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Zoos in Illinois

Walking through the exhibits and watching the animals is a way to reconnect with the natural world.

Based on 432 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Randall Oaks Zoo image 1
Randall Oaks Zoo image 2
Randall Oaks Zoo image 3
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Small zoo offers a relaxed atmosphere with interactive animal experiences like pony rides and petting. Friendly staff keep the grounds well maintained. Perfect for families with young children seeking a cozy, engaging visit without crowds.

Small size keeps visits manageable and not overwhelming. Pony rides and animal feed add interactive fun. Staff are friendly and grounds stay well maintained.

People are saying

"This zoo is small, cute, and great for young children."

"I found the zoo to be super affordable."

"The picnic spot was so clean and neat."

Good to know

1

Keeper talks occur every hour during busy times, focusing on different animals.

2

Brew at the Zoo is an adult-only event with drinks, live music, and interactive exhibits.

3

Educational programs and seasonal events add extra fun and learning opportunities.

02
Chicago Zoological Society image 1
Non-profit organization

Expansive grounds feature diverse animals and engaging exhibits for all ages. Bright Holiday Magic lights create a festive vibe during events. Frequent visits are easy with a zoo membership that invites regular exploration.

Huge grounds offer lots to see and do with a wide variety of animals. Frequent visits are easy with a zoo membership that encourages regular exploration.

People are saying

"You'll see lots of animals and things to do at the zoo."

Good to know

1

Holiday Magic lights event runs from December 1 to January 1 each year.

2

Expect large crowds on weekends, especially during holiday events.

3

The zoo offers stroller rentals for families with young children.

03
Hamill Family Play Zoo image 1

Interactive exhibits let kids become zookeepers and engage with animals. Hands-on areas like the Petting Zoo make learning fun and direct. Early closing times mean planning is key for a full experience.

Hands-on exhibits like the Hamill Family Play Zoo and Petting Zoo offer interactive experiences for children under 10. Visitors can engage in educational activities, including pretending to be a zoo keeper.

People are saying

"The Hamill Family Play Zoo is a really great, fun place for kids."

"The Hamill Family Play Zoo is a fun, hands-on experience for kids."

Good to know

1

Entry is free on certain days, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

2

The zoo features interactive exhibits designed specifically for children under 10.

3

Expect some attractions to be closed, especially near closing time.

04
Phillips Park Zoo image 1

Spacious zoo offers free admission and a free tram for easy tours. Sunken gardens and a veterans waterfall create a peaceful environment. Playgrounds and splash pads add lively energy near children's zones.

Free admission makes this zoo accessible to everyone. It features a free tram that tours the entire park and offers unique animals not commonly seen in regular zoos.

People are saying

"It's a cute, free place to stop and let the kids play."

"I found the zoo to be a small, free attraction."

"I found ample parking right outside the entrance."

Good to know

1

Admission to the zoo is free for everyone.

2

The zoo offers free parking on-site.

3

The zoo is closed on Wednesdays.

05
Pritzker Family Children's Zoo image 1

Naturalistic settings and stunning landscaping create a calm spot for families. Free entry and parking early make visits easy. Kids love the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo with its covered play area and animals like black bears and wolves that teach about habitat loss.

Free entry and free parking early in the morning make visiting easy. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo offers a fun, beautifully landscaped area perfect for toddlers. The zoo features animals that are losing their habitat, providing a chance to observe and learn about them.

People are saying

"The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo is a fun area for toddlers."

"It's a fun, kid-friendly play area with an indoor climbing space."

Good to know

1

The zoo is free to enter.

2

Free parking is available nearby if you arrive early.

3

The play area is small and may not keep kids entertained for long.

06
Regenstein Center for African Apes image 1

Large glass enclosures offer clear views of African apes in a calm, air-conditioned space. Open exhibits provide detailed history and naturalistic settings for easy walking and animal observation. Visitors enjoy a spacious, climate-controlled environment focused on ape behavior.

Open exhibits highlight African Apes with detailed history on their presence in the zoo. Walking paths provide easy access to see various African animals in naturalistic settings.

People are saying

"The zoo's African Apes exhibit is an open showcase."

Good to know

1

Tickets are included with general zoo admission; no separate fee required.

2

The center hosts educational talks about apes every hour on weekends.

3

Parking is available on-site, but fills up quickly during weekends.

07
Brookfield Zoo image 1

Spacious, immersive exhibits showcase a variety of animals, making it a family favorite for animal lovers. Interactive experiences like giraffe feeding and a Ferris wheel add fun and unique views. Lively, shaded rest areas and playgrounds keep kids engaged and comfortable.

This zoo offers a fun and educational experience with a variety of animals and exhibits. It has a long-standing reputation for being a favorite spot for families and animal lovers alike.

People are saying

"The Zoo has so many animals and fun shows for kids."

"The outdoor space features naturalistic habitats for animals like gorillas and flamingos."

"The scenic views of active, colorful flamingos are a highlight."

Good to know

1

Admission is $30 per person, with parking costing an additional $17.

2

Parking can fill up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Several major exhibits, including the elephant and primate houses, are currently closed.

08
City of Aurora- Phillips Park Zoo image 1

Small zoo offers free entry and a mix of farm animals and exotic species in clean enclosures. Immaculate gardens and family-friendly playgrounds create a peaceful park atmosphere. Perfect for quick visits and outdoor fun with kids.

Small size makes it easy to explore quickly. Offers a mix of farm animals and exotic species in a clean, family-friendly setting. Entry is free, making it accessible for casual visits with kids.

People are saying

"It's a great place to take the kids for a casual visit."

"It's a small, family-friendly park with a surprising variety of animals."

"It's a small, cool zoo, perfect for a quick family trip."

Good to know

1

The zoo and parks are free to visit.

2

There is a dedicated playground for children aged 2-5 and another for children aged 5-12.

3

The park is suitable for hosting family reunions.

09
Lords Park Zoo image 1

Spacious park offers extensive green areas and a small zoo with bison and deer. Peaceful atmosphere suits family outings and children enjoy the playground and museum. Zoo focuses on animal welfare and education, making it ideal for kids and families.

Located within a park, the zoo offers a variety of animals like bison, deer, and farm animals. It provides educational opportunities and emphasizes animal welfare, making it a peaceful and well-maintained spot ideal for children and families.

People are saying

"It's a great place to bring the kids to the zoo."

"It's a playground near the zoo."

"It's a nice, clean, and very relaxing spot to walk."

Good to know

1

Lords Park Zoo is ideal for children's activities and family outings.

2

The zoo features a playground and museum suitable for all ages.

3

Expect a clean environment with well-cared-for animals.

10
Tropic World image 1

Orangutans and gorillas shine in a solid collection of tropical animals. Tropic World offers a beautiful setup but the zoo's overall mood feels quite depressing. Atmosphere stays familiar and engaging despite this.

Tropic World exhibit remains a key feature with a beautiful setup. The overall zoo atmosphere feels quite depressing.

People are saying

"The Tropic World exhibit at the Zoo is a must-see for the orangutans and gorillas."

Good to know

1

Tickets for the zoo are $20 for adults and $15 for children.

2

Parking is available on-site for $10 per vehicle.

3

Strollers are available for rent at the entrance for $10.

11
Farm in the Zoo image 1

Free zoo features rare animals and clean, fun spaces. Play stations and a large tractor create a child-friendly spot for learning about food origins. Venue offers interactive exhibits and a family-oriented environment perfect for young kids.

A free zoo with a large collection of rare animals offers a clean and fun experience. The Farm in the Zoo adds interactive play stations and educational exhibits, especially for kids to learn about food origins.

People are saying

"It's a fun and interactive place, perfect for kids."

"I loved the farm animals at the Zoo; they seemed happy."

"I discovered the zoo in the park had many rare animals."

Good to know

1

The zoo is free to enter, making it accessible for all visitors.

2

The farm area has limited animals, primarily cows, and lacks a petting zoo.

3

The farm is suitable for young kids aged 1 to 5 to learn about farming.

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