Lincoln Park Zoo Tours

Lincoln Park Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals as well as a couple
Lincoln Park Zoo featuring zoo animals, a skyscraper and flowers
Lincoln Park Zoo showing zoo animals and bird life
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo showing bird life and a pond


This small zoo in the center of Chicago is perfect for small children and parents looking for a quiet, leisurely stroll — and some impressive animals!

Lincoln Park Zoo covers 49 acres (20 hectares) in Lincoln ParkOpens in a new window, just north of downtown Chicago. Meander among more than 1,000 animals in realistic habitats. There are monkeys swinging in trees, zebras grazing on plains and harbor seals lounging on rocks. Entrance is free and it’s open every day of the year.

The zoo was founded in 1868 when a pair of swans were donated to Lincoln Park by New York’s Central Park. In the following years the swan collection expanded with animals including a bear cub who would often escape from his enclosure and roam around the park at night.

The Regenstein Center for African Apes is the zoo’s largest and most extensive enclosure at 29,000 square feet (2,700 square meters). You’ll see chimpanzees and lowland gorillas, among other primates. See giraffes, African wild dogs, crocodiles and hippos in a separate African enclosure, and an indoor big cat display.

Take a stroll through the wooded Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, featuring North American animals such as owls, beavers, black bears, wolves, turtles and ducks. Exhibits and explanations are geared towards kids.

The Farm-in-the-Zoo has also been designed with children in mind, featuring cows, pigs, ponies, chickens and sheep. There are regular talks and demonstrations, such as how to milk a cow, for families to learn about life on the farm. Don’t miss a ride on the Children’s Train for kids 3 to 12 years old.

Stop for a break at Park Place Café, which serves up fare like burgers and pasta. You’ll find organic food at the Café at Wild Things and pizza and drinks at the Patio at Café Brauer. Take the time to sit back and enjoy the surroundings, as the park is full of tall old trees and surrounded by the city skyline.

For more details on interesting local attractions and activities, check out our things to do in ChicagoOpens in a new window page.

Plan a trip to see Lincoln Park Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Browse tours and tickets to explore Lincoln Park Zoo

Tours & day trips

See all 179 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 35 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 32 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 13 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lincoln Park Zoo

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites

3.5 out of 5
198 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG

4.5 out of 5
505 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile by IHG
The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection

The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection

3.5 out of 5
105 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL
The Whitehall Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Hotel Lincoln

Hotel Lincoln

4 out of 5
1816 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL
Hotel Lincoln
Chicago Getaway Hostel

Chicago Getaway Hostel

2 out of 5
616 W Arlington Pl, Chicago, IL
Chicago Getaway Hostel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North

4 out of 5
600 N State St, Chicago, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North
Claridge House

Claridge House

4 out of 5
1244 N Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, IL
Claridge House
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Congress Plaza Hotel
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile

Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile

4 out of 5
111 W Huron St, Chicago, IL
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lincoln Park Zoo

At Lincoln Park Zoo, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including photo tours to capture the scenic beauty, jogging trails for a refreshing outdoor experience, and nearby jazz clubs for some lively entertainment. Don't miss the chance to explore local theater options, including the Theio Theater, to complete your day with a cultural touch.

Shopping

For a quick shopping experience, visit the Green City Market, just 0.4 miles from Lincoln Park Zoo, offering local goods. The 900 North Michigan Shops and Chicago Place Mall, both 2 miles away, feature a variety of shops in a vibrant setting. If you're up for a drive, check out more options further out.

Recreation

Wrigley Field, 2 miles away, offers an energetic atmosphere with sporting events that invigorate the spirit. Just 4 miles from Lincoln Park Zoo, Aragon Ballroom provides a lively entertainment vibe with concerts. Closer at 0.7 miles, Second City delivers family-friendly comedy for laughter and connection.

Adventure

Embark on the Salt Creek Trail, a scenic hiking adventure located 12 miles from Lincoln Park Zoo, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Alternatively, splash into fun at Rainbow Falls Waterpark, 20 miles away, offering thrilling slides and family-friendly entertainment for an exciting day out.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Lincoln Park Zoo is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at Park West, just 0.3 miles away, or try your luck at Bally's Casino, 2 miles away. For a lively evening, head to Dave & Buster's, located 1 mile from the zoo, for drinks and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Lincoln Park Zoo

While visiting Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, explore the vibrant attractions nearby, including impressive skyscrapers and beautiful urban parks. This area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city enthusiasts alike. Be sure to check out the zoo's various attractions, which provide engaging encounters with wildlife and educational opportunities for all ages. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the lively streets surrounding the zoo for a taste of local life.

  • Michigan Avenue: Known as the "Magnificent Mile," Michigan Avenue is a bustling street lined with high-end shops, restaurants, and iconic architecture. This vibrant area is perfect for shopping enthusiasts and those looking to experience the lively atmosphere of Chicago.
  • Navy Pier: A beloved Chicago landmark, Navy Pier features beautiful waterfront views, art installations, and entertainment options for all ages. The friendly vibe makes it an ideal destination for families and couples wishing to stroll along the pier and enjoy various attractions.
  • Millennium Park: This urban oasis offers stunning art, beautiful gardens, and unique structures like the Cloud Gate sculpture. It's a great spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities and cultural events while soaking in the city's vibrant energy.

Best time to go to Lincoln Park Zoo

The best time to visit Lincoln Park Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lincoln Park Zoo

When planning your visit to Lincoln Park Zoo, take advantage of its free entry. The best time to save on accommodations is from December to February, with Mondays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and compare room rates, and consider booking a package deal for flights and activities to maximize savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Always filter your search by price to find great deals!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lincoln Park Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lincoln Park Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Lincoln Park Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Lincoln Park Zoo with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.