Top-Ranked Zoological Parks and Aquariums for Children in Chicago, 2025 Edition
For families seeking a fun and educational day out with their children, several zoos near Chicago offer a variety of experiences that cater to different interests. Here are some of the best options:
Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
Located just minutes from downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo is a popular choice for families. It's Chicago's only free zoo, featuring animals such as lions, meerkats, gorillas, and more. Additionally, it offers kid-friendly attractions like a carousel and a kids' train, making it an ideal destination for a family day out [2][3].
Green Meadows Petting Farm, Near Milwaukee
Green Meadows Petting Farm, located within driving distance from Chicago, provides a hands-on farm experience for younger kids. Features include pony rides, hayrides, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, and animal interactions. It is handicap accessible and perfect for an outdoor family day [1].
Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora, Illinois
Situated in Aurora, Illinois, Phillips Park Zoo is a smaller zoo that caters well to families with young children. It offers animal exhibits and a free splash-pad, making it a great choice for a family outing [5].
Racine Zoological Gardens, Racine, Wisconsin
The Racine Zoological Gardens houses over 100 species of animals, including Wisconsin natives, monkeys, kangaroos, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, and more. Families can participate in animal chats every hour on weekends, and dining options include Max & Jenny's Jungle Grill or The Watering Hole Bar & Snacks. Best of all, parking is free [6].
Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington, Illinois
Miller Park Zoo features a wide range of animals, including monkeys, tigers, alpacas, alligators, snow leopards, otters, and more. Admission is $9, and concessions are relatively inexpensive, ranging from about $3-$9. The zoo also offers affordable camps and classes for local kids [4].
Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
If you're visiting Chicago on a cold day, the Shedd Aquarium is a great indoor option for exploring aquatic life. While parking can be a bit pricey, with costs around $27 per day at Adler Planetarium, it's a convenient choice for a family outing near downtown Chicago [6].
Brookfield Zoo, Chicago
Brookfield Zoo is the most expansive and expensive zoo near Chicago, but it offers a wide variety of animals and continuous improvements. It's a great choice for families seeking a comprehensive zoo experience [6].
In addition to these zoos, Chicago also offers other animal-focused venues such as the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, specialised for children, and the Shedd Aquarium. These options provide varied experiences ranging from traditional zoos to interactive aquatic and children's exhibits [3].
Whether you're looking for a traditional zoo experience, a hands-on farm day, or an indoor aquatic adventure, there's a family-friendly zoo near Chicago that's perfect for you and your children.
- For those interested in fashion-and-beauty, shopping at the Magnificent Mile in Chicago offers a myriad of high-end stores and boutiques.
- Foodies might enjoy exploring the city's diverse food-and-drink scene, with restaurants and food markets showcasing various cuisines.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts can visit local stores in the River North district for home-improvement essentials and unique home decor.
- For couples seeking a romantic getaway, strategic travel planning can lead to affordable coupe-friendly hotels and charming destinations within driving distance from Chicago. And for pet lovers, don't forget to check out the various pet stores and pet-friendly accommodations along the way!
