Lincoln Park Zoo454

Established in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoological parks in the country, but it is a leader in terms of wildlife conservation, community education, and recreation.

But that aside, it's a great place to spend the day with your kids, and it is Free.

Enter at the east gate and go directly to the Gateway Pavilion to pick up a free visitor's guide from the information center and a stroller.

The Pritzker Children's Zoo offers supervised hands-on interactions with specially selected animals, so children and adults are able to better understand and appreciate the importance of all members of the wild kingdom. Here guests can become acquainted with a wide variety of furry, scaly, and feathered new friends.

The main zoo offers views of two new polar bears, lion and primate houses, a sea lion pool, small mammal and reptile house, a large animal habitat, and more.

Also, consider paying $3 for a key to the zoo. It enables visitors to key in to audio explanations at the exhibits, and it's good for a whole year.

The Zoo is home to numerous eating establishments, most of which offer sandwiches and salads.

The zoo's summer camp programs provide experiences for animal lovers ages four to 12 (entering eighth grade in the fall). Families can choose one or two differently themed weeks of camp.

Lincoln Park Zoo membership offers families the chance to support this wonderful free resource, and includes free parking coupons (Cannon Drive parking based on space availability), free admission to more than 100 zoos and aquariums nationwide, a 10% discount at Zoo Shops, Park Place Café, and Big Cats Café, subscription to Wildtimes newsletter, invitations to members-only, after-hours parties, the Lincoln Park Zoo Guide to Adventure, filled with animal photos, and a Zoo calendar. Household membership costs $70/year.

The Zoo is open 365 days a year.