Lincoln Park Zoo- I Can’t Believe It’s FREE and Open 365 Days! (Chicago, IL)

When I tagged along during my husband’s business trip to Chicago, my husband (who was born in and spent his childhood in the Chicago area) recommended me to check out Lincoln Park Zoo since it is free. As I wanted to check out the Magnificent Mile on the way to Lincoln Park, I decided to walk there from the hotel.

 

Here are a few that I posted already.
-Second Oldest in the US, Chicago Water Tower is a Landmark and Symbol of Survival
-Historic Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago- Second Oldest Structure on Michigan Avenue
-One of Chicago's Iconic Skyscrapers- John Hancock Center & Its Fun Facts
-Oak Street Beach- True Urban Beach with View of Chicago’s Spectacular Skyline

Anyway, it turned out Lincoln Park is the largest park in Chicago, covering 1,200 acres. I noticed many outdoor sports facilities along my walk. Not only those, but I discovered many different things to do.
 
Obviously, the 35-acre (14 ha), world-class Lincoln Park Zoo in Lincoln Park is not only one of the most popular attractions that welcomes more than three million visitors each year, but is also a great hangout for locals. I felt the entire Lincoln Park would be an especially great place to visit when the weather is nice to enjoy the outdoors.

 
Let me emphasize a few amazing facts about Lincoln Park Zoo.
1) Price: It’s FREE!
As one of the 3 remaining major free zoos in America, the Lincoln Park Zoo is completely free and open to the public every day of the week. Visitors need not check in or get a ticket- they can just walk through the gates and spend as long as they want there (while the zoo is open).

 
2) Age: It’s one of the oldest zoos in North America
Founded in 1868, it is one of the oldest zoos on the continent and many of the exhibit areas also have a long history. First built in 1879 and rebuilt in 1969, the Kovler Seal Pool is one of the oldest and most popular exhibits at the Zoo. The Kovler Lion House, built in 1912, is a striking historic landmark in the heart of zoo grounds. Café Brauer, located at the south end of the zoo, is housed inside a landmark building from 1908.

 
3) Variety: Over 200 different animal species are represented
Lincoln Park Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including polar bears, penguins, gorillas, monkeys, monkeys, big cats, reptiles, and other species- altogether about 1,100 animals from some representative 200 species. Many of the animals are rare or endangered.

 
Personally, I visited the zoo to see the penguins (I LOVE penguins!), so I spent the most time watching them. Also, I was lucky to be on the right timing to watch the seals during feeding time. They were putting up a performance when they got fed. That was also very entertaining.

 
I found that in addition to observing all the animals, Lincoln Park Zoo features several different rides. The SBC Endangered Species Carousel ride, LPZOO Express train ride, the 4-D Virtual Safari simulator, Safari Audio Tour, and paddle boat and swan boat rides require a small fee to ride.

 
Also, I found that Lincoln Park Zoo is not only fun, but also has many educational programs and events throughout the year for children and adults. Lincoln Park Zoo is fun for the entire family. Not only will the animals entertain the whole family, but there are also  bonus attractions like tours, live feedings, trainings, and holiday lights during holiday season I definitely recommend to check the zoo’s event calendar before you visit.

Another thing I want to recommend is to explore the areas surrounding Lincoln Park Zoo. Stroll through idyllic Lincoln Park during your visit, especially the zoo’s Nature Boardwalk where you can see a stunning view of the skyline behind the South Pond. Honestly, as an adult this is the part that I most enjoyed. If you have time, visit the conservatory next to the zoo and have a picnic at the formal garden.

 -Free Lincoln Park Conservatory- Tropical Oasis for Exotic Plants & Visitors

-Beautiful Lincoln Park Formal Garden, One of the Oldest Public Gardens in Chicago

As an adult, I was not particularly thrilled about visiting the zoo. But while I was visiting after seeing all that Lincoln Park Zoo offers, I could not believe it was free! Definitely thumbs up, and it is a must-see if you have kids!
 
Lincoln Park Chicago Zoo has several restaurants, cafes and snack kiosks, and outdoor snack venders and gift shop offering a variety of foods and gifts.

 
Lastly, I found Lincoln Park Zoo's parking is very pricey ($20-25/day!). There is free street parking, but it is very limited. So walking, taking a bus, or using a taxi or ride-sharing service may be a more cost-effective choice.