Lincoln Park Zoo is one of Chicago’s most beloved attractions — and one of the oldest and only free zoos in the United States! Located just north of downtown in the scenic Lincoln Park neighborhood, this zoo is home to over 200 species of animals and offers immersive exhibits, stunning gardens, and family-friendly activities — all for free.
Here’s your full guide to the perfect Lincoln Park Zoo Tour! 🦁🌳🐒
📍 Where Is Lincoln Park Zoo?
📍 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
🗺️ Located in Lincoln Park, just north of downtown, near the lakefront
🚗 Parking garage available next to the zoo (paid)
🚇 Closest CTA stops: Red, Brown, and Purple Lines to Fullerton Station, then a 10–15 minute walk
🎟️ How Much Does It Cost?
💰 Admission: FREE!
Open to the public year-round — no ticket required
🎫 Special events (like ZooLights) may have a ticket fee
🕒 Zoo Hours
🕘 Open daily:
- Summer (March–October): 10 AM – 5 PM
- Winter (November–February): 10 AM – 4 PM
📌 Check lpzoo.org for holiday or event-specific hours
🐾 Must-See Animal Exhibits
🦁 Pepper Family Wildlife Center – Home to lions, snow leopards, and more
🦍 Regenstein Center for African Apes – Watch gorillas & chimpanzees in action
🐘 Kovler Lion House – Beautifully renovated habitat
🐧 Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove – Humboldt penguins in a realistic coastal habitat
🦒 Regenstein African Journey – Giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and birds
🦎 Small Mammal & Reptile House – Bats, snakes, and other cold-blooded creatures
🦉 Bird House – Dozens of exotic and local bird species
📌 Tip: Animal feeding times and enrichment sessions vary daily — check the schedule at the entrance or online.
🌿 Gardens & Walking Paths
🌺 Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Surrounds a pond with native plants, turtles, birds, and skyline views
📸 Don’t miss the Honeycomb Pavilion — a famous photo spot with the city in the background!
🌼 Formal Gardens and Wildlife Gardens offer peaceful spots for relaxing strolls or picnics.
🚶♂️ Tour Options
1️⃣ Self-Guided Tour (FREE)
- Use the interactive map on the Lincoln Park Zoo app or website
- Choose routes like:
- “Zoo Highlights in 1 Hour”
- “Animal Lovers Route”
- “Kid-Friendly Safari”
2️⃣ Guided Tours & Programs
🎙️ Zoo educators occasionally lead special themed walks or behind-the-scenes tours
📌 Offered seasonally — check the zoo’s events calendar
💰 Some may require registration or a small fee
🧒 Family-Friendly Activities
🎠 Endangered Species Carousel – $4 per ride
🚂 Lionel Train Adventure – $4 per ride, kids love it!
🎨 Farm-in-the-Zoo – Pet goats, see cows, learn about farming
📚 Learning labs, play spaces, and wildlife chats happen regularly
🛍️ Food & Shopping
🍔 Dining Options:
- Park Place Café (indoor)
- Eateries and snack stands throughout the zoo (seasonal)
- You can also bring your own food and eat in picnic areas
🛍️ Gift Shop:
- Animal-themed toys, plushies, books, and souvenirs
❓ Lincoln Park Zoo Tour – FAQ
1️⃣ Is the zoo really free?
✅ Yes! Admission is 100% free, supported by donors and sponsors.
2️⃣ How long should I plan to spend there?
⏳ 1.5 to 3 hours depending on how many exhibits you visit and whether you attend events.
3️⃣ Is the zoo open year-round?
✅ Yes! The zoo is open every day, including holidays, rain or shine.
4️⃣ Is Lincoln Park Zoo accessible?
♿ Yes — the zoo is ADA accessible with paved paths and ramp access
🧑🦽 Wheelchair rentals available on-site (first come, first served)
5️⃣ Are pets allowed?
🚫 No pets allowed, except for trained service animals
6️⃣ Can I bring my own food?
✅ Yes! Picnic tables and open lawn areas are available throughout the zoo
7️⃣ Is parking available?
🅿️ Yes — the zoo has a paid parking garage at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive
💰 Rates vary (discounted with zoo membership)
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📱 Download the Lincoln Park Zoo app for a digital map and daily schedules
- 🌇 Visit the Nature Boardwalk around sunset for stunning skyline photos
- 🧥 Bring layers — even in summer, the lake breeze can be cool
- 🦓 Arrive early to catch animals when they’re most active
🎟 Want help adding Lincoln Park Zoo to your Chicago itinerary?
Let me know! I can help you pair it with North Avenue Beach, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Riverwalk, or museum visits for a fun and family-friendly day in the city 🐾🌆🍦
🐾 Lincoln Park Zoo Tour – FAQ
Planning to visit Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago? Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this free, family-friendly urban zoo — from hours and animals to parking and fun tips!
1️⃣ Is Lincoln Park Zoo free?
✅ Yes! Admission is completely free year-round. No ticket or reservation required (except for some special events like ZooLights).
2️⃣ Where is Lincoln Park Zoo located?
📍 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, just north of downtown Chicago, near the lakefront.
3️⃣ What are the zoo’s hours?
🕒 Open daily:
- March–October: 10 AM – 5 PM
- November–February: 10 AM – 4 PM
📆 Open 365 days a year, including holidays
🌐 Check lpzoo.org for any updates or seasonal hours.
4️⃣ How long should I spend at Lincoln Park Zoo?
⏳ Most visitors spend 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the zoo, depending on age group, interest, and how many exhibits or rides you enjoy.
5️⃣ What animals can I see there?
🐾 Over 200 species, including:
- 🦁 Lions & leopards (Pepper Family Wildlife Center)
- 🦍 Gorillas & chimpanzees (African Apes Pavilion)
- 🦒 Giraffes, zebras, and rhinos (African Journey)
- 🐧 Penguins (Pritzker Penguin Cove)
- 🐍 Snakes, lizards, and amphibians (Reptile House)
- 🐐 Farm animals at the Farm-in-the-Zoo
6️⃣ Are there any tours or programs?
✅ Yes! While the zoo is self-guided, it also offers:
- 📚 Daily chats & zookeeper talks
- 🎙️ Seasonal guided tours and behind-the-scenes programs (registration required)
- 🗺️ Use the zoo app or printed map for self-guided routes like “Zoo Highlights” or “Family Favorites”
7️⃣ Is the zoo good for kids?
👨👩👧👦 Absolutely!
- 🎠 Carousel & 🚂 Lionel Train Adventure (Tickets ~$4)
- 🐐 Petting zoo at the Farm-in-the-Zoo
- 🧸 Play spaces & nature walks
- 🦓 Animals up close and plenty of stroller-friendly paths
8️⃣ Can I bring food or have a picnic?
✅ Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own food
🍽️ Picnic areas and benches are scattered throughout the zoo
🍔 On-site dining includes Park Place Café and seasonal snack stands
9️⃣ Is Lincoln Park Zoo accessible?
♿ Yes – fully ADA accessible
- Paved walkways, elevators, and ramp access
- Wheelchairs available at the gift shop on a first-come, first-served basis
🔟 Where can I park?
🅿️ Paid parking is available at the zoo’s lot on Fullerton Parkway & Cannon Drive
💰 Discounted parking available for zoo members
📱 Use apps like SpotHero or ParkChicago for alternate nearby parking
✅ Bonus Tips
- 📷 Best photo spots: Nature Boardwalk’s Honeycomb Pavilion, lion exhibit, and skyline views
- 🐾 Arrive early – animals are most active in the morning
- 🌿 Pair your visit with the Lincoln Park Conservatory (right next door)
- 🎄 Visit during ZooLights (late Nov–Dec) – one of Chicago’s favorite holiday events (separate ticket may be required)
🎟 Want help planning a full day in Lincoln Park?
Let me know! I can help you pair the zoo with nearby attractions like North Avenue Beach, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, or a lakefront walking tour 🦒🌳📸
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