If you are someone who loves animals and likes the thrill of seeing one, you are most definitely going to love zoos. If you are wondering about how many zoos in Chicago, there are plenty. Chicago is considered one of the best places to visit zoos because of the wide abundance of the same around. The entirety of Chicago does have a wide range of zoos all around the city. But, if you are not sure which ones to visit and which ones are the best in the lot, we have got your back with the best zoos in Chicago.
9 Best Zoos in Chicago
In this article, we are going to be discussing the top 10 zoos located around the city of Chicago that are a must visit for you.
1. Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is possibly the biggest and one of the best zoos in Chicago. Spread over a total area of over 35 acres, it is located in the Lincoln Park of Chicago and hence the name. It is completely a free admission zoo and is one of the few such zoos that’s spread around the entirety of the United States. It is also an accredited member of the popular Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The majority of the people who have visited the Lincoln Park Zoo have nothing but the best to say about it. The zoo also actively participates in the Grevy’s Zebra Species Survival Plan. If you are planning on visiting during winters, keep the timings in check because it closes early.
Location: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Timing: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry fees: Free
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2. Brookfield Zoo
The second in the list of the popular zoos around Chicago is the Brookfield Zoo. It is also alternatively known as the Chicago Zoological Park. The zoo is located in the Chicago suburb of Brookfield from where it derives its name. It is spread over an area of 216 acres and is home to over 450 species of animals from different kingdoms which definitely mark it as one of the most popular ones in the lot. Some of the popular exhibits in the zoo include that of the Pinniped Point, Big Cats, and even the Salt Creek Wilderness.
Location: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, USA
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends
Entry fees: $13.50 for adults; $9.50 for children ages 3 to 11; and $9.50 for seniors age 65 and older
3. Willowbrook Wildlife Centre
The Willowbrook Wildlife Centre is quite a popular spot to visit and see animals in their habitats around. It is located in the Willowbrook Forest Preserve in the Glen Ellyn. It is predominantly a native wildlife rehabilitation center, which mainly focuses on providing the injured and hurt wild animals with the necessary care and treatment for their speedy recovery. Not just that, it also serves as an effective resource to be able to teach the common residents of DuPage County to live in harmony with wildlife.
Location: 525 S Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, USA
Timings: 8 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry fees: Free
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4. Scales and Tales Travelling Zoo
Just as the name suggests, the scales and tales travelling zoo are exactly what it sounds like. The zoo and the animals on exhibit aren’t constrained to just one single place, but the same wanders around. The zoo is primarily based around the S Racine Avenue but is on the constant move. Also known as the Chicago Travelling Zoo, this has been playing shows for the common crowd for 20 years. The entire crew of animals is led by Beth, who nurtures and takes care of all the animals. They are known to put up one of the friendliest shows around and is considered as one of the petting zoos in Chicago.
Location: 1804 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Timings: (around the road, varying timings)
Entry fees: Free
5. Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
If birds and tranquil nature entice you, visiting the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary would be everything you would need while in Chicago. This is one of the biggest migratory bird sanctuaries around and is believed to be home to thousands of species of such migratory birds. The entire place is spread around an area of 7.84 acres that has nature tracks, viewing paths and platforms. It attracts every kind of bird lovers who love to simply sit down and enjoy the magical environment that they are blessed with. It is located at 3550 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60613, USA and opens at 6 AM every day.
Location: 3550 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60613, USA
Timings: 6 AM to 11 PM
Entry fees: –
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6. North Pond Nature Sanctuary
Located in the Lincoln Park itself, the North Pond Nature Sanctuary is yet another one of the animal exhibits that is loved and adored not just by the locals but by the tourists alike. It is believed that the same is around 130-year-old pond nature sanctuary, which in itself is an amazing thing to witness. It is located in the N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA and opens when the Lincoln Park Zoo opens as well. Visitors claim that the walk by the pond is tranquil and if you are visiting during the spring season, look out for the ducks.
Location: N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry fees: Free
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7. Regenstein Center for African Apes
The Regenstein Center for African Apes is also part or rather an extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo, where the visitors can come close to the apes, chimpanzees and the gorillas that have found their home there. It is home to some of the endangered species of western lowland gorillas as well as chimpanzees and exists to provide with the most realistic looking environment for them to live in comfortably.
Location: 2058-2156 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fees : –
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8. Helen Brach Primate House
The Helen Brach Primate House is yet another extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo and is home to primates of varying shapes, sizes and colour. The area is made in a way to imitate the natural habitat for the primates to make them feel safe and familiar at the place that they are residing in. It was opened back in 1927 which finally underwent an extensive renovation in the year 1992. It also has a larger outdoor setting which is perfect for the gibbons to play around in during the summer months.
Location: 2058-2156 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
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9. John G. Shedd Aquarium
If you have been seeking any good aquarium to take your child to, the John G. Shedd Aquarium is the answer to all your questions. It is home to a wide range of sea animals, fishes and an abundance of marine life. It also hosts a parade at the amphitheater in the Oceanarium. You can even witness a wide range of wild reef and creeks once you dive deeper. It is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago.
Location: 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Entry fees: $19.95 for residents and $39.95 for non-residents
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The list of zoos in Chicago is quite extensive given the fact that the places mentioned go above and beyond to conserve and protect the wildlife to the maximum of extent. So, plan a trip to Chicago and visit these zoos for the ultimate adventure.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
