Lincoln Park Zoo – A Complete Guide

Since 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo has been a beloved destination for Chicagoland families, offering a window into the lives of animals worldwide. The zoo is not just a place for entertainment, but also a site for conservation efforts, housing several endangered and extinct animals. Hence, visitors of all ages can get an educational and unique experience while contributing to the preservation of these species.

Furthermore, you’ll adore Lincoln Park Zoo for its exciting exhibits, hands-on programs, and numerous spaces where kids can learn and explore different plants and animals. The best part? Entry is completely free!

This handy guide will help you make the most of your trip to Lincoln Park Zoo. It covers everything from parking and dining options to the best activities for kids at both the zoo and in the neighborhood. Unleash your family’s wild side and enjoy a fun-filled adventure!

A Brief History of Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo, the second oldest zoo in the United States, was established in 1868, just 31 years after the founding of Chicago. Its creation was influenced by New York City, which donated two pairs of mute swans to Chicago that year, sparking the idea to start an animal collection in Lincoln Park.

The swans were placed in the South Pond of Lincoln Park, sparking the idea to start an animal collection. Within two years, the first animal house was built. This marked the beginning of a journey that saw the zoo grow and evolve over the years. Twenty years later, Cyrus Devry became the zoo’s director and worked to ensure no one commercialized the transfer of animals, a principle that the zoo still upholds today.

Quick Details About Zoo

Some quick details about Lincoln Park Zoo are given below:

Address: 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago

Open Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Hours change by season)

Entry: Free

Getting There: You can go to the zoo in two ways – by bus and train. Take the 22, 36, or 151 CTA buses. They stop along the zoo’s western edge. Secondly, the Armitage (brown and purple lines) and Fullerton (brown, purple, and red lines) stop about a mile west of the zoo.

Parking: The zoo has limited street parking. The paid lot is located at 2400 N. Cannon Drive. The first 30 minutes are free, and the daily rates are $30-$40.

How to get to Lincoln Park Zoo

The zoo is easy to reach by car from Lake Shore Drive. Try to catch parking at the zoo that fills up so quickly. If you miss it, you’ll have to buy parking. You can also get a discount on it!

Secondly, public transportation is convenient and you can plan your trip with Google Maps. Taxis and ride-share services are available. There’s a Divvy bike-sharing system if you want to add some fun.

Animals at Lincoln Park Zoo

Check out the following details to know what types of animals are there in Lincoln Park Zoo:

Lions

You can eye-witness various areas where different animals are placed. For example, the Pepper Family Wildlife Centre gives families a chance to see lions in a way they never have before. This new habitat has indoor and outdoor areas, allowing you to see lions from different angles.

Gorillas and Chimpanzees

At Lincoln Park Zoo, you’ll find various species of apes and chimpanzees. The zoo takes this chance to learn more about how these animals think and live, using safe and gentle methods. They describe how apes communicate and come up with new ideas. You can join a talk to learn more about the program and the apes. These talks happen every weekday, Monday through Friday, at 1:30 p.m.

Reptiles & Small Mammals

The building where reptiles and mammals are kept looks small and plain from the outside. But inside, it’s much larger and more exciting than you’d expect. When you first walk in, it’s dark, perfect for spotting nocturnal animals moving around. You might find the large snakes, about the size of a grown-up, a bit scary.

So, the first room is filled with snakes, frogs, and small critters that capture your attention. There’s also a screening room with an exciting video about the zoo and its history.

African Animals

This area is home to a fascinating array of African animals. The first room is filled with colorful birds that fly close to kids, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere with their bright feathers and interesting sounds. In the next space, there are pygmy hippos. You can sit on the bench for underwater viewing, where you can catch a g;ance of the hippos eating.

This journey continues with playful meerkats and the indoor part of the giraffe exhibit. Finally, don’t miss the aardvark in the same room – she’s tucked away in a bottom corner just past the meerkats.

Bird House

There’s a huge birdhouse where tropical and seashore birds can freely fly here and there. There are particular signs for each bird. Moreover, some birds fly and swim, and you can enjoy watching them and listening to their different calls. The free-flight area in the last room might seem a bit scary for some little kids, but others can get a big thrill from being so close to the birds.

Things to do at Lincoln Park Zoo

There are many things and activities that you can do apart from seeing animals all around! Your activities may vary if you go with your children alone or go with your whole family. So, below is a complete package of tips for what you can do here!

Things to do with Kids

When you go with your kids, there are some particular things that you can do before leaving and after reaching there. For instance,

• Download the zoo’s interactive map before you leave.
• There are some fun events that are held in the Lincoln Park Zoo like seal training, ape cognition, and care sessions, and many more. Do not miss to catch these events.
• Let your kids play at the Houston family play Treehouse, which is an indoor nature-themed play area with tactile and sensory features that your kid would love.
• There’s also an outdoor play area for kids, such as a wild sapling play forest, that you shouldn’t miss.
• Moreover, at farm-in-the-zoo, kids can groom goats, feed cows and chickens, and enjoy the Main Barn’s open-ended play area.
• Hop on the Lionel Train adventure for a fun tour around the zoo. The trackless train starts at a charming red brick station and takes you through beautiful forest and canyon scenery.
• In this exciting VR adventure, your kids can virtually dive into the ocean and swim with tiger sharks.
• Lastly, do not forget to ride the endangered species carousel!

Things to do with Families

Inside the zoo’s East Gate entrance, the sealed visitor center is your go-to spot for all kinds of help and information. Here you’ll find:

• An information desk, where you can get all the info about the zoo.
• There is a Lost and found area where you can check your lost items.
• Get from here if you need a stroller for your parents or elders.
• You can also access first aid services and public safety information.
• The center also offers weighted lap blankets and sensory bags filled with noise-removal headphones, fidget tools, and more.
• Your family can also access restrooms in the zoo.
• There’s also a quiet room where you can breastfeed, take sensory breaks, and offer prayer.

Does your family love the Lincoln Park Zoo? Consider a family membership! Benefits include:

• Free Parking
• Discounts at zoo shops
• Discounts on camps and youth programs
• Invites to special events and much more.

Please make the most of your visit to the zoo with the Seale Visitor Center and its many resources!

Lincoln Park Zoo Events

There’s always something exciting going on at Lincoln Park Zoo. If you take guided tours for hours, join the Twilight Safari. The unique thing about the zoo is that you can do yoga or Zumba and enjoy some stunning views at the same time. Here are some events that are held at the zoo, such as:

Get Your Daily Greens

In the Farm-in-the-zoo, there are edible gardens. It’s a fun and educational project by Green City Market and Lincoln Park Zoo. It’s all about teaching kids where their food comes from through hands-on activities.

The Green City Market Staff arranges tours from April to October. These tours will help you understand the importance of the food we get from the Earth.

Arboretum Tour for you!

Did you know that Lincoln Park Zoo became an accredited arboretum in 2019? Learn more by joining a guided tour led by local horticulturists. Tours often start at the Searle Visitor Center.

Super Zoo Picnic

If you get the membership of the zoo, you can attend this event! It costs $15, and kids of 5 or under are free. You can enjoy face painting, animal chats, dancing, carnival games, and more. Moreover, you can enjoy free rides on the Lionel Train Adventure and the Endangered Species Carousel.

Food at Lincoln Park Zoo

Do not be worried about the food here! There are a lot of options to pick for your eat & drink. There’s a park place cafe located just south of the Kolver Lion House. The cafe serves a variety of foods like Mexican Dishes, Italian cuisine, burgers, sandwiches, salads, beer, wine, and more. It is a cafeteria-style spot with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Secondly, there is The Cafe at Wild Things, which is located above the gift shop. The cafe offers a great view while you enjoy salads, snacks, and organic paninis. Don’t forget to try Eadie Levy’s Landmark cafe, a convenient spot to grab hot dogs and fries.

The Patio at Cafe Brauer features a unique Chicago setting with views of skyscrapers and a restored native ecosystem. You can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner overlooking the pond and Nature Boardwalk and sip on cocktails, wine, or their special Goose Island Boardwalk Blue beer.

Attractions at Lincoln Park Zoo

As you know, the zoo is free to enter, but there are a few attractions with a small fee. Some of the worth watching attraction sites are as follows:

• The AT&T Endangered Species Carousel has 48 beautifully crafted wooden animals and two chariots.
• Try Lionel Train Adventure, which takes you on a fun ride through forest and canyon scenery.

Tickets for both the carousel and the train are $3 per ride. For more savings, you can buy Value Ride Passes for $12, giving you five rides on the train or the carousel.

Conclusion

Hence, it’s a beautiful place to visit. Whether you go with your kids or family, the zoo offers a day of fun and learning about wildlife. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure in the city’s heart!

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