Reviews of Brookfield Zoo (Zoo)

katie freeman

We are zoo members. It's so worth the price to get free admission for 3 adults and any amount of kids and unlimited attractions. My kids love the children zoo and aquarium. You can bring your own lunch or buy lunch there too. Plenty of picnic tables to eat outside. If it rains, there are a lot of indoor attractions to still enjoy your time at the zoo!

Erik Morgan

In this zoo was the first time. To be honest, I expected more. The animals are groomed, in the cages is clean, the territory is large enough. But I did not have enough more animals. The zoo is not the cheapest, at that time I paid about $ 18 for a ticket. No complaints to the staff, pleasant and helpful. Although there are not many animals, but the zoo is very beautiful and interesting.

Chad Musselman

Really good zoo to visit but can get expensive. Parking alone is$14. Lots of animals to see but it's very but and spread out so be prepared to walk a lot. One good thing is that they allow you to take in coolers and have lots of picnic tables in the zoo to eat lunch.

Jessica Dickerson

This past summer I visited Brookfield Zoo for the first time in many years. The animal habitats are very well done and the staff were educated on the animals in their care.The zoo allows people to bring their own food which is great for anyone who has dietary concerns. My only suggestion is that I feel the walkways could be redone, there are some areas where there is very uneven or broken pavement.

Teresa Rogers

Always something different to see. Membership is money well spent. Can come for an hour or an afternoon. CZS does valuable animal research and breeding.

Heidi Hawkinson

This zoo is pretty large and has so many amazing things to see. If your aloof, like myself. You can get turned around pretty easy, but volunteers and staff are quick to help you out

Julia Allen

Really nice zoo. Very reasonably priced but then if you want to see some of the exhibits and shows you pay extra.

Joel Dufkis

Great zoo that I have been going to since I was little. Kids love it there and always have a great time. Even though we've been a bunch of times we always find something we haven't seen yet. If you plan on going weigh your options about a membership. For a family to go by the time you've paid for parking and entrance fees you're pretty much at the cost of a family membership. Then you can go multiple times and really make use of the money spent.

Holly Hutto

Amazing zoo! Well thought out and very kid friendly. Many different animals I had not seen at other zoos!

Ana Lebron

I went with a group of elders that I work with and the staff was so patient and understanding with us- we only got to ride the tram around the park before needing to leave- but I feel like we had a great time, learned lots about the animals and zoo itself. Even though it was a short visit-the zoo/arboretum was absolutely beautiful- it was well worth all the trouble driving out there.

abhi T

Every age group people will enjoy here. All animal are there. Underwater animal , aquarium world also better than shed aquarium.

brittany Raenita

It's was a nice zoo. Price wasn't too expensive. I was a bit disappointed by a lot of animals not being on display. You can bring in your own snacks and drinks, which is always a plus. The motor safari was worth the 5 bucks as you can get on and off as many times you want at any of the four designated stops.

Andrew Cuming

Great zoo. So much to see and do. We decided to get the annual membership. The kids always have a great time.

Tim Meehan

Always a great time, and a great value. Don't like how things shut down before the posted closing times... especially with special exhibits like Brick Safari. So they lose a star.

Kami 030

Loved it. All the animals we're out and had fun with family. It rained, but that was my choice whether to come on this day or not. The only thing that I would say was not so great is the pricing! Too expensive!!

Drew Mitchell

Can't miss zoo stop on your next Chicago trip. Very well run zoo. Parking is easy. Great exhibits. Picture here is from one of the misting stations- comes in handy on a hot day!! Don't miss the polar bears!!

Sarah A

The LEGO exhibit is exceptional and the Brookfield staff is the best around. We have had a Zoo membership for four years and use it a lot. Well worth the money! Parking at the South Lot is the best kept secret.

David Davis

It's the zoo, man, this place always rocks. Lots going on all the time. Plan your trip. Get a membership because it is so worth it. People who work here are dedicated and have fun and truly enjoy work here. Ride the tram.

Washington Mosley

Enjoyable, but for the price all attractions should be included. Also if you plan on visiting staff put away animals at least a hour before closing which was disappointing for my family since it had rained earlier during the day that we visited...

Kevin McDevitt

Great animal exhibits. The zoo is very kid friendly. It is very large so people have a chance to go walk and explore everything. It's a little pricey but you get quality that goes with the price you pay.

Emma weber

I had a lot of fun with my family when I visited Brookfield zoo. In a restaurant portion of the zoo, they had two flavors of lemon ice that were really good. I believe it was raspberry and lemon ice flavors. Walking around and seeing the other animals was really cool. The inside exhibits seemed well ventilated and air conditioned. Overall it was a nice experience for my family and I.

Brad Greene

We always enjoy our time at Brookfield Zoo. It’s a great place to visit with our kids and they have people stationed around the zoo to share more about the animals. I also enjoy all of the events Brookfield hosts throughout the year. I would highly recommend getting a membership!

Valerie Angelique

Huge, fun park. Clean with great staff. A lot of exhibitions to view, sometimes it is a bit crowded but what can you expect, it's a zoo! Lol.

Chris Cooney

It's animals. What's not to love, plus my 14 month old was able to feed a giraffe. Becoming a member was probably the best thing I've done

Hannah Gray

Nice experience. I would like to see more space for the animals to move about. Definitely too small of an area for the animals they have there. It appears they were well cared for and mostly rescue animals. They had several exhibits that were included in admission price; however, a lot were additional. It can certainly add up if you want to do more than just see the animals from a far. It seems more like a theme park than a zoo. My husband grew up frequenting this zoo and was a little disappointed that it has become a lot more for making money than it used to be. All in all, it was a nice zoo to take the kids. Clean, well maintained, lots of different animals to see. They also have some decently priced family ticket packages as well as military free passes.

Darryl Bass

Looking for affordable family fun or simply a great day with your spouse this is definitely the place. Plenty to see, learn and enjoy!

Kaytee Veselinovic

Pricey but...expected! Very big..lots of walking, so be prepared! Summer - Carousel, tram, tons of food, sprinklers, splash pad, caricature, face painting, lots of (pay for) exhibits. Winter - lights and events. Overall, if you spend time here, the admission is worth it! Seems well taken care of for the most part. 70/100! Enjoy!

Michelle We

Great Job keeping the place clean, including the Bathrooms. Never remove the lion at the entrance, millions of pictures taken with kids and families show how WE are ALL the same.

Dalia Rivera

I always go with my kids. No complains. Clean. Alot of events going in this zoo. If you don't have a membership u have to pay for parking and the entrance . All the staff are really nice

Vickie Probst

Too many animals are in a cage by themselves when they are a pack animal. The bald eagle can't fly if it wanted too, the cage is too small. Several enclosures are just cement enclosures. The zoo doesn't even attempt to make their surroundings like they should live in. Haven't been there in over 20 years. Won't be back.

Melissa Molina

My family and I had the best time at Brookfield Zoo! The park, the exhibits, the workers, everything was top notch! One of the best zoo's I've ever been to. I will definitely make another trip back!

Muriella Gallegos

We tried out the membership for the last year and it was so worth it. I was skeptical that we would use it but we did a lot. And invited lots of our family for outings since we got free passes.

Kevin Stevens

Kids loved it. The build your own tickets were great. First time ever seeing dolphins and the show was amazing.

luna vee

I love going here. It's very nice, and I love the bird exhibit. By far my favorite.

Nicole Shores

Love this place. We are members and it pays for itself in just one visit! So much to do, and lots to learn. They just redid parts of the south side and its beautiful!

Tim Bundgard

It's really awesome that Veterans get in free. In enjoyed the zoo and the Fleetwood Mac cover band was great. They had a lot of activities for the kids before the show.

Kai Lee

I love Brookfield zoo and all but I was a little disappointed in the new exhibit Brick Safari, there was no turtle, wolf, or red panda. I still enjoyed it but I really wish they had those three added in there. I am not trying to complain but j was really hoping to see those animals.

Mark Castiglioni

We are where members. Always a great zoo. Didn't see many animals but do you ever.

Tim Nolen

This is the third zoo I've been to in my life. The layout of the zoo is very nice and easy to figure out. The animal were easy to see. Th volunteers were a great help. The injection mold souvenirs make for a unique experience.

Jarod Grobelny

This is a decent zoo and probably the best in the Chicago area. That said...it is not a 5 star zoo and have had better experiences at the St Louis, Kansas City, and Omaha zoos.

Kevin M Sampson

Brookfield has so much space for different attractions, animals, and fun! There are so many things to do at this zoo that the membership is always tempting to get, especially if you have a young one at the house who would see each exhibit multiple times with the same fresh and awe-inspired eyes. The people working there also clearly love their jobs and have been so polite and helpful each time we've visited! On hot sunny days there are a bunch of indoor exhibits or shaded walking areas for those who need a break from all they rays

Michael Holst

This is a great zoo. The exhibits are really immersive and seem to be designed to be as realistic and engaging for the animals as possible. They also have a good deal of information about conservation around the zoo, which is always wonderful to see. The exhibits as well as the rest of park are kept very clean, too. It's always a good experience here

Christy Avery

Beautiful zoo! This zoo is massive and peaceful! Be sure to wear a good pair of shoes, wear some bug repellent, pack your kiddies snacks. ( the prices for food and beverage is insane) and prepare to bring money for your kiddies to ride the merry go round.

val britt

Large zoo with a great variety of animals from across the continents. It was incredibly hot when we visited but there were plenty of water sprayers and a splash pad for the kids, plus several indoor exhibits with air conditioning. Beautiful lawns and gardens throughout and the dolphin show was a hit with our whole family!

KandySweets VideoGamer

One of my favorite places to be for the first time in a long time I got a chance to see the dolphin show I loved it just hopefully one of these days I get to spend a whole day at the zoo

katie freeman

We are zoo members. It's so worth the price to get free admission for 3 adults and any amount of kids and unlimited attractions. My kids love the children zoo and aquarium. You can bring your own lunch or buy lunch there too. Plenty of picnic tables to eat outside. If it rains, there are a lot of indoor attractions to still enjoy your time at the zoo!

Shannon Jackson

The summer concert House Music night was the best. The entire crowd and many staff truly enjoyed themselves. My children and I cannot wait to do it again next year. I have membership and frequent the zoo often but today was unbelievably a great deal of fun.

Eli Clifford

Amazing zoo! We took my niece and nephew there for the Gift of Hope donor family event and spent all day there. It was a blast! They ran through the water sprinklers and ran themselves ragged on the playgrounds. Throughout the day, they enjoyed the various exhibits and animal houses. The staff was also very helpful and friendly. Most importantly, they seemed to genuinely care for the animals and taught the children happily about conservation. The tram ride was definitely worth it! Overall, it was one of my most enjoyable zoo days; the zoo has an amazing atmosphere and it's incredibly apparent they care about both their patrons and animals.

Rachel Otero

Love this zoo! The grounds crew works hard and does an amazing job keeping the zoo clean and beautiful! I also love coming and visiting the animals..especially the bears

Ed Wyman

Always a good time at Brookfield Zoo. There was a threat of rain all day, so the place was deserted. Since I'm not a fan of crowds, it was wonderful experience. My kids and grandchildren loved it. We packed a picnic lunch and that kept the cost down. Get out for a day. Enjoy the zoo.

Jay Co

Nice Zoo! However, for the admission they should include some sort of souvenir or discount gift for next visit. On another note, the Zoo is pretty big and the parking lot is conveniently close by. Our admissions process on a weekend was pretty quick. Although, I believe weekdays should be a lot quicker. There is definitely a lot of sight seeing here; tigers, bears, dolphins, snakes, even peacocks are walking around the park freely. This place is definitely a family fun activity! I recommend you bring your cameras fully charged.

Chris Remington

This is by far the most amazing zoo I've ever been to! The numerous animals living here always look happy and healthy and the park is kept very clean. Not to mention my favorite animal the Polar Bears are incredible to see up close! Fun for all ages

Mark Cawley

Kind of disappointing as lots of exhibits were closed but we really went for the "brick" animals and they were amazing! Thousands of "Lego" bricks and thousands of hours of effort resulted in an amazing exhibit. As a retired military member, I got in free, so still worth the visit.

Josh Fozzard

Great day at the zoo! The animals were really active today. I just wish they kept trash picked up a bit more, several exhibits had garbage in animal enclosures. Also, people! Stop throwing trash in the animal enclosures.

matt santiamagro

Nice and well kept zoo with friendly staff. The Lego exhibit was very impressive. It would be nice if they had a few more animals, but I've mostly visited larger zoo's in the past which isn't a fair comparison.

Marissa Wilson

Our family had a bunch of fun visiting today. The dolphin show was great and the sea lions were feeling rowdy today.

Michael Gerth

Totally worth the family unlimited membership, as it is a great place to spend the day with my 2 yr old who LOVES animals. We can never fit everything in she wants to do, and the pleasure she experiences is well worth it every time!

Jay Co

Nice Zoo! However, for the admission they should include some sort of souvenir or discount gift for next visit. On another note, the Zoo is pretty big and the parking lot is conveniently close by. Our admissions process on a weekend was pretty quick. Although, I believe weekdays should be a lot quicker. There is definitely a lot of sight seeing here; tigers, bears, dolphins, snakes, even peacocks are walking around the park freely. This place is definitely a family fun activity! I recommend you bring your cameras fully charged.

Julie Banas

Great place to take the family rain or shine. There are plenty of indoor places to get out of the rain. Gets a bit crowded on holiday events and weekends.

Johanna Athena

Great time for the big and littles in the family. We have a family membership so we go multiple times throughout the year for shorter periods of time which makes it more enjoyable for the kids with short attention spans.

Emily S

This is a good place for kids and adults. It's very calming to walk around and see all the animals. It is a large zoo, but they have a tram that drives you around for a small price. The atmosphere is typically happy and excitement to see all of the animals. If you go a lot, buying a membership could be cheaper in the long run.

Lynda DePorto

Excellent place to spend with family and friends. Clean and wonderfully accommodating for the animals. Very informative and environmentally conscious.

E Guzman

My family always has a nice time when we go to Brookfield Zoo. The staff is very friendly, kind, and helpful. The areas, both indoor and outdoor, are always cleaned or being cleaned. It is a very big area and there is lots to see. Our favorite thing to see is the Dolphin Show; My kids love it. They have lots of animals and many that you wouldn't see elsewhere. They have various food and snack options, as well. We purchased an unlimited membership, and we are able to enjoy the zoo and attractions whenever we decide. It was a great choice.

Mell A.I.

Nice, clean place to bring your kids and spend the whole day. Lots of entertainments, we had a great time

Jerry Hughes

Just a great place to spend the day. Only problem was by the time we got to the other side they were closing it for a wedding event. Would have been nice to know that when we got there, would have started on that side first.

Kryssi Button

It was good but couldn't see half of the animals. Next time we go were gonna go when it's cooler. It was 95° so most of the animals weren't going outside, not that I blame them. Also the park opened at 9:30am and none of the drink concessions were open till 11, so that was unfortunate

Matthew DeMille

Come on, its Brookfield Zoo. Who doesn't enjoy going to see animals from around the world you'd only see on Animal Planet otherwise. It's one of the best Zoos in the world.

Steve Warren

As much fun as I remember from my childhood. Numerous attractions though that we couldn't visit today because they are too expensive with a membership. Mold-a-Rama stations also need repairs. 3 of the 6 animals we got got cracked falling into the dispensing bin and/or had a lot of excess wax around mold joint.

Steve L

Always worth the trip! Between the animal ambassadors talking with an animal guest, the penguin visitation and the various exhibits, there's something for everyone! Special exhibits, music and special programs throughout the year make a membership worthwhile.

RiRi Shaw

It was my first time every going to Brookfield and I really enjoy it ! I love how you can interact with the animals plus they have more animals then Lincoln I never knew. They have a playground built inside with a area that children can get wet

Miguel Rivera

Is a really nice place. You need 2 days to fully walk the entire zoo. The only bad thing that you have to pay pretty much for everything like shows and feeding animals

Samuel Vazquez

Great family fun. Plenty of activities and the animals seemed well taken care off

Amy Lane

The Brookfield Zoo is a wonderful adventure for adults and children alike. I especially love the Butterfly Garden.

Richard Kim

You could spend several days here easily. The zoo is always clean, has friendly staff and some great animals and educational activities. A great way to spend a summer days. Oh...there's beer for adults. Something for everyone.

Chris Remington

This is by far the most amazing zoo I've ever been to! The numerous animals living here always look happy and healthy and the park is kept very clean. Not to mention my favorite animal the Polar Bears are incredible to see up close! Fun for all ages

Donna Podrasky

Always something new to see. Great events. Many great food choices for lots of different tastes. Good way to get those steps in and do a good deed by helping support the animals with your purchases.

D. Lambert

We had an amazing time at the zoo. So many animals to see. It wasn't that crowded so that made it for easy navigation throughout the zoo. The only grip is the dolphin show is too short. Especially when they are doing what's on the agenda.

Patrick Hozjan

I've been going to this zoo since I was a kid. All I see is loads of souvenirs, rides and food. Versus very little animals. I understand people want animals to be free in the wild. But, I ask you what wild is even left for them? The Rain forest is on fire, the sea is extremely polluted. Hunters are killing animals that are supposed to be protected in sanctuaries. By visiting today and seeing the sad shape of things really breaks my heart. It's like the zoo just gave up.

Thomas B.

What a great, fun venue to see a band. Mr. Blotto was Awesome to see at the zoo. So relaxing. I ended buying a family pass.

Gorazd Milosevski

Amazing place! We are members and take our 1 year old along with friends and family year round. The activists and attractions are plentiful, there is no way anyone will get bored! They dress up the place in different themes around the holidays, there are bands playing summer weekends, it's honestly overall an amazing zoo!

Claudia Paolone

Lots to see and the Lunch was awesome! Had a cheeseburger and it was delicious as my friends attested as the 3 of us had same thing. Great !!

Jonathan Hill

Wonderful zoo. Family and I come back over and over again. Lots of amenities for younger children and adults alike. Always have new exhibits every year. Animals are healthy and well cared for.

Mark Cawley

Kind of disappointing as lots of exhibits were closed but we really went for the "brick" animals and they were amazing! Thousands of "Lego" bricks and thousands of hours of effort resulted in an amazing exhibit. As a retired military member, I got in free, so still worth the visit.

fsmayhem titanslayers

Absolutely love this zoo. My kids always have so much fun

Eugenia Ciobanu

It's always a pleasure to spend your time at the zoo and admire the animals. There are plenty of food stands and recreational spots, moreover, some areas for children to play. I give you a tip in case there is no parking spot left at the zoo, you can park (for free) in the park that's near the zoo. As you pass near the entrance/exit of the zoo on 31st, take right at first intersection (McCormick) and drive untill you reach the park entrance. It will be on your right.

Kane Bateman

Zoo seemed a lot smaller than I remember, but I think that is just part of growing up and not seeing things through the eyes of a child. We had a great day with our son, though it seemed liked animals were missing. I'm not sure if it's just because it was a hot day or if things are being shuffled around do to construction, but we will definitely visit again (probably even later this year).

Chris Drew

GET PASSES! Economically speaking, get yourself a family pass. The cost of parking and admission will add up to the equivalent of a pass in nearly just two visits. Get the pass. Go when ever you want! Always a great place for family fun and they’re always updating and having new exhibits.

swaysmomma

Brookfield zoo has always been a favorite spot for me and my daughter. Far better than Lincoln Park Zoo... even when comparing the cost (LPZ is free). I wish they would update the penguin exhibit though... it's too small and reminds me of the captive penguins in the movie Happy Feet.

Rick T

It was a perfect cool sunny day to visit the zoo. The place has been kept pretty clean and tidy; perhaps it was a weekday afternoon, there were not many people at all, with most food stands closed only gift shop open... animals are out and about, very pleasant visit.

David Alicea

We usually get our yearly membership to Brookfield as this zoo is much closer to us than Lincoln Park Zoo. It's a much nicer zoo as well. Plenty of animals and usually different exhibit changes. This year they have several Lego animals which the kids enjoyed. There is plenty of parking as well. All of these things cost money, but the membership pays for all of this especially if you go at least twice a year.

Mike Oelrich

I've been going to Brookfield Zoo for over 50 years. I love seeing the mold-a-rama machines there still pumping out plastic animals right before our eyes. I love seeing the animals. It seems like there are fewer of them now than there used to be but that might just be inflated memory. It's a big place. Lots of benches and bathrooms, which are what are important to me now. Nice gift shops.

Hob_Goblin_45

This place is amazing, they have every animal you can think of. Really great for the kids, workers their are very helpful and they give facts about the animal from the exhibit. Overall a great experience for the whole family.

Anthony West

I've been to several zoo's and Brookfield is simply the best. They take excellent care of the animals, have a huge variety from around the world, and the staff are all very knowledgeable. I HIGHLY recommend!

Rebecca Beeler

Amazing zoo with a wide variety of animals to see. The giraffe's and seals were my favorite. My toddler had an amazing time and there was so much to do. The inside exhibits are really nice too and a great break from the heat.

Julia Burke

We only had a few hours to enjoy this magnificent facility and the wildlife that was offered. We liked the overall park setting, the open areas where the animals could roam, and the quality of the exhibits. We especially enjoyed the bear area, and the lion and other cats enclosures. The animals were active in the afternoon and that made our experience better. Our favorite area, however, has the huge indoor areas (did not really feel indoors) devoted to the gorillas and other apes. We could have spent so much more time enjoying the large areas where the animals were active and interacting. The only challenge we had as outsiders was coming and going via taxi. This zoo is not as easy for outsiders to get to so please arrange before going to have someone pick you up and return you to your hotel. Just a warning.

mike Smyth

I really did enjoy myself. After over 35 years it was great to get back there. It's truly amazing all the great work that they do for the animals.

Eddie Bonet

Employees at food courts were not friendly. Animal handlers were sweet and did a great job with guest interactions. T-Mobile service sucks here! PoGo practically unplayable and Wizards Unite was slow to play as well.

Julia Riley

Great for families and even though it was a Saturday and there were a lot of people most of the time you don't realize the crowds because of how much space there is. If you are going to take pictures or enjoy watching the animals up close for any length of time you should either go on a weekday when it is likely to be less crowded or make sure you are willing to be patient with young kids. Place was clean and there was enough staff around that if we needed anything we could find someone to help relatively quickly. Bring sunscreen as there are portions of outdoor viewing that are in direct sunlight. Was nice to be able to bring a backpack with our own drinks and snacks to make the trip less expensive and we could enjoy what we like with no waiting in lines.

Jeff Grindler

The Brookfield Zoo is truly a gem in the Chicagoland area for a visit and for a nice day out. The grounds are very well taken care of -as are the animals, and it really shows in every single exhibit that you visit. I had such a beautiful day this week on Tuesday... where the crowds were low.... the sun was high in the sky and it was just a beautiful day to walk around. Stop out into this wonderful place and see some of the really truly beautiful and wonderful animals that are out there- that can be seen here and are so well taken care of. A docent gave me a great story about Layla the Rhino who just had her sinuses operated on and provided me all this wonderful information which I learned so much from...and enjoyed knowing about. Always visit Tropic world...and observe the gorillas...they are so interesting to watch!!

Pete Theo

Nice family get away an buying a membership is the best deal for a family. Lots to see no doubt.

Teresa B

The Brick animals were amazing!! Stop and watch the video of how they built these. Very cool!!

James D'Angelo

Love this place! It's a bit pricey, but it's huge and beautiful. You'll have a great time!

Shemika Swann-Thompson

First time adventure to the Brookfield Zoo and I look forward to returning soon. There’s conveniences for all and rentals available to make your visit more pleasurable. Kids can enjoy the carousel, playground, interactive areas and more. If you enjoy seeing the birds up close and personal, you will really enjoy the bird exhibit and the birds that roam the grounds. The peacock was such a nice treat, the bird is even more beautiful in person. The geese near the buffalo exhibit will patiently wait for drops of food while you eat and the seagulls as well. There’s a decent amount of exhibits to see and a few hours is simply not long enough, plan for a day at the zoo and you won’t be disappointed.

Marissa Heim

Mmt family LOVES this place!! Its so huge you can't see everything in one trip, so a membership is well worth the investment. Every time we go it's a completely different experience! The animal habitats are large (which I love because it feels like the animals well being is taken into account vs other zoo's with tiny habitats).

Sergio Hernandez

We absolutely love Brookfield Zoo. We bought a membership this year and it has been an amazing decision. Seeing the exhibits again and again is never boring because the animals are always doing different things. We have varied the times we have gone and the kids have loved every single visit. Using one of the many provided restaurants can be very expensive. I highly suggest bringing your own food. With playgrounds, indoor, and outdoor exhibits you will easily spend the day there.

mark gutierrez

This zoo is the best. I've been to many of zoo's and I love this one. Now it doesn't top my zoo at home my kids are never a dull moment. But really as far as Brookfield zoo still probably #1 in my book and I've traveled to different states going to zoo's. It's a little pricey on some stuff but still much cheaper then most.

Erick Dodendorf

Best zoo around. Seasonal attractions like Christmas and Halloween activities are especially fun if you have a family.

Marissa Heim

Mmt family LOVES this place!! Its so huge you can't see everything in one trip, so a membership is well worth the investment. Every time we go it's a completely different experience! The animal habitats are large (which I love because it feels like the animals well being is taken into account vs other zoo's with tiny habitats).

Cheryl peace

Nice place to enjoy the outdoors. You do get to see lots of animals. No elephants right now though. There is only one ramp entrance to go down to see the seals so gets very congested trying to go in and out with wheelchairs and strollers. Great place for all ages!!!!

Steven Lubick

Brookfield Zoo is such a special place. I've never sat or stood around observing animals so comfortably, and for such a long time, in my life. The enclosures have lots of space for both the animals and the guests. Bravo to whoever runs this place for a job well done. It's a Zoo to emulate.

evan grigsby

Wow. What a great zoo. Very clean and great enrichment and enclosures for their animals. Gone 3 times and will definitely go again. Recommend bringing a cooler with drinks and some snacks cuz you'll b there awhile

Tamera Young

Love love Love! My grandson had a wonderful time. The sea lions and bears swimming was the best.

Samuel Waggoner

The Penguin Encounter was GREAT. An additional $40 but worth it! I saw another review of the encounter that was poor and disagree. It's EXACTLY as the main description says. A keeper talks for about 10 mins and then the penguins come out. There are only 2-3 at a time but they do a great job of trying to make sure everyone has a chance to pet the penguins. The penguins all have their own personalities and go to the people they want to go to. It was very cute to see them and pet them in person!!! The entire event is about 45 minutes. Again, the description on the BZ website is exactly what you'll get!

Dan Nocchi

Have not been to Brookfield in a long time. I can only say I won't be there ever again. Forget the food. Who goes to the zoo for food. The zoo in general appears to be very poorly maintained. It looks tired. Run down. In need of major maintenance. Most of all. The animals. It was disturbing to see them. Other zoos have much larger animal areas. Well maintained. Large areas. More replication of their environment. Brookfield has small dirty areas. Animals that look neglected. It was upsetting to see. If that's supposed to be entertainment for children , it's not worth the price to the animal Care at Brookfield. To charge the prices they do and to have a zoo like this is an embarrassment to our town. Adding live concerts is ridiculous and only re affirms the above. Have no clue who actually owns the zoo but the board of directors should be brought up on charges of animal neglect and cruelty.

Mickey Swart

Went to Boo at the Zoo today--get there early, like when they open (10 am)!! It's a popular event so gets very crowded quickly. Kids can trick-or-treat throughout (they even provide bags!) with or without costumes. Lots of photo op scenery, costume parade, decorate-your-own cookie and cupcake (additional $5), pumpkin smash shows, hayrides (not sure if extra cost), zoo train (extra cost), and of course, the animals! Very fun day!!

raeleen mullaney

Always have a good time here despite the number of times we've gone as a family it is always an adventure. The kids always have fun and love to take turns choosing which animals to see next. There's so many fun facts around the zoo not just about animals but about our environment as well.

Joe Traveler

Great zoo, perfect place to bring your kids. Great variety of animals, reptiles, birds and aquatics. Worth at least 4-5 hours of your time. Great Monkey and ape sections. Ample free parking. Zoo was well laid out and organized. One of the better zoos we' ve visited.

Bethany Jengic

Such a fun time for our family. Lots of great animal exhibits. Definitely worth getting a membership if your kiddo loves going to the zoo.

Jonathan Solomon

This zoo is a stupendous place to spend the day with the whole family. The Hamill family play zoo and animal encounters are great for the kiddos. We also love some of the smaller exhibits like the Fragile Rainforest & Desert or the Hidden Forest where the elusive Okapis reside.

Barb Fenneman

Fantastic place with tons of fun for the whole family. All the animals are so beautiful

janet berry

First off the zoo was not crowded it was very clean and the worker very helpful. Will be back to finish seeing all of the animals.

Ian Mackay

Taking the kids out in this hot weather. Great place to spend time with my husband and 2 young daughters. It was kinda a long wait but it's all worth it. They have diversified species. It's pretty clean and animals are well taken care. Will definitely get Summer Pass for my family next year

Malieya LiliPop Williams

Brookfield Zoo just isn’t what’s it was. The dolphin show is mediocre at most. You don’t get splashed. The animal exhibits are good WHEN the animals are there. There were many animals that we did not get to see. My children enjoyed the carousel and the kids zoo. But most of all they enjoyed the playgrounds.

Maximus Carontus

This is a pretty nice zoo. They do tend to nickel and dime you. Everything is extra! Even for members. Aside from that, it is nice and clean with some great displays. Love the night concerts and extras they offer. That really makes it worth while in my opinion.

Sergio Hernandez

We absolutely love Brookfield Zoo. We bought a membership this year and it has been an amazing decision. Seeing the exhibits again and again is never boring because the animals are always doing different things. We have varied the times we have gone and the kids have loved every single visit. Using one of the many provided restaurants can be very expensive. I highly suggest bringing your own food. With playgrounds, indoor, and outdoor exhibits you will easily spend the day there.

Amanda B

Great zoo for all ages. Everything is always clean & well presented. Always a good time

Jessica Romanowitz

Both times I've been the smell hasn't been anywhere near that of other zoos I have visited. I so enjoyed the little dolphin show, (which isn't much, but it was still cool and really cute to see) and the gorgeous polar bears, seals and giraffes. My daughter isn't old enough to enjoy Boo at the Zoo yet, but when she's older, I can't wait to take her! Easy to navigate, but I'd recommend bringing your own beverages and snacks as they can get expensive. :D

Brenda Farlow

I have been a member for years. It is well worth the money. Don't forget to walk the path around the pond. It is over by the bears/wolves. Its nice a quiet and there is a small building there too.

David Presslein

Loved it. Great place, took our son there and got to see all sorts of animals and exhibits from around the globe. Had a great time exploring and seeing the ever changing extras they have on display. Bring sun screen and good walking shoes, they do have tour trollies. Downside is sometimes you want to wait a few minutes to get a good view of the animals! Definately will be going back soon!

Christine Steichmann

Everyone is friendly and helpful. Great exhibits. So much for kids to do.

gilbert perez

This is a great zoo for people that like long walks. The campus is large and we'll maintained. It has a very nice exhibits.

Clarence Doubek

My wife and I have been Brookfield Zoo members since 1979 and we always thoroughly enjoy our visits there. We find wonderful improvements at each visit.

Carissa Hardy

Always love to bring my children here when I go home to visit. Although it's a zoo, is very clean all the employees are friendly and the animals are well taken care of.

jessica munZing

We adore this place. The money you pay to get in is totally worth it. You can see it being invested back into the zoo. It's clean, well kept, full of knowledge, good staff. Safe. It's one of our favorite places to visit.

Alaina Knapp

We are members and go at least a dozen times a year. Each season is fun to visit and the animals are visible most of the time.

Kathy S

I love Brookfield Zoo! It was very hot today so kinda empty. The animals are well cared, for and the docents are knowledgeable. I always learn something new. Did you know camels do fine in 120 to -40 degree temps?

Valerie J

Seemed much cleaner than I ever remember it being. It's good that they're working on remodeling. Was not disappointed when we went and my daughter loves it!

Katie Frenz

First time here. This zoo is so huge and impressive that we didn't get to see the whole zoo in one visit! I love how comfortable the exhibits look for the animals. My favorite part was when viewing the indoor Okapi exhibit, the Okapi reached its head out to us between these bars in the barrier! We could have touched it, but figured we had better not. Looking forward to coming back someday to see the rest of the zoo!

Artur Zatorski

We loved our visit today. This isn't our first visit but the kids just love to come back for more fun. There are many different attractions for kids of all ages.

Daniel Thomas

This zoo was awesome! We stayed the whole day and didnt see everything. Great curation of animals

Shirley Halloway-Gharib

First time to visit this zoo. Incredible design but difficult to see animals at a close distance. Need to stay several hours to get the full benefit of an adult priced ticket.

Willie Riley

One of my favorite places. The zoo is large and spacious. There is a lot collection of animals in clean enclosures. There are several restaurants there with good food, lots of "zoo trains" to ride through the area and the staff are always very courteous. There's lots of secure parking. The parking area is so large they could build another zoo. Great place for both young and old. Also, a really great place to practice photography. A really nice place!

Barbara Huba

Brick Safari was awesome. Great exhibit! Overall, the zoo is a fun & family friendly place to go. There's so much to do there, you can't even get it all in one day. Best thing to do is get a family membership and take the kids often throughout the year. Every season and holiday has their own special events, so every time you go to the zoo there's always something new to see & do. Saturday nights throughout the summer they even have outside concerts, so it's awesome to go there with the folding chair/blanket & cooler, and just chill to live music knowing that you're surrounded by these amazing animals. It's always kept very clean, which I would consider up to most theme park standards. Plenty of places to get food, and lots of gift shops all around with decent priced items that you can let your kids take home as a souvenir. Also, don't forget the wax models of the animals that you could make that are spread out throughout the zoo. They only cost a few bucks & are an awesome little souvenir to take home, too.

Rick Fryrear

Great place for a long stroll through many interesting exhibits and a great variety of animals. Can get expensive because once you pay to park and then pay to enter, you discover that several of the exhibits charge extra for popular shows. But if you are patient you can run into docents or volunteers who can add a real positive vibe to your experience. While we were there we met a young woman who allowed us to get up close and friendly with a big snake. An older man gave us pointers on the camels, and if you time it right you can watch the feeding of the giraffes. I would sure assign 5 stars if they would set up a day where you could walk around and encounter dozens of people like this to help you bond closer with the animals. And have a printed schedule for who to meet where and when for specific animals.

Jacek Miskowiec

I went on a week day, and I have to say it was very relaxing just to walk around and not too crowded which was very nice.

Dianne Houston-Crockett

Nice zoo. The exhibits were okay. I was hoping to see more than one animal in some of the exhibits.

Uriel Duran

I enjoy bringing the family here every year! Getting the yearly membership is a must! It pays for itself on the 2nd visit. My family and I are looking forward for all of the holiday events! The bathrooms are always clean, staff is friendly, overall it is a pleasant environment.

Carrisa Westfall

If you build a ticket on-line & you want to add an attraction make sure to do it at the entrance. Was given a bit of a hard time because I wanted to add an attraction later in the day! I did end up receiving the additional attraction for free!

SHERI MINOR

Such a great day! The zoo is clean and animals well taken care. The prices are right for the event. I just wish there was more free things to enjoy with the admission price besides just viewing the animals. All the fun stuff is extra and it adds up for a family. But overall it was great place and my kids loved it.

Christine Thompson

Always a fun place to take the family! Never gets old! Great Lego exhibit, love the children's zoo. My son loves the Tram ride.

Abdul Wahab

Loved this zoo this time around. I had been here before, but I enjoyed it a lot more this time around, maybe because I went with my son for the first time. Our library had free passes for me and my wife, and our son was free since he's under two. We bought a package of 4 activities there: carousel, dolphin show, butterflies, and the petting zoo. My boy loved them all except dolphins because he got scared of the water splashing, and the carousel was his favorite along with butterflies. I can't wait to take him again when he's a bit older.

Linda Ruff

We are members here and LOVE this zoo. We have a lot of family fun here all year round.

Imad Ajarmeh

Great way to spend a full day with the kids. I recommend and will go there again.

Jamie Anfeldt

We took the tram ride today and it was great listening to the guides talk about the different animals and the enclosures. Saw the dolphin show today, too, and that is always fun! Learned a lot about the dolphins and it's always fun to learn with my children, since they think I know everything. ;) The butterfly exhibit opened yesterday (5/25) and we were able to head into the exhibit and see the different species. Very interesting and beautiful creatures. We also visited the Lego exhibit. That was pretty amazing to see the time and effort the Lego Master Builders placed into their work building animals. Quite a feat. The above items that we utilized/visited are extra costs to non-members and members. My family has the unlimited membership, so we are able to visit and use these "extras" at no cost on day of visit--just an FYI. The employees are friendly and helpful, so great job on hiring them. Always a pleasure to visit the zoo. My family enjoys the exhibits and cannot wait to go back.

john

People complaints not as nice as other zoos and that sometimes the animals aren't there. What they don't realize is that Brookfield Zoo is one of the big players in breeding and protecting endangered animals which means that sometimes animals are sent to other zoos. The Okapi are just one of the animals they've helped bring back. So to me knowing that I can forgive it not always having everything or being as fancy as newer ones. Overall I enjoy bringing the kids here and they have some nice fish as well

Steve S. III

Great fun! My 3 year old daughter enjoyed the entire experience... plus it’s free!

Donna Derkacy

For 14 to park in a badly needed repave parking to 20plus adult to get in very disappointed in the small selection of animals there. I used to go to this zoo monthly back in late 70s and 80s with my kids much nicer back then use to spend open to close and still not see everything today did it all but the extras in a few hours. The best thing there right now was the Lego animals they were worth the extra money

Yamilex Rodelo

My favorite I love the zoo. Makes me so happy visiting. Just wish they had stocked their food courts better.

Daniel Dean

Long time family tradition of enjoying this great zoo through membership since 1950s. Spent so many days there with my grandmother who was a Brookfield resident. Since her passing unfortunately we have not been able to return. Wonderful exhibits and a great mission to educate patrons of conserving and protecting living creatures. Wonderful picnic areas and carry in allowedp9

Willie Riley

One of my favorite places. The zoo is large and spacious. There is a lot collection of animals in clean enclosures. There are several restaurants there with good food, lots of "zoo trains" to ride through the area and the staff are always very courteous. There's lots of secure parking. The parking area is so large they could build another zoo. Great place for both young and old. Also, a really great place to practice photography. A really nice place!

Pam Fricano

Great way to spend a day lots to see lots to do! Was there today love the tram rude you learn alot while driving around the zoo enjoyed my day!

Jyotsna Sareen

It was just good... there were quite smelly places so one just quickly runs through many points inside. Also carrying stroller inside might be trouble at certain points. Would prefer Lincoln Zoo with a kid more than this one.

sandra cervak

Educational, friendly and diverse. Many animals in different presentations within a park like setting. Kids love the animal oriented carousel.

Ron Schwartz

I love this place. Prices are good. I love the grounds for walking. If you want too see wild animals you will at this zoo. The staff was on hand to talk to you about the animals

Chris H

Great zoo, but I wish it was more Uber friendly for those from out of town. Food was better than other zoos I have visited as well.

Barbara Huba

Brick Safari was awesome. Great exhibit! Overall, the zoo is a fun & family friendly place to go. There's so much to do there, you can't even get it all in one day. Best thing to do is get a family membership and take the kids often throughout the year. Every season and holiday has their own special events, so every time you go to the zoo there's always something new to see & do. Saturday nights throughout the summer they even have outside concerts, so it's awesome to go there with the folding chair/blanket & cooler, and just chill to live music knowing that you're surrounded by these amazing animals. It's always kept very clean, which I would consider up to most theme park standards. Plenty of places to get food, and lots of gift shops all around with decent priced items that you can let your kids take home as a souvenir. Also, don't forget the wax models of the animals that you could make that are spread out throughout the zoo. They only cost a few bucks & are an awesome little souvenir to take home, too.

Abhijeet Karandikar

Wonderful place to spend the day. Dolphin Show is Awesome. PS: If you don't want to get drenched during the Dolphin Show, sit at least 7-8 rows away from the pool.

Maribeth Hines

Had a blast just wish I had known some sections closed earlier then the zoo itself.We missed a lot due to not knowing. The dolphin show was amazing and the music was fun.

Jancola Marty

Great place. Huge place. Food prices are not bad considering. So many animals. Had a great time.

Ana A.

Very nice zoo, Only reason why I give 3 stars is because they charge extra if you want to ride on the safari bus ( 5 per adult, 3 per kids), extra charge for watching the dolphin show, extra charge for interacting with some type of animals. Parking is way to expensive $14 per car (we basically park on the grass right next to a school) With all the add ons a family of 4 would be paying from $120- $200 for a 1 day visit.

Robert North

It's a great place, not much had changed since my grade school field trips. (And I mean that in a good way). Cold beers on deck and a good atmosphere. I love Brookfield Zoo, I gotta go back every other year or so.

Clark Wilson

I went to the zoo with my daughter and two young grandsons, on Labor Day weekend. There were many people but things weren't congested except there was a wait when we ordered take-out lunch to eat at a picnic table. We visited the Play Zoo and the Brick Safari, both of which my grandsons got actively involved in.

Anthony Camera

The park is enormous, however the attractions are all spread very far apart. Essentially, it is a regular-sized zoo spread over a larger-than-normal area. Many of the huge, wide-open spaces could be put to better use with additional attractions. The attractions that are featured are terrific, however walking fifteen minutes from place to place becomes somewhat tedious over a typical visit.

Sam Xavier

It's a great place to spend the day ...family friendly ..lots of attractions. I see ongoing construction which means more development. $22 for adults ..and $14 parking fees...turned out expensive ..especially when you have to go with 6 vacating relatives. Employees are super nice ..trust me .everybody will enjoy being here.

Scott Kuyken

Always a good time to go there. I especially love the bear area. My daughter is one and likes the living seas where she can see the penguins and all the big fish.

Christina Williams

Great zoo. Highlights conservation and the animals are amazing to see. Huge zoo, so be prepared to walk; however there is a motorized car to ride around if you get tired - the tour guides are amazing. Pricey food, but you can bring your own picnic.

Ryan Zimmerman

Fun time with the family. Kids enjoyed the fish and penguins. Nice weather is a must!

Vikram Gupta

I purchased family pass for the entire year ,you can add 2 guests also,parking is free . In the amount of year family pass you can only purchase 2 regular family tickets only.Its really very cheap. I am giving 5 star, only not for money also for place. A full day entertainment package . Places of animals are very natural, usually you can see almost every animal present here.

Marla Brandt

Great place. Lots of wonderful animals and a good variety of them. Friendly and helpful staff

Ashley Wilson

My family all came here on Sunday and we barely made it into the park when a family member needed to be taken off site via ambulance. Of course we all left to go to the hospital to make sure said family member was okay. Calling the zoo and getting refunds for our tickets and membership guest passes reinstated was very easy and I am so appreciative that they were able to do so, so we can come back and actually enjoy the zoo! We love the Brookfield zoo and can't wait to come back.

ashley scaggs

Ohhh it was absolutely wonderful!! Even though it was a little chilly the animals were still pretty active. I did the build your ticket and chose the dolphin show which was very entertaining, the wild encounters which is a wonderful petting zoo especially the goats, and the brick safari which was the Lego exhibit. I loved each and every thing that I got to see. I wasn't able to squeeze a couple of the areas in with my time but it was so worth the price. If I'm ever back up this way again I am definitely going again.

Kathy Struwe

What a great zoo. The dolphin show was wonderful. Be prepared to do alot of walking. Highly recommended that you bring a water bottle and a hat. This zoo covers over 200 acres. There are "extra" exhibits but you have to pay extra for them, like the dolphin show. If you need a power wheelchair you MUST reserve it 5 days in advance at least or you will not get one.

Tara Samuels

I usually but a membership and enjoy the perks of the zoo all year long. It's totally worth it. One yearly membership plays for one paid visit.

Lucas Villalobos Gonzalez

loved the Brookfield zoo. If you have a chance to be near Chicago is a must visit. They have a monkey house for primates and monkeys which is very cool to visit. They have a rhino exhibition also. Nice layout and helpful staff also

Linda Baran

Had 2 hours one late afternoon and convinced my 22 year-old to go to the zoo with me. We had a great time seeing everything. Animals big & small, real & not.

Subash Adigal

Lovely place with ample to see around. Very well maintained, with a great staff across to help, guide and explain. Have ample time in hand if you wish to cover all the places. Don't miss the Dolphin show and pay a visit when its feeding time for the animals. Especially the bear swimming into the pool is a great watch.

Tracy B

Very nice, clean, and animals looked well treated. Lots of family friendly options and activities, but also great for a date on a beautiful day.

John Sanchez

Although it might have been the busiest I've ever seen it exhibits where still able to be enjoyed. Brookfield Zoo is best when you take advantage of their memberships.

Joann Kupetis

The Lego exhibit was wonderful. Zoo is great. Only problem is they need better signs to let you know where you are &which way to go to get you where you want to be.

Kaycee Lindeman

Clean, pretty, good variety of habitats and exhibits... Membership is reasonable. Bring your own snacks and good walking shoes!

Janice Drew

I love going to zoos, and since Brookfield Zoo is the closest to where I live, I go there most often. As much as I enjoy Brookfield Zoo, I also see it as being very out of date in many places. I know they're working on improvements but some of the larger exhibits are in need of huge makeovers. At one time the gorilla enclosure was considered amazing, but having been to zoos where the apes and monkeys have access to outdoor areas that are more natural to the animals as well as offering great sight lines to humans, it's almost sad to see these animals in concrete surroundings. Quite a few years ago both Chicago zoos had issues where their elephants died. They haven't had elephants since then. It would be nice if they could bring them back, unless there is still a fear that it may not be safe for them. The zoo occupies a great deal of space but the space doesn't seem to be well used in places. I'd love to see the buildings upgraded with better indoor facilities and I'd love to see some of the outdoor space better used for the exhibits. Empty, grassy areas that cannot be annexed for animal use would make great places to grow foods and grasses eaten by the animals which could enrich their care as well as educate young people about what the animals eat.

jessica nixdorf

Well worth the money! Lots of walking! Over 11k steps in! Recommend going clockwise. We went opposite and it led to some extra walking. Wish we had more time to spend!

Stephanie Hogan

We love to visit the zoo! On our last visit most of the animals were out and visible! There are parks to play if needed, and places to stop and eat food you pack and bring or you can buy food, drinks there.

suanchirae williams

I have only been when chaperoning school field trips lately but it's so much more amazing to just bring my own kids and have a family day. We love the dine in the picnic area with the ducks, sometimes it can get a little hectoc over there but it's always entertaining. I also love that it's still the perfect place to just get out of the house and unplug.

Hugo Solano

Excellent zoo. We have been members for years. The staff really embodies the mission and they care for every customer. Clean and we'll organized. Animals are healthy and active.

Kevin Doe

Love this zoo and all the different events (and animals) they have. We really enjoyed Roars and Pours (which was great!), and have attended the Mother's Day brunch several times, as well as some other events and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Love when we get a chance to ask animal embassaders questions. If you plan your trip properly you can also get a chance to interact with the Giraffes.