Reservations Now Open!
Field Trips for the 2025-2026 school year start September 2, 2025, and end June 4, 2026.
For school visits after June 4, 2026, please visit our Group Sales page.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago provides free general admission to qualified Illinois school groups between Labor Day and Memorial Day during Self-Guided Field Trips for both Students and Chaperones with an online reservation. This opportunity is intended to afford all children, chaperones, and teachers in a class or school an opportunity to enjoy the zoo as a group and to learn about and experience animals and nature in a beautiful park-like setting. Qualification criteria and reservation link can be found in the chart at the bottom of this page.
Now Open: Bramsen Tropical Forests!
Get ready to discover the vibrant world of treetops, hear the calls of the jungle, and come face-to-face with some of the most fascinating primates in the world! Check it out!
New: Animeals Paid Meal Program
Thanks to our food service partners, SSA, you can now check out our new Animeals program! Click here to learn more and for instructions on how to order.
Please Note:
• Make your online reservations early—space is limited.
• Available dates are limited to weekdays only between Labor Day and Memorial Day, with some exclusions.
• Reservations must be made at least 10 business days prior to your visit date.
• If you must cancel or change a reservation, refer to your confirmation email for instructions.
• Your confirmation email will contain information about how to pay for parking and how to purchase additional attraction tickets.
• Parking and attraction fees still apply and are payable in cash, credit, or check.
• By reserving a Self-Guided Field Trip, you agree to our code of conduct.
• If you have any questions after reading our FAQ or watching our How do you Zoo? video, please contact us at FieldTrip@brookfieldzoo.org.