Which zoo in Chicago is better?

Question

I am visiting Chicago in may and would like to go to the zoo (hubby's into baseball and I like animals). We probably won't have time for both zoos. Does anyone have an opinion on which is better- Lincoln Park Zoo or the Brookfield Zoo.
Thanks!

Answer 1

Lincoln Park Zoo is free and located in the city.

Brookfield Zoo is a few miles west of the city, they do charge an entrance fee.

I like Brookfield Zoo better. But when you have extra time on your hands its always nice to stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo.

Welcome to Chicago

Answer 2

I personally think Brookfield Zoo has a better layout and environment for looking at the animals, but for convenience and affordability, you can't beat Lincoln Park. It's right in the heart of the city, easily accessible, and best of all FREE. If you're going to be staying in Chicago, you probably going to want to go there. They've made a lot of improvments to Lincoln Park Zoo which helps. In addition, there is a plant conservatory adjacent to it and the Peggy Notebart Nature Museum is right across the street. In addition, the Chicago History Museum is just a few blocks south of the zoo, walking distance. So you've got four things to visit in one area. Brookfield Zoo is nice, but you have to drive to get there, or take a train. If you're staying in Chicago, stick with the Lincoln Park zoo.

Answer 3

I prefer Lincoln Park, which is actually in the city and accessible via public transportation or a taxi. From there you can go to the Shedd Aquarium, which is a taxi ride away or, if you have more time, a cta ride and bus away.

Brookfield Zoo, while bigger, is in Brookfield, IL a suburb WEST of Chicago. It's also a lot more "commercial." If you want to drive, pay for parking AND pay to get into the zoo, then go to Brookfield.

Answer 4

Brookfield is the better zoo in terms of sheer amount of variety of animals and amount of space. However, Lincoln Park Zoo is still quite nice, absolutely free, and in a really nice area of the city - also, not far from Wrigley Field, if your husband is into the Cubs.

Answer 5

Both zoos are ok, but Brookfield is, overall, the better zoo. On the other hand, Lincoln Park is free and they do have a nice new primate habitat. Also, LP is in the city so it is easy to combine with a trip to Michigan Ave or any other sightseeing.

You might want to check their websites to see if either has a specific exhibit that you might want to check out.

www.lpzoo.com
www.brookfieldzoo.org

Answer 6

Lincoln, is much better. Brookfield is sooo spread out that it takes forever to see. I'm 28 and I don't actually haven't been throught the whole zoo. To top it off there's really not much to see as Lincoln. They have a little swamp area, it's pretty cool. Not to mention the lake is right accross the way, oh yeah and it's free.

Answer 7

Brookfield charges an arm and a leg. It's ok.
Lincoln Park is free and right next to the lake and in walking distance to good restaurants.
Personally, I like Lincoln Park better.
To me it' more fun and family oriented.

Answer 8

brookfield is better, but lincoln is near the city and free you can go there with the cta, so if you don' have a so much time send your hubby to see wrigley field and go to lincoln zoo

Answer 9

Pros and Cons:
Brookfield Zoo: Great dolphin and whale show in a big stadium, very large, big displays/ habitats, lots of parking, variety, lots of gift shops and little cafes, tram tour, pricey entrance fee
Lincoln Park Zoo: Smaller, wonderful new primate habitat, in the city, close to many other attractions, very little parking, FREE.

Answer 10

I love brookfield it is so clean and beautiful there I love it. However, Lincoln park is the opposite ewwwwwwwwww.