My husband and I have season passes (which if you have a family is the way to go) and we go constantly. It is the best investment we have made this year. We bought the family passes so we can bring in guests and we have had alot of fun. There is always something going on at the zoo, last year they had lions, tigers, bears, and bugs, which is where, if you came on certain weekends and had your book stamped saying you were there, then at the end of that promotion, you would get a special present.

They have the holiday magic, where they decorate the zoo in holiday lights and you can go at night, and on Thanksgiving, they had an opportunity to feed the animals inside the children's zoo. It was a lot of fun. Great, safe place for the family. You can probably spend two whole days at this zoo because it is so big. The best times to go are from september to novemeber (weather permitting) and March to June. From October to February on Tuesdays and Thursdays are free.

At the Brookfield Zoo you must make a stop to see the pandas. They are world-famous and have even been featured on some television specials locally and nationally. The penguins here are adorable and always active, and the zoo has a special exhibit set up so you can see them both on land and when they are swimming underwater.

If you go soon, you can still see the gorilla Kamba as a baby. She is currently 6 months old (April 2005) and adores the public. Both the public and the other gorillas adore her, and she has a way of always getting the attention. She is a real riot, and I would suggest taking a stop here and watching her work her magic.

If walking from the zoo is getting to your feet, take a rest and watch the dolphin show. There is a chance that you will get wet if you sit in one of the first few rows, so be careful of that. The show is entertaining and the animals are adorable, so you can either watch from the stadium or from below, where you will see them underwater.

The zoo has a huge selection of all types of cats, from lions, tigers, jaguars, lynx, and leopards to many more species I can’t even pronounce. These are always a big favorite with everyone, and you will always get a chance to see them.

There are the usual zebras, camels, monkeys, turtles, reptiles, fish, birds, elephants, giraffes, wolves, and more here. If you are bored at this museum, you aren’t appreciating everything around you.

The petting zoo is a favorite with children and allows them to interact with some of the tamer animals one-on-one. They set up special shows and hands-on activities for the kids. Here, they are allowed to feed, touch, and even play with some of the animals that the zoo deems safe for children.

The zoo does a nice job of labeling everything and giving you information on all the animals. Yet, they do it in a way that doesn’t scream educational! There is also a lot of green space and park space in case you want to take a break or just watch the animals from afar.

Currently, the seven seas seascape with the sea lions will be closed for renovations ( as of winter 2001), so keep checking for updates on that one. The zoo is located on 216 acres of wandering paths ( mostly flat and easy for wheelchair access or strollers) that will take you around the world with collections from Asia, Africa,North America, Australia as well as special houses for animals of the dark ( gotta love those bats!) and the reptile house with those creepy snakes.

Be sure to have your comfy walking shoes on because this is a day long adventure! There is a Motor Safari ride that is worth the few dollars to ride roundtrip around the zoo. the tram stops at four locations spread across the zoo, so you can get on and off as you desire or you can take it roundtrip for an uninterrupted narrated tour.

My favorite areas are : the bear ghrotto featuring bears from around the world, (There is nothing like the antics of these fellows!)the Wolf Habitat is very interesting showing the complex behavior and intelligence of these endangered animals, and the Seven Seas Dolphinarium for the dolphin show. The zoo has several cafeteria style restaurants spread all around, or you can bring in your own picnic foods.

(* the other zoo is Lincoln Park zoo which is smaller, free, and located closer to downtown. They do a mighty fine job too....with the Ape house being my favorite spot.)