No, parking at Brookfield Zoo is not free. Parking is $15 per vehicle and $20 per bus or RV. Payment can be made by cash, credit, or debit at the ticket window. It is free for cars with a pass from a partner organization such as a participating library or corporate partner.
During winter hours (October – April) the price is $10. Motorcycles and bicycles can access the parking lots for free.
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Do you have to pay for parking at Brookfield Zoo?
Yes, there is a fee for parking at Brookfield Zoo. The fee varies depending on the type of vehicle you are driving. Vehicles with fewer than six occupants have a $15 flat fee, while vehicles with six or more occupants have a fee of $20 for the day.
Seasonal parking passes are also available for purchase if you plan to visit the Zoo multiple times throughout the year. Payment for parking can be made with cash or credit card at the entry gates and at any of the automated parking payment machines located in the Zoo parking lots.
How much does it cost to go to the Brookfield Zoo?
The cost of admission to the Brookfield Zoo varies depending on the time of year and day you wish to visit. Generally, adults are charged $20. 95, children ages 3-11 pay $14. 95, and children under the age of 3 enter the zoo for free.
Seniors aged 65 and over are charged $17. 95. There are additional discounts available, including $2 discounts available to residents of Brookfield, North Riverside, and La Grange Park. Additionally, there are various “Total Experience” ticket packages available that bundle admission to the zoo with other attractions, such as a 4-D Theatre, carousel tickets, a Serengeti Safari ride, and more.
These packages can be purchased for varying amounts, depending on the type of ticket purchased.
What days are Brookfield Zoo free?
Brookfield Zoo is free to the public on select holidays throughout the year. On these days, no admission fee is required in order to enter the zoo grounds. Free days typically fall on Martin Luther King, Jr.
, Day (January), Presidents Day (February), Memorial Day (May), Independence Day (July), Labor Day (September), and Columbus Day (October). These dates may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the Brookfield Zoo’s website to ensure that you know the exact date of their next free admission day.
On these holidays, general admission to the zoo is free, however, some rides, attractions, and special exhibits may require additional fees.
Can you bring water into Brookfield Zoo?
Yes, you can bring your own water into Brookfield Zoo. The zoo recommends that you bring an empty plastic water bottle with you to the Zoo and fill it up from the publicly accessible water drinking fountains located throughout the grounds.
There are also concessions areas, where you can purchase bottled water or other beverages. You must also keep in mind that, due to security and safety considerations, glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the Zoo.
Is Brookfield Zoo cashless?
No, Brookfield Zoo is not a cashless facility at this time. Including credit or debit cards, cash, checks, or money orders. If you plan to pay with cash, please be advised that no change can be given for admission sales and all admission tickets must be purchased in their entirety.
To make purchases inside the zoo, cash and debit/credit cards are accepted at most concessions. This may change in the short term so please refer to the Zoo’s website for updates.
How big is the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago?
The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois is 80 acres in size, making it one of the largest zoos in the United States. Located approximately 13 miles from downtown Chicago, the zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.
Additionally, the zoo features many educational exhibits, various rides, and lush landscapes. Founded over 80 years ago, the Brookfield Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in the nation, and even the world.
Forthill and grazing animals are on-site and represent the savanna, while aquatic animals are housed in the Seven Seas Panorama building and the Riverview Lagoon. In addition to the diverse animal collection, the Brookfield Zoo also offers a variety of other attractions, such as the historic carousel, a ropes course, an interactive children’s zoo, performance venues, and a variety of interactive education experiences.
On top of all this, the zoo also offers a variety of special events throughout the year, such as their Summer Nights event and the annual Boo at the Zoo.
Is Brookfield Zoo bigger than Lincoln Park Zoo?
No, In terms of the actual land area the Brookfield Zoo is actually smaller than the Lincoln Park Zoo. The Brookfield Zoo covers 216 acres while the Lincoln Park Zoo covers over 216 acres, which makes it the largest zoo in Chicago.
However, the Brookfield Zoo does have more total animals with over 400 species, compared to Lincoln Park Zoo which has about 200 species of animals. Despite having less land, the Brookfield Zoo has far more attractions and interactive experiences for visitors.
Brookfield Zoo also has an insectarium, carousel, dolphin show, and many other interactive experiences that Lincoln Park Zoo does not have. All of these attractions create a wonderful day for visitors.
Why did Brookfield Zoo get rid of elephants?
The Brookfield Zoo made a difficult but important decision to phase out its elephant program. This decision came in the wake of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) decision to end the practice of housing and exhibiting elephants.
The AZA released its Elephant Sustainability Program in 2018 to outline new veterinary care, holder and management standards for elephant care and management in AZA-accredited zoos. The goal of this program is to ensure elephants living in AZA-accredited facilities are receiving the best possible physical and psychological care from highly-skilled personnel.
While Brookfield Zoo’s elephant program initially met the standards set forth by the AZA, the program was shut down due to the increasing costs required to maintain high levels of animal care and husbandry.
Additionally, the zoo was unable to find any female elephants for additional breeding that meet the AZA’s stringent standards and requirements. In the end, Brookfield Zoo opted to cut its elephant program in order to make room for more species that needed care and to use their resources in more impactful ways.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Brookfield Zoo?
Yes, it is recommended that you buy tickets in advance for Brookfield Zoo, especially if you plan on visiting during peak times, such as weekends and holidays. Buying tickets online will not just save you time but also money since you can get discounted rates.
You can also bundle ticket options, including separately ticketed experiences or events, and save up to 20% on admission. Additionally, advanced purchase tickets are risk free, as you get a full refund if plans change.
Finally, if you plan to visit frequently, it is advantageous to join Brookfield Zoo as a member, giving you free admission and unlimited access to different exhibits.
Can I buy Brookfield Zoo tickets at the gate?
Yes, you can buy Brookfield Zoo tickets at the gate. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, Brookfield Zoo has implemented a timed-entry system due to COVID-19. When you arrive, you’ll first buy a general admission ticket for the date and time of your choice at the ticket booth or online before entering the park.
All visitors must purchase tickets in advance and select an arrival time as the zoo may reach capacity at certain points during the day and entry will be denied. Only a limited number of tickets sold at gates for same-day admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
You can purchase and print tickets online, or use Apple or Google Pay at the ticket booth to reduce contact. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID to the ticket booth in order to pick up pre-purchased tickets.
For more information on ticket purchases, visit the Brookfield Zoo’s website.
Can you buy tickets for Brookfield Zoo at the zoo?
Yes, you can buy tickets for Brookfield Zoo at the zoo. The zoo offers a variety of ticket options depending on your needs, including individual tickets as well as group passes. You can purchase tickets outside of the zoo, at nearby retailers or online, but buying them at the zoo is the best option since you won’t have to wait for tickets to arrive and you will get the lowest pricing.
When you buy tickets at the zoo, you can also explore other amenities at the same time, such as food and souvenirs, or explore the grounds and get a good look at the animals. Plus, you can get any additional information you need directly from knowledgeable zoo staff.
Is Brookfield Zoo free on Tuesday and Thursday?
No, Brookfield Zoo is not free on Tuesday and Thursday. Though the zoo does offer discounted admission for Illinois residents on Tuesday, regular admission rates still apply. On Thursdays, the zoo does not offer discounted admission, nor is it free.
To visit the zoo on these two days, regular admission rates will apply. In addition, special events and some attractions may also require an additional ticket purchase.
What are free days at Brookfield Zoo in Illinois?
The Brookfield Zoo in Illinois offers free admission days to the public throughout the year. Some of these free days may change from year to year, but in general, the zoo offers several free days, including the following:
-First Day of Spring: Every year, the Brookfield Zoo opens its doors free of charge on the first day of spring.
-Fourth of July: The Brookfield Zoo opens its doors free of charge on the Fourth of July.
-Fall Free Weekends: During the months of September and October, the zoo offers free admission on weekends.
-Veterans Day: The Brookfield Zoo opens its doors free of charge on Veterans Day.
-In addition, seniors (65 and older) are admitted free of charge every day.
The Brookfield Zoo also offers discounts for students, military personnel, and IL residents who can show ID. All of these discounts can be found on the Brookfield Zoo’s website, www. czs. org/brookfieldzoo.
The Brookfield Zoo offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the amazing animals and habitats of the world in one place. Whether through free admission days or discounted admission prices, everyone can take advantage of the opportunity to experience the wonders of this amazing zoo.
How much are Brookfield Zoo tickets?
The cost of tickets to Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois varies depending on the type of admission and whether visitors are planning to visit on a weekday or weekend. On weekdays, general admission is $15.
95 for adults, $11. 95 for children 3-11, and $12. 95 for seniors 65+. On weekends, general admission is $19. 95 for adults, $14. 95 for children 3-11 and $16. 95 for seniors 65+. Children 2 and under and members of Brookfield Zoo have free admission.
Additionally, visitors may purchase a dual general admission ticket for the Chicago Zoological Society and Shedd Aquarium for $61. 90 for adults, $42. 90 for children 3-11 and $51. 90 for seniors 65+.
Note: Brookfield Zoo offers special discounts for military members, police and fire personnel, and college students. Visitors should bring applicable documents with them to take advantage of the discounts.
To avoid lines at the ticket window, it is recommended that visitors purchase tickets in advance online.
