Brookfield Zoo Chicago tickets cover one day of general admission, while parking, special events, and some attractions may cost extra. The zoo is at 31st Street and Golfview Avenue in Brookfield, Illinois, and about an 18-minute drive from Hillside Manor Motel. For an overnight visit, see rooms for a stay before a day at the zoo.
- General admission: Prices range from free for children age 2 and under to $29.95 for adults.
- Parking: One-day passes cost $17 for the North Gate and $20 for the South Gate.
- Hours: The zoo is open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day; hours vary by day of the week.
- Ticket check: The zoo’s official pages do not establish whether ordinary general-admission tickets require timed entry or a reservation.
Which Brookfield Zoo Chicago ticket options are available?
General admission is the standard ticket option, with separate charges for special events and some attractions. The zoo lists these general-admission prices:
- Adults: $29.95
- Seniors age 65 and older: $24.95
- Children ages 3–11: $20.95
- Children age 2 and under: free
Each general-admission ticket is good for one day. If you qualify for a discount program, check its requirements before paying the standard admission price.
Museums for All visitors receiving SNAP benefits may receive up to four free general-admission tickets by presenting a card and ID. Chicago Public Library cardholders may be able to check out an Explore More Illinois pass with four complimentary passes, while the Museum Adventure Pass program at select suburban regional libraries offers two complimentary passes.
Active-duty, reservist, and veteran military personnel may receive free admission by showing military ID at an admission booth. These offers do not cover every extra; Museums for All, for example, excludes parking, add-on experiences, events, and attractions.
Admission, add-ons, and possible extra costs
Budget separately for parking and any paid attractions you plan to use, since general admission does not include special events.
One-day parking passes cost $17 for the North Gate and $20 for the South Gate. Both prices include taxes, and you can purchase a pass in advance or upon arrival.
The carousel is at the North Gate and operates weather permitting. Tickets cost $6 for adults, $4 for seniors age 65 and older, and $3 for children ages 0–11; all seated riders need a ticket. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride without a supervising companion, and the carousel is wheelchair-accessible.
Dolphin Discovery tickets cost $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 65 and older, and $4 for children ages 3–11. Unlimited-Level and Adventurer-Level members are admitted free.
If you expect to visit more than once, compare membership benefits with the admission and extras you plan to use. Explorer membership costs $139 for an individual, $199 for a family, and $129 for a senior age 65 and older; benefits include free admission and Main Entrance parking.
Adventurer membership costs $189 for an individual and $299 for a family, with free parking at both gates and free admission to select attractions among its benefits.
Where and when to buy tickets
Plan around the zoo’s regular schedule, then verify the details before setting out. The zoo is open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The zoo says exhibit availability can change with weather, temperature, and animal-care needs. Tropic World closes at 3:30 p.m., so account for that earlier closing if it is on your plans. Check Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s hours and seasonal timing and the official site before you go.
Ticket policies to verify before visiting
Confirm ticket requirements and the details of any discount before relying on them for your visit. The zoo’s official pages do not establish whether ordinary general-admission tickets require timed entry or a reservation, so verify that point before booking or travelling.
The zoo also says it cannot verify ticket use or invalidate tickets that are lost or stolen. Keep your ticket accessible and take care not to misplace it.
FAQs
Which entrance is the Main Entrance?
The zoo identifies its Main Entrance as the North Gate.
Can a child ride the carousel alone?
A rider must be at least 42 inches tall to ride without a supervising companion.
Do membership benefits include parking?
Explorer membership includes free Main Entrance parking, while Adventurer membership includes free parking at both gates.