Chicago's Big Zoos and Aquariums

 
Rendering of the Amphitheatre in the Wildlife Discovery Zone, courtesy of the Brookfield Zoo. 

1. Brookfield Zoo — Brookfield

Opened in 1934, this 216-acre park is home to more than 2,300 animals of 450 species. The Zoo recently began a decade-long plan for improvements, which will include 14 eco-regions families can explore. The plan started to shape up in 2025 with the openitng new Bramsen Tropical Forests exhibit, a three-acre primate habitat that incorporates the latest in primate care and wellness. The dolphin habitat was renovated in 2024. Our family favorites pre-renovations include Great Bear Wilderness, which includes big picture windows with underwater viewing of the grizzlies and polar bears; Tropic World, which features rainforest habitats from South America, Asia, and Africa; and the Living Coast, a South American-themed exhibit with fish and the penguins that my kids imitate for days on end.

The zoo has lots of options for eating, including BZ Red Hots, Cafe Del Sol, and Wild Burger, but you're also allowed to bring in a cooler of your own food. I recommend eating in a paved area to avoid the geese and peacocks that roam free throughout the zoo. Both suburban and city families can easily access the zoo via car or Metra—it's just a few blocks walk from the Brookfield stop on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line.

Hi there, baby. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo

2. Lincoln Park Zoo — Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of just a handful of free zoos left in America. Founded in 1868, it is home to more than 1,100 animals of about 200 species. One of the most popular exhibits (and my personal favorite) is the Regenstein Center for African Apes, which allows visitors to see gorillas and chimpanzees up close and personal—sometimes they're sitting just inches away on the other side of the glass. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo offers a more tactile experience, with features that kids can touch and climb on while they explore animals like black bears, turtles, otters, and wolves. The lion habitat and flamingo pond are great centerpieces for the zoo, easily accessible right as you walk in.

We have a whole in-depth review of Lincoln Park Zoo, where we take you through all the best exhibits and give our tips for eating at the Zoo and more. 

Photo courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Board.

3. Shedd Aquarium — Museum Campus

More than 32,000 aquatic animals are on display at this lakefront museum, giving visitors the chance to see fish, sharks, whales, and more from all over the world. The centerpiece of the Shedd Aquarium is the Caribbean Reef, a 90,000-gallon circular aquarium with 360-degree views of sharks, parrotfish, sea turtles, and rays. Around the reef, several hallways extend where visitors can explore sea life from different regions, from nearby rivers and lakes to the Amazon to polar areas. In the Abbott Oceanarium, kids can see dolphins, beluga whales, sea otters, and California sea lions.

Learn more about our favorite exhibits, plus parking and dining tips, from our review of Shedd Aquarium. 

 
Photo courtesy of Maureen Wilkey

4. Milwaukee County Zoo — Milwaukee

Our neighbors to the north also have a great zoo experience available that may be easier to get to for Far North Suburban families. Milwaukee County Zoo covers 190 acres with 1,800 animals, including one big one that neither Chicago zoo has: elephants! The zoo is divided into several exhibits that require some walking, but the walks are well-shaded and include places to stop for food or bathroom breaks. We recommend going south (left) from the main entrance first to see the big cats, elephants, camels, and other African animals, followed by the polar bears and harbor seals. Then head west toward the hooved animals and otters. After that, a walk through the woods leads visitors to the Small Mammals building and the Aquatic & Reptile Center. Looping around to the north will take you to the primates, apes, and birds.

Bigger kids might also enjoy the Sky Adventure Ropes Course and Zip Line while little kids love a ride on the carousel. Many restaurants and food courts are scattered throughout the zoo, or families can bring their own food. The zoo has plenty of parking but is not easily accessible via public transit.

Our Favorite Smaller Zoos Near Chicago

5. Cosley Zoo — Wheaton

For families who want to get outside and see some animals, but aren't ready for a full-day experience, Cosley Zoo is just the ticket. You only need about an hour to complete a loop to see the zoo's 200 animals from more than 50 species. Cosley features mostly farm animals and local wildlife including cows, chickens, sheep, pigs, llamas, a coyote, raccoons, deer, and a variety of birds. Kids can also enjoy an interactive play space inside the boxcar at the zoo, which is located on the site of an old train station.

Parking is free and easily available. The Coyote Cafe and Concession Stand serves kids' lunch standards like hot dogs and chicken nuggets.

6. Racine Zoological Gardens — Racine

Just north of the Wisconsin border, this 32-acre zoo has 100 species of animals, mostly focused on animals native to Wisconsin. There are also monkeys, kangaroos, giraffes, lions, tigers, and bears (oh, my!). On weekends, families can enjoy chats with various animals every hour. Kids can also feed the birds in the Norco Aviary, take a barnyard safari with domesticated animals from around the world, play on two playgrounds, or ride on a miniature train called the Zoo Choo express.

Free parking is available in lots or on the streets near the zoo. Families can dine at Max & Jenny's Jungle Grill or The Watering Hole Bar & Snacks.

7. Potawatomi Zoo — South Bend, IN

This 23-acre zoo in northern Indiana is mainly organized by the continent of origin of each species. Its 500 animals are divided into exhibits featuring Australia, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, as well as a farm exhibit. Potawatomi Zoo is home to snakes, lions, birds, turtles, otters, cows, rhinoceros, rabbits, armadillos, bison, and more. The zoo's newest additions include Andean bear brothers who were brought to the zoo in late 2024, and a family of giraffes. Mama giraffe moved to Indiana in 2023 and a new calf was born in 2024.  

Families can take a ride on the Potawatomi Express and dine at the Congo Cafe or Otter Outpost. The zoo is currently raising funds for a new big cat habitat to enhance its experience.

8. Miller Park Zoo — Bloomington, IL

This downstate zoo is home to monkeys, tigers, alpacas, alligators, snow leopards, and otters. The zoo's Children's Zoo Complex and Tropical Rain Forest exhibit were built within the last 20 years, making it a little more modern than some of the historic zoos on our list. Admission tops out at just $9 and concessions are relatively inexpensive, from about $3-$9, giving families the chance to tour a zoo and see some animals without spending a fortune. Miller Park Zoo also has a variety of affordable camps and classes for local kids to enjoy.

FAQs About Zoos and Aquariums in Chicago

Q: Is there a free zoo in Chicago?

A: Yes! Lincoln Park Zoo is free. There are a handful of attractions that are paid, like the carousel and the train ride, but you can see the vast majority of the zoo for free during regular hours.

Q: What is the best zoo near Chicago for kids?

That depends on what you're looking for. Brookfield Zoo Chicago is the most expansive, and the most expensive. You'll see a wide variety of animals and it's easily a full-day attraction. It's also improving all the time with new things to see and do. If you want a great zoo experience without paying a lot of money or leaving the city, Lincoln Park Zoo is your best bet. There's still plenty to see and do, but you can get away with paying for only bus or parking fees. If it's a 0-degree January day, head to the Shedd Aquarium for a fully indoor experience.

Q: Where do I park for Shedd Aquarium?

Here's a trick — the easiest parking for the Shedd Aquarium is at Adler Planetarium, especially if you haven't mastered the art of Chicago parallel parking. Plan on paying around $27 per day to park. Or pay a meter on Solidarity Drive if you get there early and feel comfortable with parallel parking.

Unless noted, photos by the author

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