stroller parking at the exhibits. Lots of places to get a snack or drink, they did have beer too. There was a display set up with lights to music was pretty cool. Christmas trees from communities and groups were really nice to see too. The polar bear that we way was humongous in size! I mean that's what being at the zoo is about right? Appreciating the animals!! The penguins were nesting so not many out but you could see a couple in their little den. The grade school kids and we adults all liked this exhibit. Parking was a short walk to the entrance. On the way out there was a laser light show with music. This was the one area where it was really crowded but still plenty of room to get around the display. Best winter event to do during the holidays!!! Highly recommend!!

We visit the zoo once a year and that's in the winter. NO crowds and you get zoo lights at dusk...just when everyone starts to arrive, you can be leaving. Love being able to see most of the animals without kids pushing to the front, strollers, etc.

Had a great time with husband and two teenagers at the Brookfield Zoo. Very large zoo with a lot of different animals. Some exhibits are better than others. The large animals do need larger habitats. I can’t imagine that the big cats and bears do not feel somewhat imprisoned. Nevertheless, if I lived closer, I would probably get a membership and go more often. The holiday trees and lights were a nice added bonus.