Brookfield Zoo

BZ trumps LPZ any day.
While LP zoo has a great skyline and walking distance to the lake, BZ is massive and has so much more to do.
In the summer, they have a butterfly garden, a petting zoo where you can pet baby goats, an aviary where birds land on your head or Hamill family center, where kids can dress up as zoo staff: zoo keepers, veterinarian, or zoo managers. They can touch and feed pets, water plants. This is aside from the dolphin shows, tons of playgrounds and insane amount of animals and activities provided daily.
What I love most is how they celebrate everything. On Halloween, everyone dresses up in costume, admission includes hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin chucking and lots of candy for kids. During Xmas, there’s zoo lights where the entire zoo twinkles and glows with music, lights, ice carving and fun snow games. There’s free days during the winter too. From June-​Aug, there’s Summer Nights, where the zoo stays open later, has live music, beer gardens and laser shows. A treat to take kids out of school that are hyperactive with nothing to do.
If you’re gonna go at least once with kids, do the membership. It pasy for itself within the first visit. There’s SOOO much to see and do, you won’t be able to do it in one trip. And visiting in each season is the best to enjoy all the unique activities. ILY, Brookfield zoo.

Hey we love the zoo. It’s expensive to eat here, but you could bring your own food. We’re unlimited members, so we don’t pay for parking or entrance or any of the attractions (or rather, we already paid for it). Membership is really worth it if you plan on going more than one time a season, and depending on the attractions you want to go to, unlimited was worth it for us, as we planned on going to at least two attractions each time we go.
The Wild Encounters is totally awesome. It’s my husband’s favorite. My daughter loves the carousel (but she’s 1, so, she doesn’t know what’s actually fun yet). I don’t go into the butterfly place, because butterflies really gross me out… but I think she’d probably really like that too if my husband went in with you.
The food is on the pricey side, and honestly not very good… but you can bring your own in, and eat at any picnic table in the area. Park rules state you can’t bring your own alcohol in though… which is sad because drinks are crazy expensive ($ 8.50 for a beer). I would suggest if you want a drink a better value is found at Smoothie Island where it’s 8.50 for a Mai Tai, Daiquiri or Margarita. I would say this is a better zoo than Lincoln Park, however, we live much much closer to Brookfield Zoo. If we lived in the city, I don’t think it’d really be worth the trip to this zoo versus the free Lincoln Park zoo.

Big zoo! My advice is to buy the membership, it pays for itself, your first visit. Bring your own food, and if you wish buy the drinks. We had a great time, and the staff was nice. Since it was early spring, some animals were not outside, big cats were sleeping, as usual. Be prepared for lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes! Put younger ones in a stroller or wagon, but you have to leave it outside, some of the indoor exhibits. We did not get a chance to see the dolphin show or some of the extra exhibits, because we wanted to leave to avoid rush hour traffic, plus there is road construction. We did have a great time, and will be returning in the summer.

Like everyone else, I gave been going to this zoo since I was a little girl. I am a zoo member and it is well worth it! The baby Mexican Gray Wolves are the best! I was there a couple if weeks ago when the lilacs were blooming, it was a perfect afternoon!

I don’t know… I’m starting to dislike this zoo more and more. Why can’t the dolphins live a more realistic habitat? I feel sorry for them swimming around in a barren concrete pool. They’re way too intelligent to have to live that way.

I have been coming to this zoo for over 25 years, as a tween with my parents and now with my own children.
The people, layout, volunteers, benefactors and exhibits make this a one of a kind zoo.
BF Zoo is a truly a world class place to interact with animals, enjoy nature and spend time with those you are about.

I’ve been coming to the Brookfield Zoo since I was a kid. If anything, it has only gotten better. I love bringing my own kids here now, showing them Tropic World (I just wish it still thunderstormed!), and the great new Bear Wilderness. My wife, being Cajun, loves the Swamp, too.
All in all, a great experience. The one negative is the cost. They «get ya» before you even get to the gate, charging for parking ($ 11, last visit). Add an additional $ 17.50 per person (even more if you want to see the dolphin show), and you’re talking an empty wallet before you even see your first animal.
All in all, a great zoo, with lots to do and see. You’re gonna pay for it, though!

Tips: park in the north lot even though they don’t like that. Less walking.
Don’t even think about feeding the giraffes or monkeys. Pachyderm House is stinky and no elephants to be seen.
Maybe have some saltines ready if birds or peacocks come near while you are picnicking. Careful in Sept. If your toddler is clutching an apple — bees.
The zebras on the far south end should be avoided if you have squirmy kids. Too many varieties, way too much walking. Do you really need to see Grevy’s Zebra? It’s about 2 – 3 suburban blocks of zebras.

This zoo needs a lot of work, customer service classes, and more shade for family’s with 13 strollers and 38 children to sit under because WHOA this was an annoying horrible experience from the 45 min wait in line to buy a ticket to watch every other line around us turn over at least twice…
I won’t be back anytime, I’ve heard great things but all I saw was stupid set up and a huge mess of unorganized lines with every single person in line confused and complaining about how long they have been waiting, mess mess mess mess mess is the best way to describe it.
If you really want to go they have a groupon so you don’t have to pay $ 30 for a crappy experience with no animals out. Ugh. I love Zoos and have been to many, but I would choose the free zoo in Chicago any day over this one, and I will.

Rosa J. spotted a Groupon deal on the Brookfield Zoo general admission. However, this Groupon expired by May 27^th., so she used her time wisely on her Sunday off and invited hubby to join her «zoo» fun!
I highly suggest that you get to the zoo as early as you can, preferably when the door opens at 10am. Due to a heated altercation that occurred near our house at 5am, I woke up extremely early and was ready to start my day. We took the first BNSF Metra at 8:40am, departing from Union Station in Chicago. The entire road trip took 25 minutes until reaching Hollywood «Zoo» stop.
Clear instruction is provided at the station on how to walk to the zoo entrance. In summary, locate «Hollywood» and walk on this road for approximately five (5) minutes through a nice, middle-​class neighborhood, then turn right on «Washington» passing by the Riverside-​Brookfield High, then turn left on «Golf» and the entrance to the zoo is within the parking lot.
By the way, the Metra weekend pass (with unlimited rides except the South Shore train) is only $ 8/​person, versus parking for nonmember costs $ 11/​vehicle. I also saved $ 4/​ticket with the purchases of Groupon.
Overall, it’s a well-​executed zoo, yet it wasn’t the best I’ve ever seen. These following areas require extra fees:
— Hamill Family Wild Encounters ($ 5/​adult; $ 3/​child or senior +65): it’s a place where children can pat the goats and other animals to keep themselves entertained.
— Seven Seas Dolphin Arena ($ 5/​adult; $ 3/​child or senior +65): you probably figured that out already. Dolphins are like loansharks sometimes.
— Motor Safari ($ 5/​adult; $ 3/​child or senior +65): someone who will drive you around the zoo and provide guided tour.
— The Carousel ($ 3 for everyone): yay, it’s that thang in many of those romantic Korean dramas. It isn’t free anywhere else, so it wouldn’t be free, either at a zoo.
— Hamill Family Play Zoo ($ 3 for everyone): it’s a seasonal exhibit (Nov. 1-​Feb. 28).
Obviously, you can pick any three (3) for $ 9/​adult and $ 6/​child and senior. My experience with the general admission was, for the most part, positive. Obviously, many animals were sleeping, chilling, hiding, or coping with the weather change. Although I didn’t see some of their lovely faces, the hippos, snakes, reptiles, turtles, monkeys, kangaroos, horses, zebras, sea lions, seals, and other extraordinary creatures I failed to mention «clocked in» and worked diligently for us patrons.
Some of them took a «sabbatical,» or cashed their unemployment checks since the season wasn’t quite ready for them to re-​appear. I’m specifically talking about the «Dragonfly Marsh» and «Festival of Flight.»
The map for the zoo was interactive and easy to follow along. We did the entire zoo round ourselves in approximately two (2) hours.
It wasn’t a struggle to find restrooms. All restrooms are equipped with baby changing stations.
I didn’t buy any food, beverage, or souvenir at the food court or at any gift shop. You’re allowed to bring your own food and have a picnic somewhere in the zoo.
I wasn’t overly thrilled by Brookfield Zoo. I don’t think I will make a point coming here since similar experience can be obtained by visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo (free admission) in the city. Nevertheless, it’s a great place for the entire family, especially for families with young-​aged children.

Is there no other ‘pick me up’ like the zoo?
If you grew up coming here like me — every memory is a fond one. I’ve never said, «I had such a lousy time at the zoo today». And the fact that Brookfield Zoo has remained pretty much the same after all these years speaks volumes.
I decided to come here simply because I needed a mental health day and thought what better way to unwind, de-​stress and find peace and calm then among animals? So I spent the day just walking around the entire zoo… weather was beautiful and sunny. On a weekday, timing couldn’t have been more perfect. No crowds, no lines. Just how I imagined it…
AND people are friendly here! Staff walks past you with a «hello» and a smile. Animals don’t talk back… Its a judgement free zone…
In about 2 ½ hours I walked the entire zoo. Didn’t stop for any attractions and they have a few. Keep in mind each is an extra fee. $ 3-​$ 5.yes, even a ride on the Carousel will cost you.
Not all concessions were open, but they have SO many dining options that if you need to grab a bite, you’ll easily find something. Their still in the process of setting up outdoor tables & stands and a few areas are under improvements. Flowers are also not in full bloom yet, but our weather hasn’t been either…
The layout itself is one huge circle and easy to navigate. You’ll find some shops along your walk… I told myself I wasn’t going to look at anything, but the outdoor rack of tye dye caught my eye… what can I say, I love tye dye and was probably a hippy in a past life…
Prices aren’t horribly expensive. I couldn’t resist the $ 30 zip up… well worth it. Lots of cute finds if you need to pickup a zoovenir or gift.
I also couldn’t resist a token from the MOLD-A-RAMA…remember those? Still in full force and spitting out wax figures like a charm. Now for only $ 2. I picked up a red giraffe (for good luck of course)…if you NEED to have one, they are virtually at every spot. If your searching for a specific one, the ticket window at entrance has a list of where you can find your beloved wax friend.
I won’t get into details about all the animals & exhibits you can see here, but I will say all areas are very well kept, clean and animals are treated with care… Never got the impression that keeper’s are slacking or not providing optimal conditions for these animals or the people who visit them. Even the restrooms are clean.
Last time I was here around 4 years ago I brought my nephews. I recall some animals were not on exhibit, more than usual… I didn’t feel that way this time. Although no Rhino’s & elephants were to be found and a few others were missing in action, there is still SO much to see… so much bonding to do ;)
While in one of the bird room’s I caught a pair of Parrot’s on a bad day… snapping pics of them as they were looking directly at me — and suddenly they began to squawk. So loud it startled me. Maybe I overstayed my welcome? I got the hell out of there as they wouldn’t stop yelling at me… lol…I had «never seen footage» of a cobra shedding his skin… that was pretty cool. Monkeys were swinging (literally) in full action, and bonding with one another. Hadn’t seen an Anteater in awhile. Dolphins and sea lion’s are always fun to watch and love a crowd. Penguins were feeling rather shy and wouldn’t come out of their caves ;(…I only wish they had Koala bears; my favorite of all animals growing up…
Nothing is free these days and neither is quality time spent at the zoo. Admission is a whopping $ 18. Children (3 – 11) $ 12.50. Parking $ 15…while convenient to gates, it’s not cheap. After my invigorating visit, I thought about getting a membership. Well worth it if you are a frequent goer and comes with perks such as free parking, guest passes, attraction tix & various discounts at shops and restaurants. Many events held throughout the year.
All in all — a super relaxing way to spend the day… no, the zoo is not just for kids…
Engaging your heart and mind with the innocence and beauty of these creatures is priceless… I HIGHLY recommend coming during the week if you can… I also recommend supporting our wildlife.
HEADS UP — Groupon is offering general admission tix $ 13.50 adults, $ 9.50 Children (3 – 11).
Limited time only as of 4÷14÷16.

I am so glad I live down the start from the zoo and can walk there whenever we feel like it. They have plenty to do for everyone and the shows are great!

Membership is awesome pays for its self– my son lives the parks and lions are always out and about.
Dolphin shows are different every year.
Halloween shows are awesome for kids and everyone involved zoo lights are always great to go too every year.
I do miss the elephants though.

My favorite zoo and kids love it! My 5 year old did the zoo camp and it was fantastic!

One of the best attractions in the Chicago area! Only reason I don’t give them 5 stars is because of the price, membership cost and parking costs as well as traffic coming in and out at closing. Those really suck. To charge for parking is ashame! It costs enough just to get in, but paying extra for parking sucks! And if you stay till the end, it really sucks! Mostly because it’s like leaving a concert at FMBA (in Tinley), if will take you about 45 to an hour just to get out! Sucks, sucks, sucks!!! Ok, on to good things about going: to go there you get lost in another world. The trees overshadow the walking paths, so you feel like you’re part of the zoo, not a visitor. There is plenty of animals and exhibits to see! You literally need hours (or a whole day there) to see everything! However, they are only open till 5pm even though they are open year round. To get a membership is a good idea, but costly. At least then you avoid paying for parking (thank goodness!!). There are food courts and bathrooms all around so it’s family friendly. Kids love going there and it will wear them out to walk around. They even have a carousel and tram (train ride around the park). Plus, it’s educational for them (and the adults) too! There are signs about the animals all over the place to educate you on them, where they come from, what they eat, how they live, etc. They have done a great job over the years to make it more interactive and visually pleasant. The link to their site:

Love the animals and all the things there are to do
Love to take my family there when the whether is nice outside

Love it loved it loved it!!!
New to Chi town just relocated from LA have to say I’m glad I can do some things for free with my 3 year old!

I haven’t been to this zoo in a long time and was invited to see the Holiday Lights at Brookfield. I kept making a mental note to come back more often. This zoo has so many animals and zoo employees interacting constantly with visitors. I came with my little niece and nephew who are just extremely curious and the employees made sure to fill their minds with fun facts and let them see skeletons of the actual animals.
The zoo itself is very well kept and grand. There is so much to see and a trolley for when you get tired, as I did. The holiday lights were spectacular and we even got to see a magic show for the kids. I was scared once and that was at the bat house. I can never get around to liking them much. I did enjoy watching the Lion trying to break out of the glass pane. Anyone can be a kid again coming to this wonderful place.

Listen to me. I am not an Elite Unilocaler but I am an awesome possum. What I am about to write is extremely important and probably the most important review you will EVER read on Unilocal.
I will keep it short and succinct. This zoo is like an oriental vase; it is beautiful and fancy. Lolwut. The animals are energetic. They are lively. They got wide open spaces. Bring your family. Bring your girlfriend. Bring your boyfriend. Bring your secret girlfriend. Whatever. This Zoo is the answer to solving the tension in the Middle-​East. Get a couple of those religious fanatics in here and in no time, you will have peace like a river.
Some of you might think, «Oh, but Witt, animals shouldn’t be caged or in a zoo.» But have you thought about how how the birds in nature view you when you’re living in your house? They think that humans cage themselves inside a house. So calm your self-​righteous attitude and check out this zoo for the love of god.
Check out my other amazing reviews at

I enjoy Brookfield Zoo and believe, whether naively or not, that as far as zoos go, they do truly do what is best for the animals they have in their care.
I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, so I’m sure nostalgia plays a heavy role in my love of BZ, but I can’t help it. I love just walking around the place. I love the long patches of green courtyards. I love the well kept paths. I love the giant carousel. I love the iconic outdoor exhibits — the huge baboon mountain and mountain goats and all of the different bear exhibits. I love the children’s zoo (and still somehow can’t believe I never got bit as a kid…). I love the dolphins.
I even love the cheesy themed restaurants, snack shops, and gift shops. I find the staff to be incredibly helpful and seemingly very happy to be there. I find the food to be actually pretty edible. I find some of the gifts to be adorable and fun.
And I especially love the exhibits. I love tropic world! The swamp! The living coast! I love that the animals are not always visible and can get away from the public when they want to. I appreciate that the exhibits, especially some of the newer ones, have a focus on conservation efforts, on an animal’s natural behavior, and on ways to help keep these species in the wild.
Parking costs entirely too much (as does admission, to be fair) but for a few times a year, I don’t mind. It’s a fun, wholesome departure from reality stocked with a lot of walking, learning, and adorable animals — it’s pretty much a perfect day out.

I’ve been coming here since I was a baby (all of 43 years ago!). It’s always been my most favorite zoo that I’ve ever visited. It’s also one of the largest.
Brookfield zoo can be expensive. However, if you buy their season pass, you pretty much pay for it in one visit, and you get unlimited visits for one year. I have 5 kids, so it actually costs me less to get the season pass! Plus, I get visitor passes and free passes to some exhibits. It also gets you discounts in merchandise and food.
The zoo itself constantly reinvents itself, improving it’s exhibits for you and the animals. The food is ok. And it can get crowded.
This particular visit to brought the family to the Brookfield Zoo holiday lights festival. During the Christmas season, they open the zoo late and decorate the whole place in Christmas lights and have fun family shows, like magic shows, laser shows, music, etc.
I even had my first wedding here. Highly recommend for the whole family!

Just too many people WITH STROLLERS… I’ve been here three times in my life, but this was the first time at night! The Christmas lights were awesome; I cannot lie about how great of a setup with all the trees, lights, and even Santa!
Strollers…there has to be a separate lane. Needs to. I can’t go back. I felt like I was shopping at Kohl’s with all those old women with those pseudo carts. MUST GET 30% off/​SEE MONKEY.
It was shocking to see how many people were walking and texting/​talking on their phones. These people bothered me the most! Enjoy the lights (and your family that probably hates you).
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Best zoo in Chicagoland. I grew up coming here with my family and continue to satiate my love of animals by coming here as an adult.
They have every animal imaginable, tons of different programs throughout the year, and most importantly seem to treat them well. Except one time I went to a beer fest at the zoo and remember the lion was miserable with the bass of the music. Poor thing kept pacing and roaring… I wished I could help him somehow. UGH!!!
Admission is $ 9 but I took a day off in October when admission was free and had a date day here! On top of the $ 9 admission, you will pay extra for Wild Encounters ($ 5), the Dolphins ($ 5), Play Zoo ($ 3), Zoo tram ($ 5) and the carousel ($ 3) so if you end up doing everything, it may get mighty pricey. The food is also insanely expensive and not very good. Bring your own picnic!!!
I was really excited to try their new Wild Encounters. Totally disappointed. Paid $ 10 for the 2 of us expecting to get to touch a red panda and other animals… but most were in cages and no one was around to let people pet them. We did have fun in the parakeet experience and I suppose that made up for the cost for us. We did pay extra in there though to buy food for the birds.
I highly suggest hitting up thezoo on a free day, skip Wild Encounters and just enjoy the rest of the zoo. They have snow leopards — my favorite animal! :)

I hadn’t been to the zoo in years until my granddaughter was old enough to go. I’ve been with her 3 times now and seen the zoo from a different perspective.
The Halloween celebration was a bit over hyped but the zoo itself is a wonderful place to bring toddlers. It is safe, clean and walkable.
There are picnic tables, ride for the little ones and inside places for if it’s raining.
I enjoy it.

Brookfield zoo has always been a favorite of mine when it comes to outdoor family fun. Whether your 2 or 102, it’s a great place to visit animals from around the world while enjoying the outdoors. I can see how people would react negatively to animals being caged and confined versus roaming free in their natural habitat but unlike other zoos, the animals here are well taken care of and appear happy.
Brookfield zoo’s pluses are that there’s always ample parking, it’s beautiful, it has lush landscaping and fountains, it’s bigger and I just think it’s nicer compared to LPZ’s. Also I believe the zoo is open year round? I know they hold their holiday lights fest around wintertime so they have to be open year round. There’s peacocks, ducks and geese roaming freely all over the compound. Mainly at or near their pond fountain. If your lucky enough to catch a peacock fanning out their exquisite chroma, this would be a perfect photo-​op to take in and enjoy.
Their tram is also very useful when you’ve walked a bunch and you want your puppies to take a lil rest. The tram makes stops all over the zoo so you can hop on and off unlimited times whenever you like. The Dolphin show was always a classic thing to do and last time I went they had their sting ray exhibit where you can pet the sting rays. But of course each activity must be paid for a la carte and is not included in your base ticket. Restaurants are decent but a lil on the expensive side. But when your visiting a touristy locale, expect to pay touristy prices.
The one thing I recall which made my visit the highlight of my day was visiting «Cookie» their long time resident pink cockatoo. He’s gotta be at least 70 or 80 years old now. He’s one of the original residents of the zoo when it opened. Nowadays he rarely makes visits. Only on his birthday and special days. Last I know he’s still around. If u get a chance to see him, he’s super cute! You could visit in December for the lights show but I prefer to go when it’s warmer and more animals are out on display.

Besides Their Normal Fun You Can Have Here On A Daily Basis, The Zoo Offers Many Seasonal Events.
«Festival Of Lights» Is One Of Those Speacial Events Offered Every Year Here.
You Won’t Be Disappointed When Planning A Fun Night Out In Cold Chicago.
Friendly & Professional Staff.
The Bonus Is The Animals. How Can You Not Enjoy Yourself.

I’ve never been a huge zoo fan in general. There is something about seeing such majestic and large animals in such small enclosures.
I ended up getting an annual pass for Brookfield Zoo though because I have a toddler and we are about 20 minutes away. This is a great place to take her to walk around, eat lunch, and get out of the house.
The Play Zoo is definitely the best new thing they’ve done for this zoo in my opinion. It is perfect for the kiddos to play while still learning about animals and zoos in general. Thank goodness my membership level has unlimited access to it — not all levels do. I think its a few bucks per person to enter if you don’t have a membership to let you it for free.
I park the stroller and let my daughter wander anywhere she wants in this place — stay with me here I’m still talking about the Play Zoo. There are Lemurs to the right as you walk in. They are usually running and bouncing around giving the kids a good show. They also have a porcupine, birds, and reptiles on exhibit in here. There are a few good places to crawl, jump, run around for kids. As a mom, I’m loving seeing her get tons of energy out. There is also a play veterinarian’s office so they can play Vet and work on animals. There is a craft spot — this I usually pass by since my daughter isn’t quite old enough for this. And there is also a spot to pet an animal. They seem to do an animal every hour. We’ve pet the Cat, Guinea Pig, and Snake thus far — all to my little one’s delight.
I think the Play Zoo is probably the reason I’ll spring for another membership next year.
Other than the Play Zoo I would say I love that we can bring in our own lunch and drinks here. It’s a great way to save money and have healthier food. In the summer they have amazing choices for food, drinks, and desserts though.
My personal favorite attraction has to be the Okapi. They are so sweet to look at and that exhibit is tucked in a corner so not many people choose to see it. I think my daughter’s favorite are usually the giraffes.
The thing I don’t like about this zoo is how small the enclosures seem to be — especially in the winter when everyone is inside. The poor giraffes have almost no walking room. I know I’m nowhere near an animal expert, but it breaks my heart. Alas, I will keep coming back until my daughter grows tired of this place.

Awesome zoo, especially during the holidays. They put up an impressive amount of lights and the whole place just looks amazing.
The only downside is that it costs money to park, but it’s worth it.

The zoo itself is nice. In addition to your typical zoo animals (Sans elephants) they try to represent different animals that are harder to maintain in captivity or require larger exhibits, such as dolphins and penguins. They also have some rare and/​or endangered animals such as the clouded leopard, Galapagos tortoise, and the Mexican wolf. They even have a sexy shrimp in the aquarium area (Ooh la la)! The grounds are also beautiful, and apparently they are recognized as an arboretum as well as a zoo here.
My main problem with the zoo is the abundance of rude and disgruntled staff. Almost everyone here either acted very jaded about working here or were not friendly at all. The only staff members that genuinely seemed nice were a very nice gentleman whose first day working at the gift stand was today, and the staff that were running the tram.
I’m also miffed at the lack of lids at all the restaurants and food stands. We asked the staff members and they said they don’t offer lids at any of the eateries. You can reuse your paper cup for free refills throughout the day, but with no lid to keep the liquid from accidentally spilling you have limited options for traveling with your drink while here. Perhaps the lack of lids is to discourage patrons from actually taking advantage of the unlimited refills?
I went with someone that signed up for the unlimited membership online. After submitting her application she did not receive any email with her temporary membership information. When she called, an agent said they would email a screenshot of her membership information to her. When she received it, the email was a blank screen, nothing else. Had she known how arduous of a process it was to sign up online she would have signed up in person!

Gosh. I have been hesitant to write a review of Brookfield Zoo for a while now, just because it has played such a HUGE role in my life that there is no way to adequately capture it in words. But I’m feeling pretty chatty today, so here goes!
I first visited Brookfield Zoo as a toddler, and I have been back probably 100 times since. Visiting the park, seeing the animals, and chatting with the keepers helped to shape my childhood and my love of animals. The park was always huge and clean and the most fun place ever in my little kid’s memories. I loved the dolphin shows, the elephants (sadly, there are no longer elephants since 2010), Tropic World, and the Mold-​O-​Ramas! The smell of those little plastic figurines (yes, they still have them) totally brings back all of the childhood excitement of a zoo visit.
Over the years, the zoo has grown here and there, adding attractions like Great Bear Wilderness, Hamill Family Play Zoo, Butterflies, the Stingray area, and many more. Almost every time that I go there is something new to see and enjoy. What many people don’t know is that in addition to animal attractions, there are lots of behind the scenes classes, programs, and events offered. You can view these programs and events on the zoo’s website. I make it a habit to check out the events page regularly and have been to so many great chats, activities, and classes.
As an adult, I am now not only a park lover but also a student at the zoo. Brookfield Zoo, in conjunction with Miami University (Ohio), offers a graduate degree program in Zoology. It is called the AIP program, and is really even more a conservation biology program than straight zoology. If you love animals, want to be more involved in the zoo, and want to make a difference in your community, I strongly encourage you to check out the program (also on the zoo’s website). You’ll spend plenty of time at the zoo for class, research, and behind the scenes work. It is a wonderful program and I can’t recommend it highly enough!

This is definitely NOT the same zoo I visited as a kid… for camp and school outings and whatnot, they have made significant improvements and expansions over the years, the many years and that’s not a bad thing!!! It’s always nice to see a zoo not out dated, and more importantly, a better place for the animals.
There is plenty of parking here, plenty of lots, though they are all pay lots… the walk is minimal. There are all kinds of «extras» to pay for here if you choose like stingray bay, and the dolphin show. There are all kinds of food, beer, gift shops, etc. I actually bought a few things at the gift shops this past weekend… they aren’t overly priced either!
On a cooler day, you can find less crowds, less strollers, etc. only the animals may not be outdoors for viewing. It is a nice place to walk around and spend the day… It may not be free like Lincoln Park zoo, but it IS way better because there is so much more here than there, even though it’s in the burbs.
They also have some nice events throughout the year during Halloween, and Holiday Magic during the winter… plan ahead for that one because the traffic going in this place can be an absolute nightmare, but it’s definitely worth it for some winter outdoor fun!