Below is a list of the top and leading Aquariums and Zoos in Chicago. To help you find the best Aquariums and Zoos located near you in Chicago, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Chicago’s Best Aquariums and Zoos:
The top rated Aquariums and Zoos in Chicago are:
- Lincoln Park Zoo – inspiring communities to create environments where wildlife thrive
- Shedd Aquarium – discover the wonder of the aquatic animal world
- Cosley Zoo – up-close interactions with nature right in the heart of the suburbs
- Brookfield Zoo – operating with the Forest Preserves of Cook County
- Phillips Park Zoo – providing a safe environment to experience the animal word
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately operated institution that is determined primarily upon the aid of its customers, donors, and members to stay receptive and free daily. Significantly more than two-thirds of this country’s operating budget is offered by revenue from the own food services, retail shops, parking, along with fundraising activities. The rest is offered by a predetermined yearly subsidy from the Chicago Park District.
Lincoln Park Zoo is tough, it is a direct manifestation of their staff and the fire they bring into the zoo each daily. Their talents contribute to the conservation of creatures around the planet, that the cataloging of severely compromised plants at the zoo and also the growth of learning programs across Chicago, and also the production of animal care methods that benefit individuals throughout the world. The zoo depends on its Board of Trustees for guidance and leadership. Providing insights on operational and financial matters, they’re primarily in charge of the financial health of the zoo.
Products/Services:
Animals Encounter, Dining & Snacks, Gift Shop, Train Adventure, Carousel, Nature Boardwalk, Penguin Encounter
LOCATION:
Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 742-2000
Website: www.lpzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“Such a great free zoo in the city!! I’ve visited many times and it’s always so much fun! Entry is always free but you do need to pay for parking. There’s tons of events and shows to see during the summer. The entire park is decorated in winter for zoo lights. Great place to visit with the family.” – Ahson Noor
Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium welcomes two million guests each year to get memorable experiences with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons. However, Shedd is over simply a destination. Here, there and everywhere, Shedd Aquarium is devoted to encouraging some sort of booming with aquatic lifestyle, sustained by those who love, comprehend and protect it. Notice exactly how they are dealing together with peers and partners across the globe to provoke curiosity, conservation, and compassion to the aquatic creature kingdom.
Products/Services:
Animals & Exhibits, Programs & Events, Care & Conservation
LOCATION:
Address: 1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: (312) 939-2438
Website: www.sheddaquarium.org
REVIEWS:
“Totally worth it! Came to Chicago for an anniversary trip with my boyfriend and it was amazing! We have seen a dolphin show and seen them feeding the sea lion and whales. Everything was great. They have a couple of different eating places inside like hot dogs and salads and popcorn. Stuff like that. So if you’re super hungry, eat beforehand. They have lockers! $5 & $8 the $8 was the best cause we could fit 2 coats a backpack and scarfs. Everything was wonderful. I would so go if you have the money. It was around $80 for 2 adults. So plan on spending. They did have a whole level dedicated to children for playing and seeing things underwater. Everything was great!” – Ahson Noor
Cosley Zoo
Cosley Zoo gives people up-close interactions with nature directly in the center of the suburbs. Cosley Zoo can also be a center for creature conservation and education, offering programs that teach young and older just how to take care of your world around them and also return to the communities where they live, work, and play with.
Products/Services:
Zoo Visit, Daily Activities, Gift Shop, Birthday Parties, Special Events, Zoo Rentals, Individual & Family Programs, Junior Zookeepers, Overnight Programs, School & Group Programs, Scout Programs, Summer Camps, Volunteer & Internship Opportunities, Club Care Animal Adoptions
LOCATION:
Address: 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: (630) 665-5534
Website: www.cosleyzoo.org
REVIEWS:
“We were here for a birthday party and had a wonderful time! Natasha brought 3 animals out for the kids to pet and did an amazing job answering questions and managing kid enthusiasm. It’s a really lovely zoo and a great place to hold a birthday party.” –
Rebecca Weinberg
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo houses approximately 450 species of creatures in a place of 216 acres. It started on July 1, 1934, and immediately gained international fame for using moats and ditches rather than cages to separate animals from traffic and out of different creatures. The zoo has been also the very first in the US showing giant pandas, one which was taxidermied and placed on display at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History. Back in 1960, Brookfield Zoo assembled the country’s first indoor noodle exhibition, also in the 1980s the zoo introduced Tropic World, the very first fully indoor rain forests simulation and also the then-largest indoor zoo exhibition on the planet. The society also sponsors numerous conservation and research efforts worldwide.
Brookfield Zoo motivates guests through exceptional relations with creatures, nature and each other. The zoo has educated and captivated people since 1934. It can be home to 2000+ creature residents and can be a licensed arboretum. Brookfield Zoo is open each afternoon and also welcomes greater than two million guests annually.
Products/Services:
Attractions, Backstage Adventure, Dining & Shopping, School Field Trips, Group Sales, Park Rules, Zoo Shop, Learning Programs, Membership, Catered Events
LOCATION:
Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
Phone: (708) 688-8000
Website: www.czs.org/Brookfield-ZOO/Home
REVIEWS:
“Such an amazing and large selection of animals! The keeper staff and the docents are so well informed and friendly. An amazing place to go to learn about and see endangered animals while aiding in conservation efforts- your proceeds go to wild conservation! Animals are well cared for and display many natural behaviours. Highly recommend! Worth every penny!” – Katie Donnellan
Phillips Park Zoo
Phillips Park Zoo offers free admission. Tours at the Zoo are provided to school groups and training classes, throughout the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. All tours if keeper or self-guided need to be scheduled a minimum of two weeks beforehand. Large self-guided set tours have been invited, however, to avoid scheduling conflicts with other big collections and also to take advantage of your trip, it’s highly suggested that you contact the Zoo Manager, Dan Powell.
It’s their assignment at the Phillips Park Zoo to supply a secure environment where visitors and students may acquire a superior understanding of the creature world and its own environment through diversion and instruction, in addition to providing expert attention for your animals placed at the zoo, even while encouraging a favorable image of their zoo and surrounding playground, enhancing the high quality of life. Their handicapped parking is located close to the entry of their Stover Visitor Center.
Products/Services:
Tour & Groups, Conservation
LOCATION:
Address: 1000 Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL 60505
Phone: (630) 256-3860
Website: www.aurora-il.org
REVIEWS:
“Such an amazing and large selection of animals! The keeper staff and the docents are so well informed and friendly. An amazing place to go to learn about and see endangered animals while aiding in conservation efforts- your proceeds go to wild conservation! Animals are well cared for and display many natural behaviors. Highly recommend! Worth every penny!” – Alison Dodson
Becky Collins has lived in South Dakota her whole life. Becky has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and True Dakotan. As a journalist for Kev’s Best, Becky covers national and international developments.