General Information


Brookfield Zoo, managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, is open every day of the year!

Zoo Hours
  • Weekdays:  10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Weekends: 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m.
  • Please note: Indoor animal exhibits close one half hour before the zoo closes.
Get Free Admission and Parking Year-Round: Become a zoo member! You'll receive free admission and parking for one year, the quarterly member's newsletter, discounts at the zoo's shops and restaurants, and guest passes, plus discounts on special attractions throughout the year.

Zoo Parking
  • Car/Van parking: $10.00*
  • Bus parking: $12.00*
  • Member Cars:
  • North Lot Free
  • South Lot $2.00
  • *a $.75 Cook County parking tax is included
Zoo Admission
  • Adults: $15.00
  • Seniors 65 and Over: $10.50
  • Children 3 to 11: $10.50
Advanced Ticket Sales:
Tickets can be purchased at the North and South Gates. You can also purchase zoo admission tickets online and print your tickets at home for easy entry.

Click on Print at Home tickets

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 one of the zoo's admission booths will be admitted free of charge.

 Hamill Family Play Zoo Admission
  • Adults (12-64) $3.50
  • Member Adults (12-64) $3.00
  • Children (3-11) $2.50
  • Member Children (3-11) $2.00
  • Seniors (65+) $2.50
  • Member Seniors (65+) $2.00
  • Children 2 and Under Free
Please note: the Play Zoo is ready to welcome guests at 10:00 a.m. each day and will close to get ready to play again one half hour every evening before the park closes.

 Children's Zoo Admission
  • Adults (12-64) $2.00
  • Children (3-11) $1.00
  • Seniors (65+) $1.00
  • Children 2 and Under Free
The Carousel
The Carousel is available early spring through late fall, weather permitting.
  • Members $1.50
  • Nonmembers $2.50


Dolphin Presentations

Weekdays at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Effective March 31:  Weekends at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m.

  • Adults (12-64) $4.00
  • Children (3-11) $2.50
  • Seniors (65 and over) $2.50
  • Children 2 and Under Free

Motor Safari
Motor Safari is available early spring through late fall, weather permitting. One ticket allows guests to ride all day.

 

  • Adults (12-64) $4.00
  • Children (3-11) $2.50
  • Seniors (65+) $2.50
  • Children 2 and Under Free
Smoking
For the safety and welfare of our animals and visitors, smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Pets
Please do not bring your pets to the zoo. Pets are not allowed within the Zoo under any circumstances and are not to be left locked in personal vehicles during a zoo visit.  Service animals are allowed, but guests are to alert the Gate Attendant upon arrival, who will contact Security to give you special instructions before entering the park. A Service Animal Maps(with locations that are not ideal for service animals to go; ie. Habitat Africa! The Forest and the Goat Yard in Children’s Zoo) will be provided to you upon your arrival or are available by clicking Service Animal Map.