General Information

 

Park Reopening Guidelines

The health and safety of our animals, staff, and guests are of paramount importance. As of June 11, 2021, the zoo will be operating under the Illinois Phase 5 guidelines.  Please read below to learn what buildings and attractions are now open. Please note that masks remain required inside ALL buildings at Brookfield Zoo. 

 

Open Buildings (FACE COVERINGS REMAIN REQUIRED INSIDE)

The following indoor buildings are currently open or will open at the designated day and time noted. ​All indoor buildings not mentioned, except for bathrooms, are currently closed. Please note that masks remain required inside ALL buildings at Brookfield Zoo (children 2 & under not required to wear masks). 

*BZ Red Hots
*Cafe del Sol
*Desert's Edge
*Great Bear Wilderness underwater viewing
*Feathers & Scales
*Habitat Africa!: The Forest
*Habitat Africa!: The Kopje
*Hamill Family Wild Encounters
*Living Coast (and splash pad outside)
*Pinniped Point underwater viewing
*Regenstein Wolf Woods indoor viewing
*Reptiles & Birds
*Seven Seas underwater viewing & Dolphins in Action
*The Swamp
*Tropic World: South America & Tropic World: Asia 

2021 Zoo Hours

Weekdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekends 10:00 a.m.  - 6:00 p.m.
*Buildings close 30 minutes before the zoo
 

Admission

Adults: $24.95
Seniors 65 and over: $19.95
Children 3 to 11: $17.95
Zoo admission and all available attractions are FREE for children 2 and under. 
For group of 20 or more, please click here to purchase admission tickets.
 
Fall Free Days presented by
 
Admission to Brookfield Zoo is free on the following days in 2021:
October 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
November 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21
(A parking fee still applies.)
 

Free Admission for Military Personnel

To show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the men and women in the United States Armed Forces, the Chicago Zoological Society is offering free admission to Brookfield Zoo to all active, reservist, and retired members of the military. The military benefit does not extend to family members. Payment for parking is required. Please present your military ID at one of the zoo's admission booths for entry.
 

Parking 

Guests can park in either the North Parking Lot (8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL) or South Parking Lot (3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL). Click here for directions to either lot. There are drop-off/pick-up areas available at both lots. 

Parking Fee at the North Gate
Cars: $15.00
Buses: $21.00
Cook County parking tax & Illinois Parking Excise Tax included.
Members: Free

Parking Fee at the South Gate
Cars: $15.00
Buses: $21.00
Cook County parking tax & Illinois Parking Excise Tax included.
Members: $5.00

Click here for directions if traveling by car. Click here for information if traveling via public transit. 

Membership

Get Free Admission & Free Parking Year-Round
Become a zoo member! You’ll receive free admission and parking for one year, a member’s email newsletter, guest admission passes, and discounts on special attractions throughout the year.  Membership benefits are available for use immediately after purchase.

Zoo Maps

• 2021 Zoo Map
• Zoo Walking Map
• Service Animal Map
• Quiet Locations Map

When you arrive at the zoo, you can download a map to your phone via QR codes available near the main gates. Please note that no paper maps are available at the zoo at this time. 

Attractions

Dolphins in Action

Get to know our dolphins through the exciting and educational Dolphins in Action! Learn about dolphin social structures and adaptations as our dolphins captivate you with aerial displays and other exhibitions that show off their incredible intelligence and agility. Please note that masks are required for all guests inside Seven Seas.

TICKETS
Adults: $6.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $4.00 
Children 3 to 11: $3.00

SCHEDULE
Weekdays 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Weekends 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Hamill Family Wild Encounters

A great time for guests of all ages, Hamill Family Wild Encounters features unforgettable hands-on experiences that include opportunities to interact with and feed animals, including parakeets and goats. Guests can also get up close with red pandas, llamas, alpacas, wallabies, and reindeer as well as meet with various Animal Ambassadors throughout the day. 

TICKETS
Adults: $6.00 ($3.00 for members)
Seniors 65 & Over: $4.00 ($2.00 for members)
Children 3 to 11: $3.00  ($1.50 for members)
*Seed sticks for parakeets are available for $2.00 each and sold inside the aviary. Credit cards only.
*Please note that the goat yard is closed but guests can still feed goats from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily.

The Carousel

Weather permitting: Take a spin in one of the largest hand-carved wooden carousels in the country! Located near the zoo’s North Gate entrance, The Carousel features 72 animals to choose from, some representing highly endangered animals from around the world, as well as three stationary animal chariots. Please Note: All seated riders require a ticket.

TICKETS
Adults: $4.00 ($2.00 for members)
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.50 ($1.75 for members)
Children 3 to 11: $3.00 ($1.50 for members)

SCHEDULE
Weekdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Weekends: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Weather Dependent

Motor Safari

Hop aboard the Motor Safari for a narrated ride around Brookfield Zoo! You'll get to know all the exhibits and fun things to do here at the zoo while also learning about the conservation work we do as well as get insights into the history of the Chicago Zoological Society. It's a great way to relax while getting the most out of your Brookfield Zoo experience. Please Note: All riders require a ticket.

TICKETS
Adults: $6.00 ($3.00 for members)
Seniors 65 & Over: $4.00 ($2.00 for members)
Children 3 to 11: $3.00 ($1.50 for members)

SCHEDULE
Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Weather permitting

ECV/Stroller/Wagon Rentals

Rentals are available near the North and South Gates. Please note: Brookfield Zoo requests a deposit with all rentals. For rental of electronic convenience vehicles (ECV) and wheelchair rentals, the zoo requires credit card information as a security deposit. The zoo has a limited number of ECVs and wheelchairs for rent. Please call (708) 688-8347 to reserve an ECV or wheelchair in advance to assure one is available for your visit. Same day reservations are not accepted.

Dolphin Stroller: $10.00
Wagon: $13.00
Single Stroller: $10.00
Double Stroller: $13.00
Wheelchair: $12.00
Electronic Convenience Vehicle: $25.00
*A cash deposit of $10.00 is required with stroller and wagon rentals.
*Credit cards are necessary for ECV and wheelchair rentals.

Accessibility

For Wheelchair or Electronic Convenience Vehicle (“ECV”) rentals, please call (708) 688-8347 to reserve one in advance of your visit. If you call and leave a message prior to 5:00 p.m., someone will get back to you the same day. For a description of all the rentals available and associated costs, please click on “Rental (Alquiler)” below. An advance reservation for a stroller or wagon is not needed. Same day reservations for wheelchairs and ECVs are not accepted. For more information, visit our Accessibility page.
 

Park Rules

For a full list of  rules, including service animals, allowed food, attire requirements, and animal safety, visit our Park Rules page.