I've never been to the Brookfield Zoo. I am planning on taking my 18 month old son and was wondering if anyone has some advice on 'must see/must do' activities. I'd like to enter the zoo right at opening time, because we plan on leaving right after lunch. This leaves only about 3 hours, but my boy loves his afternoon nap and I've no plans to mess with that. I can always go back later this summer if need be.
So...those of you who have been there - what are your thoughts on must see exhibits/sites or must do activities? Thanks for the input!
The zoo features a full schedule of activities and attractions, including The Carousel featuring 72 handcrafted exotic animals, engaging special events, daily Dolphin Shows, Zoo Chats, playgrounds, water features, and more.
http://www.windycitychicago.net/brookfield-zoo.html
We have a 2 and 5 yr old. We love the zoo. For the last 2 years we have been members! You get to park for free everytime you go, get in for free, get one person in on your pass for free everytime, passes to the dolphin show, passes for the tram, and more passes for family/friends to get in, a free tshirt, and discounts with food vendors and stores, you also get in to the petting zoo for free. You can sign up and pay on line! IT IS THE WAY TO GO! It makes it great so you can go for just a few hours each time! Also, sign up for their email alerts. Just a couple of weekends ago we went for ty beanie baby day and each kid got a frog beanie! It was fun. We also enjoy eating lunch near the camels (it is shaded well). We also bring our lunch and drinks! Have fun it is the best!
We love the Apes! The Children's Zoo is worth the extra money if you don't have a membership although i suggest getting on it is well worth it. The dolphin show is GREAT !And the little ones love the underwater viewing area. It is cool too. Alot of the indoor stuff is really good for the summer since it is very hot. Althrough they do have 'misting stations' around the park to help you cool off. The Swamp is great too but if he is little it is not the best place for a stroller. Have fun and enjoy we were there three or four times before we had seen all of the zoo and I could still go back and enjoy it anytime. If you want to keep expenses down since you are going for a short time check out yur local library for passes. They can be checked with your regular library card and have to be returned.
Hope you have a wonderful trip!!
Hey M R
I am a huge fan of the Brookfield Zoo. We are members and probably take our daughter twice a month at least. I would say for an 18 month old definitely check the Hamill Family Play Zoo. It's mostly indoor, but can provide a nice break from the heat when needed and there is tons of stuff to do in there. Also the dolphin show is really fun to watch and only lasts about 20 minutes. See the big animals like others suggested such as the elephants, giraffes, camels...etc. Also, the underwater viewing at the dolphins and otters is usually a good one. We usually skip the primate house as it is inside with no stroller and the walking paths are difficult for the little guys. The living coast is much nicer and you see sharks and penguins. We usually go right at opening (9:30) and then head straight to the Sting Ray Bay while there is no line. Packing a lunch is a good idea too. We also leave about 12 so my daughter can catch her afternoon nap. A couple hours is a lot of time for the zoo. Have fun! FYI, if you do plan to go alot, the family plus membership really is worth it. For two adults and 1 child it will cost you almost $30 with the parking. The membership is $101 and is good for a full year. You get free parking, free admission for everyone in your household, free admission for a guest, passes to the dolphin show, passes for the tram, and 10% off shop items. Plus more and it pays iteself off after 3 visits.
Our "zoo loop" goes to the right from the entrance, and we always do the giraffes, zebras, and elephants. They're the biggest most obvious animals, and my son requests them very time. If we still have time and energy (we have a zoo pass, so I don't mind leaving after those), we'll try something else like Living Coast, Tropic World, etc.
I would consider packing a lunch and eat on the lawn by the elephants. Sometimes during lunch time the trainers actually come out and feed them snacks and have them do "tricks" (flap their ears, raise their trunk). It's pretty cool! And even if they don't, you can still see them from the grass while you eat.
It's always fun to see the polar bears and monkeys. Tropic world is where the primates live - very cool. My very favorite activity is "The Living Coast" with penguins, a jellyfish aquarium and wave pool, (not one you can swim in - just observe) that gives you the sense of what the coast is like. There are also little shops and eateries connected to that area that are nice. There is a Children's zoo and the Hammel Family play zoo but it's been a while since I've been in there. Have fun!
