General Information

Zoo Hours

Brookfield Zoo is open every day of the year. Please note that indoor animal exhibits close 30 minutes before general zoo closing, except for Tropic World, which closes 45 minutes before general zoo closing. 

Memorial Day - Labor Day (May 25–September 7)
Daily: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

September 3 - October 27
Weekdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

October 28 - March 21
Daily: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

March 21 - May 24
Weekdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Weekends: 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

 

Admission

Adults: $21.95 ($20.95 when you order online)
Seniors 65 and over: $15.95 ($14.95 when you order online)
Children 3 to 11: $15.95 ($14.95 when you order online)
*Tickets must be used within a 12-month period.

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. Qualified personnel who present a valid ID at any zoo admission booths will be admitted free of charge.
 

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. 

Car Parking Fee: $14.00
Bus Parking Fee: $20.00

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 weekly member's newsletter, discounts at the zoo's shops and restaurants, guest passes, and discounts on special attractions throughout the year. Membership benefits are available for use immediately after purchase.
 

Group Sales

If you have a group of 20 or more guests and will be traveling to Brookfield Zoo via bus, we offer group rates. Tickets must be reserved and paid for at least 7-10 days prior to your visit. Tickets are non-refundable and valid only on the date of your visit. Get more information on group sales here.
 

Zoo Maps

• 2019 Brookfield Zoo Map
• 2019 Zoo Walking Map
• 2019 Service Animal Map
• 2019 Quiet Locations Map
 

Attractions

Dolphins in Action

Meet our amazing dolphins through the exciting and educational Dolphins in Action! Learn about social structures and adaptations as our dolphins captivate you with aerial displays and other exhibitions that show off their incredible intelligence and agility.

Weekdays: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

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

Adults: $5.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00 
Children 3 to 11: $3.00
 

Hamill Family Play Zoo

The award-winning Hamill Family Play Zoo is a treasure trove of activities and experiences you won't want to miss. Children will have fun interacting, exploring, building, and playing, all the while connecting with nature. They can pretend to be an animal care specialist, dress up like a lemur, or make some cool arts & crafts. The goal is to foster a sense of appreciation and caring for nature by doing, rather than communicating scientific concepts or facts. The Play Zoo is ready to welcome guests at 10:00 a.m. every day but closes 30 minutes before the park closes.

Adults: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
Children 3 to 11: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
 

Hamilly 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.

Adults: $5.00 ($2.50 for Members)
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
Children 3 to 11: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
 

The Carousel

Take a spin on one of the largest hand-carved wooded carousels in the country! Located near the zoo’s North Gate entrance, the Carousel features 72 animals to ride. Some of them are animals that can also be found here at the zoo and some are highly endangered, as well as three stationary animal chariots. Please Note: All seated writers require a ticket. The Carousel is weather-permitting.

Adults and children: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
 

Motor Safari

There's no better way to get to know Brookfield Zoo and all the animals here then by taking a ride in the Motor Safari. You'll learn about the history of the zoo and learn interesting facts about each animal. Please Note: Motor Safari runs weekends-only through October (weather-dependant) as well as on Columbus Day, October 14. Tickets allow guests to ride all day.

Adults: $5.00 ($2.50 for Members)
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
Children 3 to 11: $3.00 ($1.50 for Members)
 

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.

Wheelchairs $12.00 (plus credit card deposit)
Wagons: $13.00 (plus $10 deposit)
Dolphin Strollers: $10.00 (plus $10 deposit)
Electronic Convenience Vehicle: $25.00
 

Park Rules

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