My mom to mom blog has one aim: to give busy moms the best time management tips on where to go for quality-time enjoyment. Kid Friendly Venues don't get much better than zoos. Kids love zoos for many reasons.  First and foremost, being around animals is scientifically proven to reduce stress.  Children and adults may not be consciously aware of this, but what they do know is that they feel good after being around them.  Animal antics are often comical, and children love an easy laugh.  It’s also very exciting to see animals from other parts of the world in one location. We watch images of them on TV and read about them in books. Seeing them with our own two eyes is an incredible experience.  And children love open space where they can freely run without a grown-up grabbing their arm or forcing them into a stroller. 

Zoos have room to move and breathe for the parents too. When out and about, we often spend much of our time corralling our children and keeping tabs on them.  There are so many dangers in a city with cars and bicycles whizzing past. A zoo visit allows more room to let go. Provided the zoo is not overly crowded, children can run ahead and still be in the line of sight.  I love the fact that zoos allow me to stretch my legs.  When viewing the animals, I can catch a good stride; it’s great exercise. How's that for a best time management tip for a busy mom!

I have visited zoos in multiple cities all over the world.  No two zoos are the same.  Each zoo has its unique feel, with various layouts, different animals, and special highlights.  Every person has their own tactical approach when visiting a zoo.  Some individuals like to see every single exhibit in one visit: they attack the zoo map in a way that every single square inch is covered.  Other people pick some choice animals to view, and they focus on those exhibits, stopping to peek at other enclosures along the way.   

No matter how a person views the zoo, each visit can be its own unique experience.  On any given day, the animals can be more or less active, and the way they engage in their surroundings allows us humans to experience the zoo differently. Everyone can agree that animals are incredible.  

I want to share my love of zoos with my children and two have been added to my "Bucket List": The Brookfield Zoo and The Lincoln Park Zoo. Both are in Chicago and that city destination consistently rates high on our website's KidFriendlyVenues app ratings.  

Lincoln Park Zoo 

Location: The Lincoln Park Zoo is located within the boundaries of Chicago at 2400 North Cannon Drive.   This is just off Lake Shore Drive, and it is very close to downtown Chicago.  The zoo is within a 49- acre park, which is equivalent to 37 football-fields in size.  While this is plenty big, it is quite a bit smaller than many other zoos.   Nevertheless, this zoo still packs in over 200 different species of animals within its park boundaries.

Cost:  This is the best part: It’s FREE!! Donations are welcome, as these allow the park to stay open and accessible to the public.

Time Planning: Open 365 days per year.  They are generally open 6am-11pm, but it’s best to check the website for their hours.  They occasionally have early closures. 

Parking: Parking is free for the first half hour only. There are fees after 30 minutes.

Food: Multiple Cafes and a grill within the Zoo

Main Attractions: Some animals to get excited about are the Red Panda (children will love this exhibit after watching Pixar’s “Turning Red”), Black Rhinoceros, Zebras, African Painted Dogs, Aardvark, Fennec Fox (wait until you see the size of the ears on this cute furry creature!), Polar Bear, many species of birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles.

Other Sites:  This zoo hosts an impressive garden with over 1,200 plant species.  This is a horticulturist’s dream.  This zoo also has a Nature Boardwalk that showcases diverse plant life, a pond, and many native species of turtles, fish, frogs, and plants

Experiences for Children: Children’s Zoo, Barnyard, Train and Carousel.

Additional Facts: The Lincoln Park Zoo caters to special needs.  For individuals with Sensory Processing Needs, the zoo loans out sensory processing kits. Check out our KidFriendlyVenues app for more amenities.

Special Events:  Please check out the Calendar of Events on the zoo webpage (https://www.lpzoo.org) for a listing of the most up-to-date special events at the zoo. 

The Brookfield Zoo

Location: The Brookfield Zoo is located 14 miles west of downtown Chicago in Brookfield, Illinois. Our free KidfriendlyVenues app on this website has map and GIS location for you. The zoo is on 216 acres, and hosts over 400 different species of animals.   This is quite a bit larger than the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Cost: Currently, adult entry costs about $25 and $18 for children.  These fees change, so please visit the zoo website for the most up-to-date entry fees. 

Hours: Weekdays 10am-5pm, Weekends 10am-6pm.  Please check with the zoo website to ensure there are no early closures on the day you plan to visit.

Parking: There are two parking lots, one at the North Gate and one at the South Gate.  Both entries currently cost $15/car.

 Food: Multiple food carts, food trucks, cafes, grills, and even a brewery! So, if any family members go missing, check the brewery before the Lost & Found.

Main attractions: Big Cats, Rhinos, Wolves, Crocodiles, Kangaroos, Gorillas, the Red Panda, and many other species of animals.  The website lists these animals according to region and animal type: Australian Animals, African Animals, hooved animals, feathered animals, etc.

Other Sites: There are wonderful experiences this zoo offers, but they do cost extra (on top of the entry fee): Dolphins in Action (Dolphin Show), Feed the giraffes, Penguin Encounters, and Penguin Feeding.  Some of these experiences require pre-scheduling.  Also, not all items listed are available year-round.  Please check the website to ensure these experiences are available at the time of your visit.

 Experiences for Children: Carousel, Motor Safari, hands-on experiences at the Hamill Family Play Zoo and Hamill Family Wild Encounters (extra cost). 

 Special Events: Please check out the Calendar of Events on the zoo webpage (https://www.czs.org) for a listing of the most up-to-date special events at the zoo. 

Laura D