Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) Review

Awesome zoo, beautiful place and huge variety of animals. I would just suggest going earlier during the day, especially in cold months - when temperature drops animals hide inside.

If you have alot of time or just want to chill for a nice stroll, it's the place.. parking can be a hassle (

Great conservatory, parks, family events, free admission! Love this Chicago staple!

Awesome zoo, free tickets (how often do you get that). Lots of animals and fun for kids

Definitely worth the stop! It's a free zoo that is amazing.

It was my first time coming here. Its really small and there is not a lot of animals in each exhibit. I was a bit disappointed

Beautiful, historic zoo! The monkeys were a hoot. We had a great time here meeting up with friends. Just be prepared for $30 parking (with free admission) because the alternative parking options (mostly valet) are less desirable.

Lovely, contact zoo, with knowledgeable, helpful staff.

Really great public area in the city. Events are held here year round and you can't really beat the no-cost entry. My son's day care takes regular field trips here and the pics attached to this review are from that trip. Great place to bring children to walk around, learn, and expend energy.

I mean, it is big, for the most part....but not many animals to see and most the exhibits were down.

When I was in my early 20's I spent a few months employed by Lincoln Park Zoo. The 2 most important things I learned were how to climb up onto the rafters of the gift shop in the old lion house to avoid the boss (it was interesting to be looking at the cats from high up) and that on some really slow days, if you go early - right when the zoo opens and you've got that morning calm inside you like you get on a day off from work, wandering the zoo can be a truly magical experience. Direct attention from different animals can often be the case or witnessing natural phenomena in the nearby rookery that you'd never expect to see in the city is such a rare gift and thus my appreciation of this place and a secret that I offer to those who might know how to BE in the right place at the right time.

I always have a nice time when I go. It's a smaller zoo, which is perfect for families with little ones.

Love Lincoln Park Zoo just a fun time for the whole family!

For being a free zoo, LPZ cannot be beat. The location is awesome, right next to the lake and just North of Downtown Chicago. Its many historic building bring a unique feel to the zoo as well. Many newer big city zoos are full of exhibits with corporate sponsors, but most of LPZs exhibits are sponsored and named for wealthy Chicago families, which I find classy and enjoy seeing every time I go.

Unfortunately with no space to expand, LPZ is limited in what it can provide (Elephants were removed because they didn't have a big enough area). However they do have good exhibits for big cats, gorillas, seals/sea lions, and polar bears. I would like to see them provide a seal/sea lion show like many other zoos have as they already have a small amphitheater surrounding the tank.

But again, the fact that LPZ is free makes it one of the best zoos in America. Too many zoos these days are charging an arm and a leg just to get in. LPZ makes sure everyone in Chicago has an opportunity to enjoy animals from all over the world. An admirable trait indeed.

Just had Lunch in the Flower garden and feel so relaxed after walking lunch offic the zoo =) great day with my wife and son

Fun fun day I spent with my little family. It's clean and organized. Haven't tried the snacks there though , I brought my own coz it's alotta of walking

It s a wonderful place to keep your kids occupied for hours during any season. During the summer the place is crowded and well maintained. Great zoo of animals especially their Rhinos. During Christmas, their light show is simply amazing.

Zoos are just fun, no matter what size and what kind of animals.

Lovely for a walk in the park. Monkeys go to sleep too early tho. Also some of the fish looked dead but JD said they were just sleeping.

Considering the fact that this zoo is free, you get an awesome light display and they also do a little light show for you in the middle. If you go at night during the Christmas season, you will see a wonderful display and really enjoy your time. The only caveat is that it may be freezing, it was 22 degrees with a 12 degree wind chill so make sure to bundle up! They also sell different treats and hot chocolate to keep you warm.

First time going to the zoo lights this year and it is so cute! We had a great time watching the light shows and the exhibits that were open! Definitely going to make it a tradition!!

First time Coming to the Lincoln Park zoo it's free pretty packed but over all people are pretty nice and respectable not a lot of trash around the zoo which is nice to see as well I appreciate that they put on holiday like shows like this its fun for the whole family! I would recommend getting event park and usually it's around $35

Beautiful well kept up park, best "free" thing to do in town!

Always enjoy a zoo and this was no exception. For a free attraction, it was amazing, very well kept and laid out with friendly and informative staff. A few of the animals were not out on the day we went but there was still more than enough to see for a few hours. A must do in Chicago.

This place is terrific . My kids including myself love it. Great place and staff. Ofcourse not forgetting the animals makes us feel like home each visit.

Great free zoo however, if you try to eat here with a food allergy you will starve. Unless you are gluten free, the restaurants can accommodate. Can't imagine how that's safe though, considering they tell other food allergic people they have an open kitchen and can't accommodate?

The Zoo is opened one for members. Maybe the next week for all public

It's a great place to go, and you can't beat the value. The set up is good, with the attractions all leading to each other. I love that there is variety in what you can see and do. It's a nice respite from the busy city. The boardwalk is a beautiful site. I appreciate that they let you bring in your own food and have areas for you to eat.

So full of light & colors after Christmas, awaiting the new year !

Big cat house was down, gorillas were nursing , not my favorite visit, but the beach and the skyline made up for it , i still love you LPZ,

Beautiful place!!!! A great place for a long walk while enjoying the animals! Right when you walk in, you will see the wolves! Beautiful scenery and an amazing place to take the kids!!! Free all year but get there early to find parking outside or you can pay for parking in their parking lot. Best time to go is in the morning because all of the animals are out and simply a great place to take the family!

Considering the access to this zoo is completely free I was absolutely astounded by what was on show - we walked up town from the Mile on a whim and decided to visit the zoo just for a short time but we were drawn in and and ended up spending a few hours here.

If you are in Chicago for any reason I would heartily recommend a visit to this zoo, whether you have children or not, it's a fantastic collection they have and the scenery of the surrounding park really sets it aside from any zoo I have visited before.

My personal favourite was the big cat house - such incredible animals and you can really get a close up view of them. My only comment would be to visit on a day with good weather as we toured on a rainy day so most of the animals were only in the indoor sections of their enclosures.

Also, special mention for the polar bear!

One of my favorite places in the city.
Even with the social distancing rules it's a great inexpensive trip for those with kids.
Or just a good afternoon stroll

Been coming here for my whole life. Always amazing.

Great zoo settled right into the heart of the city. My family had a really nice time

Can't beat free. Zoo Lights worth seeing if it's not too cold.

I understand process and improvement. I appreciate that the zoo is free. It is so little to see now.

Free and on the lake front! They're currently remodeling a ton and I think it'll all be for the better. Each new exhibit has been a great upgrade.

Is a good free zoo, definitely worth to pay a visit

Kind of an old zoo but still worth the visit. Smaller than Brook field. Hard to find parking. We still had fun go check it out!

Easy and free to walk through if you are in the area! I love walking through here as a quick lunch break.

My family had a great time with all the different animals from snakes to seals. The part I liked best is we found $26 parking for all day so me the ol lady and the kids could experience Lake Michigan like two blocks away!!! Gotta go again hopefully.

You have to make reservations online now for Lincoln Park zoo

A cool place, almost always open, easy to follow maps and beautifully kept animals; nothing too exotic tho. Lovely grounds

First time there. Blazing hot day but still a fun few hours. Nice exhibits and amenities.

Great way to see some animals and spend a day. Amazing zoo and it's free of cost! Staff was very helpful and friendly.

Spectacular. Had a great time
Animal where well care

It's very convenient. My kids love it free admission only thing expensive is the food. But just bring your own lol

Amazing free zoo, with some interesting animals, and all for free...

I was totally surprised by this zoo. I like to visit zoos when I visit new cities and although I have been to Chicago many times, I had never been to the zoo. I honestly didnt know it was free until doing my research. It is hands down one of THE best zoos in general. The fact that its free is just icing on the cake! It is open 365 days a year so you can literally go any day you want. I went on a Friday when school was still in session so there were lots of daycares and school kids there but even with them it never felt terribly crowded. It is very well maintained. The restrooms are kept clean. I even walked to the zoo the next day because I knew they had clean and open restrooms for the public. There is lots of shade and indoor places in case it gets to hot or if in the winter you need to get out of the cold. They have maps all over the park and will even give you a free one at the information center. Lots of animals and they even have a feeding schedule for a lot of them so you can watch them get fed. If you are a fan of zoos at all, you need to check out this zoo. If you arent a huge fan of zoos, you need to check out this zoo. Its fantastic. I cant wait to go back!

Beautiful views of the downtown skyline and walkways.

Went to the new years party. Said the animals would be available too see and they weren't said you could see the fireworks lies! Waste of money.

Wonderful zoo I've been to around 10 times, and have never gotten bored. Always particularly enjoy the reptile and small mammal house. Staff is kind and extremely informative. Free admission (only pay for parking) Animals were alert and active when we got there around or right before their feeding time, which seemed to be noonish.

Love the place, lots of different animals well taken care of.

Amazing zoo, can't believe how much is available in the zoo even though they don't charge an entrance fee

Tons of fun cant beat a free zoo, parking was a challenge

Small, chill, free zoo. Great way to spend 45 minutes while waiting for Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder to open (it's right around the corner).

While living in Chicago for many years I can actually say that the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the top destinations to visit. They have no admission charge and they also sell delicious food. During my High school years, this was my absolute favorite spot to destress and forget about all my worries. Everything there was a beautiful sight and a great experience for me. All the animals there are very amazing and wonderful to view. One must try and visit at least once or twice while in Chicago.

This is seriously the best free place to bring kids in the city. An essential place to visit in Chicago. Every winter Zoo Lights is a wonderful free evening family activity with lights, rides (that do cost), and activities.

I've lived really close to Lincoln Park Zoo for about 5 years now and every time I go, it still amazes me! I was there this past weekend with my out of town guest and discovered there were zebras & kangaroos at the zoo!! It also has some of my favorite views of the Chicago skyline on the bridge. I don't think you can go wrong stopping by this awesome free zoo.

Chaperoned a 5th grade field trip here and it was pretty cool, not to mention free! Kids enjoyed it and so did I. Lots of exhibits and some really neat animals. The gorilla display was impressive and probably the highlight for me. They also had a really nice reptile exhibit. I'd definitely visit again. Not an all day activity but plan on spending a few hours at least.

Hey it's Lincoln Park Zoo, it's free but parking is ridiculously expensive. All I can tell ya is to DEFINITELY not park till nightime ($65 bucks to get out) and they WILL tow your car if it's there past midnight. I worked there and my first day I had to run there at 11 pm to make sure I didn't get towed. They have a ton of animals and recently got the Cozy Colony which is super cute and filled with endangered african penguins. The food is on the expensive side as expected but quite good especially at the gorilla grill. Protip: Go on a cold day, the animals will be very active trying to warm up, while some animals like the snow leopard and the super cute red panda (which have as of November brand new red panda cubs) will be more active outside since they love the cold as they hail from the Himalayas.

It's a nice zoo with good exhibitions and decent habitats for the animals. Its free to enter and that is a plus. Not show oriented or spectacular as San Diego.

Currently a lot of construction but still a good walk with some friends and their kiddos. Parking sucks but what do you expect.