Free Days at Brookfield Zoo

Free Days at Brookfield Zoo.

Where: Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd; Brookfield, 708-688-8000.

When: March 1-September 30, 2017 No free days. General zoo admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 1 through December 31, 2017; January-February, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturday and Sunday. Zoo map

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please note: Indoor animal exhibits close 30 minutes before general zoo closing, except for Tropic World, which closes 45 minutes before general zoo closing.

Admission for adults is $19.85, seniors 65 and over $14.50 and Children (3 to 11) $14.50.

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Save money on pre-purchased tickets

If you pre-purchase general admission tickets online you save $1. If you pre-purchase a ticket for admission plus 4 attractions you save up to $5 per ticket. You can get the up to $5 off deal at the box office at the Zoo also. Here.***

Parking

Parking is $12 including tax. Metra has a Zoo stop. Round trip Metra fare is $9.50 on week days;$8 on weekends (with pass). The zoo is two blocks from the Metra Zoo stop (Hollywood). Kids ride Metra free all summer.

If you want to really save money you can park at the Metra Parking lot behind the Village Hall for $1.50. However, you will have to walk 1.3 miles according to Google. You could bring your bike I suppose. All other street parking around the zoo is permit only.

Free and Cheap things to do in Chicago and Free and Cheap things to do with Kids in Chicago

FREE activities:

Zoo Chats: Brookfield Zoo volunteers and staff talk about throughout the day, very day. Here is the schedule. Also, look for docents walking throughout the park from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Other information:

You are permitted to bring in your own food, coolers, and wagons.
You are permitted to dine in any restaurant that has available seating.
You are not permitted to bring in any glass or alcohol.
The busiest time is when school groups have their field trips from March through May just before spring break.

Fees for other activities and attractions:

Dinos and Dragons
Daily: 9:30am- 6:00pm
During Summer Nights, Dinos and Dragons will be open until 8:30pm.

Adults: $5.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00
Children 3-11: $3.00
Members: Half price

Dolphins in Action
Mondays- Wednesdays: 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:00pm
Thursdays- Sundays: 11:30am, 1:00pm*, 2:30pm, 4:00pm
*On Fridays and Saturdays from June 16 to August 12, Dolphins in Action is at 6:00pm instead of 1:00pm.

Adults: $5.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00
Children 3 to 11: $3.00

Hamill Family Play Zoo

Hamill Family Play Zoo Admission is free from November 1, 2016 thru February 28, 2017
Adults: $3.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00
Children 3 to 11: $3.00
Members: Half price

The Carousel (when weather permits)
Adults: $3.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00
Children 3 to 11: $3.00
Members: Half price
All seated riders require a ticket.

Motor Safari (when weather permits)
Adults: $5.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00
Children 3 to 11: $3.00
Members: Half price
Available early spring through late fall, weather permitting. One ticket allows guests to ride all day.

Hamill Family Wild Encounters
Adults: $5.00
Seniors 65 & Over: $3.00
Children 3 to 11: $3.00
Members: Half price

Stroller/Wagon Rentals

Rentals are available near the North and South Gates.

Wheelchairs $12.00 (plus credit card deposit)
Wagons: $12.00 (plus $10 deposit)
Dolphin Strollers $10.00 (plus $10 deposit)
Electronic Convenience Vehicle $25.00

Brookfield Zoo requests a deposit with all rentals. For rental of electronic convenience vehicles (ECV) and wheelchair rentals, the zoo requires credit card information as a security deposit. The zoo has a limited number of ECVs and wheelchairs for rent. Please call (708) 688-8347 to reserve an ECV or wheelchair in advance to assure one is available for your visit. Same day reservations are not accepted.