Brookfield Zoo Chicago Offers Complimentary Admission for Low-Income Families through Museums for All
New program amplifies Brookfield Zoo Chicago's 'Zoo for All' initiative by providing more opportunities for community members to connect with wildlife and nature
Brookfield, IL—Brookfield Zoo Chicago is offering complimentary admission for low-income families through Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that aims to ensure that every family and child has access to a high-quality experience at cultural institutions.
This new benefit builds on the Zoo’s Zoo for All initiative, which aims to offer meaningful experiences to all Brookfield Zoo Chicago guests in a modern, inclusive and accessible environment. Zoo for All is the Zoo’s commitment to remove barriers to access and learning, serving as one of seven commitments anchoring its Next Century Plan.
Starting today, community members receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits can receive complimentary admission to Brookfield Zoo Chicago—including the much-anticipated, first-ever Spring Fest taking place this weekend on April 12 and 13. With the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card (known in Illinois as a Link card) on site, free admission will be provided for up to four guests per card per day. Parking, add-on experiences, event tickets and attractions are not included.
“We want all community members to feel like Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a place for them—a welcoming environment to explore, learn and connect with wildlife and nature,” said John Buranosky, Brookfield Zoo Chicago vice president of guest and member services. “Joining Museums for All is one more way we’re making sure that cost isn’t a barrier for guests to walk through our arches and have these meaningful experiences.”
Museums for All, which is administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM), helps expand access to and raise public awareness about how cultural institutions in the United States are reaching their entire communities. More than 1,350 institutions representing all 50 states participate in the initiative, including art museums, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, historic sites and more.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago participates in a variety of initiatives to offer convenient and equitable access for community members of all backgrounds. This includes Explore More Illinois passes available to Chicago Public Library cardholders, participation in the Museum Adventure Pass program, free admission to military personnel as well as school groups and more. A full list of discounts, access programs and free day updates are available by visiting brookfieldzoo.org/DiscountsAndAccessPrograms.
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Media Note: B-roll and photos of Brookfield Zoo Chicago during spring are available for download here, with credit to “© Brookfield Zoo Chicago” for media use only. For more information, please contact Zoo PR Director Julianne Olivo in advance at julianne.olivo@brookfieldzoo.org.
About Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Connect. Care. Conserve.
Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS):
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. Learn more at www.imls.gov.
About the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM):
Started in 1962, the Association of Children’s Museums (AMC) champions children’s museums worldwide. With more than 470 members in 50 states and 11 countries, ACM is the world’s foremost professional society supporting and advocating on behalf of children’s museums and those who work at and otherwise sustain them. It leverages the collective knowledge of children’s museums through convening, sharing, and dissemination. Lear more at www.childrensmuseums.org.