If you're looking for the perfect weekend escape just outside of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo is the place to go. Whether you're bringing kids or just someone who loves animals, Brookfield Zoo offers an unforgettable experience - and with a little planning, you can enjoy it for free or at a very low cost.
Here’s how we visited one of the best zoos in the Midwest without spending a fortune - and how you can do it too!
🐾 What Makes Brookfield Zoo Special?
Located just west of Chicago in Brookfield, IL, this massive zoo covers 235 acres and is home to more than 3,400 animals. It’s known not just for the variety of animals - from koalas to polar bears - but also for its beautiful walking paths, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and peaceful nature areas.
It’s the kind of place that’s fun for kids, adults, couples, and even solo adventurers. We spent almost the entire day here, and we didn’t even pay full price!
📅 Hours & General Admission
Brookfield Zoo is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- (Buildings close 30 minutes before the zoo closes.)
🎉 How to Visit Brookfield Zoo for Free
There are several ways to visit the zoo without paying general admission. Let me simplify it for you:
1. Library Pass Programs (Illinois Residents)
If you're an Illinois resident, you might be able to get free admission through your local library.
My Experience with Museum Adventure Pass (Suburban Public Library Cardholders)
Here’s how I got in for free:
- I signed up for a library card at my local library.
- Then, I visited museumadventure.org to check if my home library offered Brookfield Zoo passes.
- I filled out an Online Pass Request form.
- My library emailed me the pass, which was valid for one week and included two free admissions to Brookfield Zoo.
- I printed it, brought it to the zoo entrance, and got in for free!
💡 Tip: If you’re in Chicago proper, you can also check out the Explore More Illinois program through Chicago Public Library, which gives up to four free tickets.
2. More Ways to Get Free Admission
Even if you don’t use a library pass, you might still qualify for free general admission:
- Free Days: Usually offered in January and February (on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays). Open to everyone, not just Illinois residents.
- SNAP EBT cardholders: Free admission through the Museums for All program.
- Active, reservist and veterans of the military: Free with valid military ID.
- School groups: Many Illinois schools qualify for free entry.
🎟️ Note: Free admission covers general zoo entry only. Parking and extra attractions still have fees.
🚗 Smart Parking Tips (and How to Avoid Tickets)
Brookfield Zoo has two main parking lots:
- North Parking (main entrance)
- South Parking (closer to some exhibits)
🅿️ South Parking Tip:
We considered parking on nearby streets to save money, but here’s the catch:
McCormick Ave, Rockefeller Ave, and Hollywood Ave are residential permit parking only from 8 AM to 10 AM daily. In addition, there's no parking on Wednesdays from 8 AM to 4 PM between April 1 and November 30 for street cleaning, and no parking from 8 AM to 8 PM when snowfall reaches 2 inches or more between December 1 and March 31. Outside of these restricted hours, it seems okay to park there - just be sure to double check the signs before leaving your car!
🅿️ North Parking Tip:
There is some residential parking about a 15-minute walk away (e.g., Vernon Ave), but be aware of restrictions: no parking on Tuesdays from 8 AM to 4 PM between April 1 and November 30, and no parking after 2 inches of snowfall between December 1 and March 31.
Also, 31st Street near Brookfield Zoo does not have sidewalks, which can make the walk unsafe. In many cases, taking public transit (bus 331) or using the zoo’s parking lot is well worth the added convenience and safety.
🐘 What We Saw: Animals, Fun & Surprises
During my recent visit to Brookfield Zoo, I had the opportunity to explore various exhibits and encounter a diverse array of animals.
Some of our favorites:
- Koalas at the Hamill Family Play Zoo (did you know they eat toxic eucalyptus leaves thanks to special gut bacteria?)
- Goats at the Hamill Family Wild Encounters petting zoo
- Reindeer, sloth bears, and an African lion
- Amur Tigers, which are endangered - it was sad but meaningful to see them
- Sea lions swimming in the water
- Grevy’s Zebra, African painted dogs, giraffes, penguins, and even a Bactrian camel
- And... the most magical moment: seeing a polar bear swimming underwater! Truly unforgettable.
We somehow missed the monkey exhibit, and we didn’t get to walk the Forest Preserve Nature Trail on the zoo’s west side - something we’ll save for next time.
🌦️ Tips for Your Visit
We went on a chilly weekend morning, but here’s what made our visit super comfortable:
- Lots of indoor exhibits: It was easy to warm up between walking outdoors.
- Benches everywhere: After all the walking (and trust me, it’s a LOT), we appreciated having plenty of places to sit and rest.
- You can bring your own food! The zoo has lots of tables and picnic spots. Food inside the zoo can be pricey, so packing lunch is a great way to save money.
👨👩👧 Perfect for All Ages
Even though I don’t have kids, I had a fantastic time at Brookfield Zoo. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid again - whether you’re petting goats, marveling at a giraffe, or watching penguins waddle by. Of course, if you do have children, Brookfield Zoo is the ultimate weekend adventure. But even as adults, I found it relaxing, exciting, and 100% worth the visit. Honestly, this is a place I’d love to return to again and again - and next time, maybe I’ll make it to the monkeys!
🔑 Final Thoughts
Brookfield Zoo is more than just a zoo - it’s a little adventure tucked away in the Chicago suburbs. Whether you’re going on a romantic weekend outing, a family trip, or a solo day to connect with nature, it’s worth every minute.
And if you’re in Illinois, don’t forget to check out Museum Adventure Pass or Explore More Illinois for your free ticket in. That small effort could save you nearly $60 for two people!