General Information
2020 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.
January 1 - March 21
Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
March 21 - May 22
Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekends: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Memorial Day - Labor Day (May 23–September 7)
Daily: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Summer Nights Concerts: 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
September 8 - October 25
Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Weekends: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
October 26 - December 31
Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Holiday Magic Days: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Admission
Adults: $24.95 ($23.95 when you order online)
Seniors 65 and over: $19.95 ($18.95 when you order online)
Children 3 to 11: $17.95 ($16.95 when you order online)
Zoo admission and all attractions (excluding The Carousel) are FREE for children 2 and under.
*Tickets must be used within a 12-month period.
Zoo Free Days
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from January 1 through February 29.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 1 through December 31.
*Free admission is good only during regular zoo hours. Zoo admission fees apply to Holiday Magic.
**Please note this does not include zoo attractions.
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.
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 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.
January 1 - April 3
Daily: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
April 4 - May 22
Weekdays: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Weekends: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., & 4:00 p.m.
May 23 - September 7
Monday - Wednesday: 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., & 4:00 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday: 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m.*, 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
*On Fridays and Saturdays from June 19 to August 8 (excluding July 3-4), there will be a 6:00 p.m. Dolphins in Action instead of at 1:00 p.m.
September 8 - November 1
Weekdays: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Weekends: 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.
November 2 - December 31
Daily: 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
*There is an additional 6:00 p.m. show on Holiday Magic evenings
Adults: $6.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $4.00
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.
Admission: Free through February 29, 2020
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.
Admission: Free through February 29, 2020
* Seed sticks for parakeets are available for $2.00 each and sold inside the aviary.
* Please note that the wallaby and goat yards will be closed for the winter season, with the exception of Holiday Magic evenings.
Butterflies! (May 23-Sept. 7)
Discover some of nature's most colorful creatures - butterflies! Observe as these species native to North America fly around the pond, up into the sky, land on some flowers, and possibly land on you! This exhibit also features a 'pupa room' where you can watch the transformation from pupa to caterpillar to butterfly! *May be weather dependant.
Adults: $4.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.50
Children 3 to 11: $3.00
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: $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)
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. Tickets allow guests to ride all day.
Please Note: Motor Safari does not run during winter months.
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)
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.