Brookfield Zoo Chicago is a zoo in Brookfield, Illinois, with entrances at the North Gate and South Gate. Before you set off, check the zoo’s hours, admission details, and facilities.
- Location: Brookfield, Illinois
- Typical opening pattern: Open daily
- Admission: one-day general-admission tickets; special-event access is separate
Getting to Brookfield Zoo Chicago from Hillside
Brookfield Zoo Chicago has two entrances in Brookfield, and you can reach it from Hillside by car or public transit. The drive from Hillside Manor Motel takes about 18 minutes.
The North Gate is at 31st St. and Golfview Ave.; the South Gate is at 3300 Golf Rd. Both addresses are in Brookfield, IL 60513. For travel between the airport and Hillside, ORD airport transportation to Hillside covers routes and options.
Parking is available at both gates: one-day passes cost $17 for the North Gate lot and $20 for the South Gate lot, taxes included. You can buy a pass in advance or on arrival.
Metra’s BNSF line serves Hollywood station, also called the Zoo Stop, followed by a two-block walk northeast. Pace bus routes 304 and 331 serve the South Gate. Transit services and routes can change, so check with Metra or Pace before travelling.
If you’re driving, choose a gate with your visit plans in mind. For accessible entry, the South Gate is identified as the easier entrance for people with disabilities, and accessible parking spaces are available in both lots. Details about Brookfield Zoo Chicago parking include lot locations and arrival information.
How to plan your zoo visit
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Hours and availability may change. Check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
General-admission tickets are good for one day, while access to special events must be purchased separately. Admission prices are $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors age 65 and older, and $20.95 for children ages 3–11. Children age 2 and under enter free. For ticket details and booking considerations, read what to check before booking zoo tickets.
Set your timing around the areas you most want to visit. Tropic World closes at 3:30 p.m., earlier than the listed general closing times, so make it an earlier stop if it’s on your list. The zoo’s app includes a GPS-enabled way-finding map, which can help you navigate its 235-acre grounds.
Exhibits and facilities to check
The zoo’s areas include Australia, Big Cats, Clouded Leopard Rain Forest, Desert’s Edge, Great Bear Wilderness, Habitat Africa! The Forest, The Kopje and The Savanna, Hamill Family Play Zoo, Sea Lion Cove, The Living Coast, The Swamp, and Tropic World. Availability can change with weather, temperature, and animal-care needs, so check which areas are open before your visit.
James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests opened in 2025. This outdoor primate habitat is home to great apes and monkeys from Africa, Asia, and South America.
The carousel and Motor Safari are open weather permitting. The Ferris wheel and seasonal Butterflies! are closed for the season, so confirm attraction availability and check Brookfield Zoo Chicago hours for seasonal timing.
Brookfield Zoo opened on June 30, 1934, after seven years of construction, according to a Chicago Zoological Society fact sheet. Its grounds combine animal habitats with parkland, and the way-finding map in the zoo’s app offers a practical way to orient yourself outdoors.
Accessibility and visitor rules
Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers accessible parking in both lots, and the South Gate is identified as the easier entrance for people with disabilities. Wheelchairs and electronic convenience vehicles (ECVs) can be reserved in advance; rentals cost $15 for a wheelchair and $35 for an ECV.
Stroller and wagon options include double strollers for $15, dolphin strollers for $12, and wagons for $15. Each requires a $10 deposit, and reservations are not accepted for strollers or wagons.
KultureCity sensory bags are available to borrow and return at Guest Services at either gate. They include noise-reducing headphones, strobe-reduction glasses, fidget tools, a visual cue card, and an ID card with lanyard.
Service dogs are welcome. Miniature horses may be accommodated case by case, while emotional-support, comfort, and therapy animals are not permitted. Sign-language interpreters for public programs and classes are available by advance request, with at least 14 days’ notice requested.
FAQs
Where is Brookfield Zoo Chicago?
The zoo is in Brookfield, Illinois. Its North Gate is at 31st St. and Golfview Ave., and its South Gate is at 3300 Golf Rd.
Can you take public transit to Brookfield Zoo Chicago?
Yes. Metra’s BNSF line serves Hollywood station, the Zoo Stop, followed by a two-block walk northeast. Pace routes 304 and 331 serve the South Gate.
Are Brookfield Zoo Chicago tickets valid for more than one day?
General-admission tickets are valid for one day. Special-event access must be purchased separately.
Are wheelchairs available to rent?
Yes. Wheelchairs and ECVs can be reserved in advance; rental prices are $15 and $35, respectively. Accessible parking spaces are available in both lots.