General Information
Exhibit Updates
Zoo Hours Admission Parking
Directions Smoking Pets
Accessibility Rentals
Zoo Hours
Brookfield Zoo, managed by the Chicago Zoological Society, is open every day of the year! Hours change seasonally, as indicated below.
- Indoor animal exhibits close one half hour before the zoo closes.
Effective Monday, Nov. 2, 2009
Advanced Ticket Sales
The zoo is currently implementing a new admissions system. We will resume online ticket sales later this year. Tickets can currently be purchased at the North and South Gates.
| 2009 General Zoo Admission |
| Adults |
$12.00 |
| Seniors 65 and Over |
$8.00 |
| Children 3 to 11 |
$8.00 |
| Members |
FREE |
Free Admission
October 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
Zoo admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free zoo admission is good only during normal zoo hours. Zoo admission fees apply to Holiday Magic dates.
2009 Zoo Parking
Car/Van parking: $8.00*
Bus parking: $10.75*
Member Cars:
North Lot Free
South Lot $2.00
*a $.75 Cook County parking tax is included
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 gift passes.
Butterflies!
Open Memorial Day through mid-September
Adults $4.00
Member Adults $2.50
Children 3-11 $2.00
Member Children 3-11 $1.50
Seniors (65 and over) $2.00
Member Seniors (65 and over) $1.50
Children 2 and under Free
Hamill Family Play Zoo Admission
(Does not include Children's 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
Admission is free November 1 to March 1.
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
Admission is free November 1 to March 1.
The Carousel at Brookfield Zoo
Members $1.50
Nonmembers $2.50
Dolphin Presentations
Sorry, but Dolphin presentations are suspended until further notice.
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
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 military and reservist personnel. Qualified personnel who present a valid ID badge at one of the zoo's admission booths will be admitted free of charge.
Parking
Car/Van parking: $8.00*
Bus parking: $10.75*
*A $.75 Cook County parking tax is included.
Member Cars:
North Lot Free
South Lot $2.00
Smoking
For the safety and welfare of our animals and visitors, smoking is prohibited except in designated smoking areas, effective April 1, 2009. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Pets
Please do not bring your pets to the zoo. For the safety of the animals at the zoo, cars and guests with pets will be turned away. Service dogs are allowed in the park, though they must be checked in at the zoo's Security office.