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Lincoln Park Zoo

See Chicago, Illinois family vacation

Lincoln Park Zoo

Near North

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2001 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614+4757
312-742-2000

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Lincoln Park Zoo Description

The Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and while you might not expect much as a result, you'll be pleasantly surprised. North of downtown, just off Lake Shore Drive and offering a fantastic view of the Chicago skyline, the zoo is home to thousands of animals, from flamingos to bears. Don't miss the amazing Regenstein Center for African Apes, where playful chimpanzees and giant gorillas eat and play almost close enough to touch. Got all day to spend in the area? Go for a ride on the carousel, take paddleboats on the pond, and check out the lakeshore and shops in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Kid Tips

Babies: This reasonably compact zoo is easy to get around in if you've got a baby with you. Some of the indoor animal exhibits aren't very stroller-friendly, so you may want to consider a sling or backpack carrier instead.

Toddlers & Pre-K: Little ones are amazed by the apes in the Regenstein Center, and a climb-on structure shaped like a hollow log will keep them entertained while you check out the exhibit.

School-Age Kids: Kids this age will get a kick out of feeding cows and taking an up-close look at a beehive -- among many other hands-on activities -- in the Farm-In-The-Zoo exhibit.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Between the hip Lincoln Park address and the skyline scenery, even the most cynical teens will think this zoo is cool.

Planning Notes

Try not to use their parking lot. Before you fork over $14 for 3 hours of parking in the "official" zoo lot, head a little ways west (away from the lake) to find cheaper deals.

Just the Facts

Hours: Summer Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; buildings and farm open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Summer weekends: Grounds open until 7 p.m., buildings and farm open until 6:30 p.m. Winter Hours: Nov. 1 - March 31 Grounds close at 5 p.m. Buildings close at 4:30 p.m. Occasionally the zoo closes early for special events, call ahead or check the website.

Fees: Free