Directions To Brookfield Zoo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Brookfield Zoo, you’re in for a treat. This world-renowned zoological park, located just outside of Chicago, offers a wide range of experiences for visitors of all ages. From exotic animals to beautiful gardens, there’s something for everyone at Brookfield Zoo. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, including top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. So, let’s get started!
Top Attractions at Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 400 species. Some of the top attractions include:
The Great Bear Wilderness
This exhibit features grizzly bears, polar bears, and sloth bears in their natural habitats. Visitors can also see gray wolves, bald eagles, and beavers in this area.
The Tropic World exhibit
This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through three different ecosystems: the rainforest, the savanna, and the flooded forest. Visitors can see a wide range of animals, including gorillas, orangutans, lemurs, and pygmy hippos.
The Australia House
This exhibit features animals from the land down under, including kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Visitors can also see a variety of birds in this exhibit.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions at Brookfield Zoo are definitely worth seeing, there are also some hidden gems that are worth checking out:
The Fragrance Garden
This beautiful garden features a wide range of fragrant plants and flowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the lovely scents.
The Hamill Family Play Zoo
This interactive exhibit is designed for children and allows them to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Children can pet goats, sheep, and rabbits, and even get a chance to milk a cow.
The Butterfly Exhibit
This exhibit features hundreds of butterflies from around the world. Visitors can walk through the exhibit and even have butterflies land on them.
Food Scene
When it comes to food, Brookfield Zoo has plenty of options. Visitors can enjoy everything from burgers and hot dogs to salads and sandwiches. There are also several snack stands throughout the park that offer popcorn, pretzels, and other treats. For those who want to bring their own food, there are several picnic areas located throughout the park.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Visiting Brookfield Zoo doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips for visiting on a budget:
Visit on a weekday
Admission prices are lower on weekdays than on weekends.
Bring your own food
Bringing your own food can save you money on meals.
Use public transportation
If you’re coming from Chicago, you can take the Metra train to the Brookfield Zoo stop. This is a cheaper option than driving and paying for parking.
Outdoor Adventures
Brookfield Zoo isn’t just about seeing animals. There are also plenty of outdoor adventures to be had:
The Carousel
The beautiful carousel at Brookfield Zoo is a favorite among children and adults alike. Visitors can take a ride on a variety of animals, including horses, tigers, and zebras.
The Children’s Zoo
This interactive exhibit allows children to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including goats, sheep, and rabbits. Children can also climb on a giant spider web and explore a maze.
The Nature Boardwalk
This beautiful boardwalk takes visitors through a variety of natural habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and forests. Visitors can see a wide range of birds and other wildlife in this area.
Historical Landmarks
Brookfield Zoo has a rich history, and there are several historical landmarks located throughout the park:
The Lion House
This beautiful building was built in 1910 and is one of the oldest buildings at Brookfield Zoo. Visitors can see a variety of big cats in this area, including lions, tigers, and leopards.
The Carousel Pavilion
This beautiful pavilion was built in 1912 and houses the zoo’s carousel. Visitors can take a ride on this historic carousel and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
The Tropic World Building
This building was built in 1982 and is one of the most popular attractions at Brookfield Zoo. Visitors can see a wide range of animals from around the world in this area.
Family-Friendly Activities
Brookfield Zoo is a great place for families, and there are plenty of activities that children will love:
The Hamill Family Play Zoo
This interactive exhibit allows children to get up close and personal with a variety of animals. Children can pet goats, sheep, and rabbits, and even get a chance to milk a cow.
The Dolphin Show
This popular show features Atlantic bottlenose dolphins performing a variety of tricks and stunts. Children will love watching these amazing animals in action.
The Carousel
The beautiful carousel at Brookfield Zoo is a favorite among children and adults alike. Visitors can take a ride on a variety of animals, including horses, tigers, and zebras.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, there are several off-the-beaten-path experiences at Brookfield Zoo:
The Butterfly Exhibit
This exhibit features hundreds of butterflies from around the world. Visitors can walk through the exhibit and even have butterflies land on them.
The Fragrance Garden
This beautiful garden features a wide range of fragrant plants and flowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the lovely scents.
The Nature Boardwalk
This beautiful boardwalk takes visitors through a variety of natural habitats, including wetlands, prairies, and forests. Visitors can see a wide range of birds and other wildlife in this area.
Natural Wonders
Brookfield Zoo is home to a wide range of natural wonders, including:
The Great Bear Wilderness
This exhibit features grizzly bears, polar bears, and sloth bears in their natural habitats. Visitors can also see gray wolves, bald eagles, and beavers in this area.
The Australia House
This exhibit features animals from the land down under, including kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Visitors can also see a variety of birds in this exhibit.
The Fragrance Garden
This beautiful garden features a wide range of fragrant plants and flowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the lovely scents.
Vibrant Nightlife
While Brookfield Zoo isn’t exactly known for its nightlife, there are a few things to do after dark:
The Summer Nights Concert Series
During the summer months, Brookfield Zoo hosts a concert series featuring a wide range of musical acts. Visitors can enjoy live music, food, and drinks in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The Holiday Magic Light Display
During the holiday season, Brookfield Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful light display, ice carving demonstrations, and other holiday activities.
Local Markets
If you’re looking to do some shopping, there are several local markets near Brookfield Zoo:
The Brookfield Farmers Market
This farmers market takes place on Saturdays from May through October. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products.
The Riverside Farmers Market
This farmers market takes place on Wednesdays from June through October. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products.
Beaches and Mountains
While there aren’t any beaches or mountains at Brookfield Zoo, there are several nearby attractions:
The Indiana Dunes
Located about an hour from Brookfield Zoo, the Indiana Dunes offer miles of beautiful beaches and hiking trails.
The Starved Rock State Park
Located about two hours from Brookfield Zoo, Starved Rock State Park offers stunning views of the Illinois River and miles of hiking trails through canyons and waterfalls.