Top-Rated Zoos and Aquariums Ideal for Children in Chicago
Exploring Family-Friendly Zoos Near Chicago: A Guide
If you're looking for a fun and educational day out with your family, there are several zoos near Chicago that cater to all ages. Here's a roundup of some of the best options:
Lincoln Park Zoo - Located just minutes from downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo is a popular choice for families. It offers a wide variety of animals, including lions, meerkats, and gorillas, as well as family-friendly amenities such as cafes, shaded areas, a carousel ($3 per ride), and a children’s train. The zoo is entirely outdoors except for some exhibits, but parking can be a challenge, so consider street parking as an option [1].
Elgin Zoo - For a suburban option, Elgin Zoo offers free admission and newly added kid-friendly experiences, making it an ideal choice for families looking for accessible family fun without an entry fee [2].
Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL, is another great option, featuring monkeys, tigers, alpacas, alligators, snow leopards, and otters. It also offers affordable camps and classes for local kids [6].
Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend offers a diverse range of animals, with 500 animals divided into exhibits featuring Australia, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Its newest additions include Andean bear brothers and a family of giraffes [8].
For a farm-style interactive experience geared towards younger children, Green Meadows Petting Farm near Milwaukee (a reasonable drive north of Chicago) offers animal interactions, pony rides, hayrides, a corn maze, and playgrounds [3].
Milwaukee County Zoo covers 190 acres with 1,800 animals, including elephants, which neither Chicago zoo has. The zoo is divided into several exhibits that require some walking, but the walks are well-shaded and include places to stop for food or bathroom breaks [9].
Cosley Zoo in Wheaton features mostly farm animals and local wildlife, and requires only about an hour to complete a loop to see the zoo's 200 animals from over 50 species [7].
Racine Zoological Gardens has 100 species of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears [10].
For a unique experience, The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago offers meet-and-greet experiences with animals like dolphins, sea otters, and penguins for an additional fee. It also boasts over 32,000 aquatic animals on display, with the Caribbean Reef as its centerpiece [11].
The Regenstein Center for African Apes at Lincoln Park Zoo allows visitors to see gorillas and chimpanzees up close [4].
Lastly, families can dine at Max & Jenny’s Jungle Grill or The Watering Hole Bar & Snacks at Racine Zoological Gardens, or feed birds in the Norco Aviary at Racine Zoological Gardens for $3 per seed stick [12].
Whether you prefer a zoo in the city or the suburbs, hands-on petting experiences, or a farm-style interactive setting, there's a zoo near Chicago that's perfect for your family.
- If you're interested in more than just animals, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago also offers fashion-and-beauty experiences through its annual Zoo Ball fundraiser.
- After a day of exploring the zoos and savory food-and-drink options, you can unwind at home by reading a book or watching a movie in your home-and-garden sanctuary.
- For adventurous families, a travel itinerary featuring a safari in Africa, surfing lessons in Hawaii, or a sports tournament in Montreal would make an exciting addition to your lifestyle.
