Who Lives Here?
Brookfield Zoo is home to about 480 species, including: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Many major animal exhibits are included with general admission pricing such as the Great Bear Wilderness, Habitat Africa!, The Living Coast, The Swamp, Big Cats, Tropic World (one of the world's biggest primate exhibits) and more.
Macaroni Kid Tip: See if you can spot the newest little arrivals within the exhibits. All exhibits with young are clearly marked by signage with birth dates.
Several other attractions are offered at an additional cost including the Dolphin Show (a must see!), The Carousel, Motor Safari, Hammill Family Play Zoo, and two seasonal attractions - Butterflies and the Stingray Bay, where you can pet a stingray.
Macaroni Kid Tip: Bring $2 cash so you can purchase fish to feed the rays if you happen to visit during feeding time - it is a very cool and memorable experience!
Learn As You Go
In an effort to promote conservation, Brookfield Zoo provides informational signage at each exhibit on conservation efforts surrounding the animal as well as interesting facts. Throughout the Zoo you may also find volunteers encouraging hands-on activities and interaction with some of the smaller Zoo residents while they share even more facts. This extra level of engagement is their way of encouraging children to be proactive about protecting the natural world. Plus, kids will love the opportunity to touch animals such as a wallaby, snake, or anteater.
Macaroni Kid Tip: Read the signs aloud to your young children to make it an even more educational day at the Zoo.
Even More Special
Brookfield Zoo offers plenty of events through out the year to make your visit extra special.
Are your kids Wild Kratts fans? The Kratt Brothers from Wild Kratts will be visiting the Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, for two fun days of adventure. Children will have the oppotunity to learn about rare wildlife behaviors from Chris and Martin. The Amazon Adventure Shows will take place at 11am and 1pm with autograph signing from 2pm-4pm each day. The show is free with Zoo admission.
Other upcoming events include Boo! at the Zoo, Holiday Magic (Chicagoland's Largest Holiday Lights Festival) and Zoo Year's Eve. Learn more about these events by clicking HERE.
Macaroni Kid Tip: Planning on visiting more than once a year? You might want to consider a membership for money saving benefits and other perks.
Ready to Go!
Brookfield Zoo is located west of downtown Chicago (8400 31st St., Brookfield, IL), just a 2 hour drive up I-55 N from Bloomington-Normal. The Zoo is open 365 days a year. General Zoo admission is $16.95/adult, $11.95/children age 3-11 and $11.95/seniors. Some attractions require an additional ticket purchase. You can bundle your attractions for cost savings. Click HERE for more details. Parking is $10 per car.
Macaroni Kid Tip: There are plenty of food and snack options on site, but you are also welcome to bring your own cooler and picnic within the park!
Learn more about Brookfield Zoo by visiting www.brookfieldzoo.org.
*My family enjoyed a complimentary visit for the purpose of this article. No other compensation was received. All opinion expressed are my own.
