- Laura
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 17
- Reviews
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23
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Nice Zoo, Free Admission - Avoid Fridays
- June 1, 2009
- Rated 4 of 5 by
kayeethe from Chicago, Illinois
Go to the Zoo, but not on a Friday. I live in Chicago, and I enjoy going to the zoo from time to time, especially when there are out of town visitors. My favourites include the polar bear, seals, and the giraffe. But the zoo is quite small, compared to zoos of other major cities.
On a recent Friday in May, I had the worst zoo-visiting experience in my life. The place was packed with what seems to be thousands of school children. I like to see children, but not when there are literally thousands of them, running and screaming around you and bumping into you. It seems every elementary school in Chicago area was on a field trip to the zoo. Try to avoid visiting the zoo on a Friday, which is the most common field-trip day. This small zoo cannot accommodate that many people.
The admission is free, but parking is expensive. You may be able to find free or meter parking nearby, but you'll probably need to walk a bit to get to the entrance.
Lincoln Park Zoo
- May 27, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
KiwiQ2002 from Chicago, Illinois
Can you do something FUN in Chicago for FREE? ABSOLUTELY! Check out a day of fun at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
As one of the nations oldest zoological gardens in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomes over 3 million visitors a year. It is one of the finest zoos in the United States, and believe it or not, there is No admission fee to enter- gratis, nada, nothing.
From journal Around Chicago
Editor Pick
Lincoln Park Zoo
If there is one attraction in this city that you really must see, it is this wonderful zoo. Lincoln Park extends for six miles from North Ave but the zoo occupies an area one mile north from the park’s southern boundary. One major bonus is that entrance here is free; the other is the sheer number of exhibits and animals that are on view in such a relatively small area.
We took the # 151 bus which dropped us outside the main entrance. On this warm, sunny day, it was good to see so many families making the most of the lovely weather but the place wasn’t at all crowded, its wide main arteries affording easy access to the major exhibits. The zoo is the country’s oldest, having opened in 1868 after receiving a gift of two swans from New York’s Central Park. It occupies 35-acres lakeside setting affording great views back towards Downtown with the John Hancock Building looming ominously over the treetops.
The three major exhibits here are the Regenstein African Ape Centre, the Primate House and the Kovler Lion House. All the enclosures are spacious and the animals seemed content, considering the lack of "pacing" usually associated with the animals at some less spacious zoos. The lions were sunning themselves on a large boulder, providing excellent photo opportunities for those poised with their cameras waiting for that special shot. Other major enclosures include the rhino, hippo, giraffe, and Bactrian camels; aquatic entertainment is on hand in the form of penguins and sea-lions, both species seemingly born comedians who delighted all with their effortless marine acrobatics.
Having followed "Meerkat Manor" on UK TV, I was personally delighted to find the large Meerkat enclosure containing various family members including several youngsters who were engaged in play fighting, much to the amusement of the onlookers.
The zoo often puts on special exhibits and today was no exception with the large African display which features animals such as aardvarks, reptiles, and fish as well as various dwellings as would be occupied by the indigenous populations.
Highlight for me were the gorillas. How such powerful creatures can be so gentle is a wonder; to see a hugely-muscled silverback playing lovingly with a tiny baby was wonderful but I’m glad there was an inch of reinforced glass between us. In true monkey tradition, the chimpanzees kept everyone amused by peeing all over each other and looking no further than their noses to provide an easy snack. "Chaque a son gout" you could say...
There are ample restroom facilities within the zoo, all in spotless condition, food vendors, ice cream stalls and a large restaurant. The zoo also features a brasserie where we took lunch in the warm sunshine with a great view down the lagoon towards the Loop.
Entrance is at 2200 N. Cannon Drive
Opening times Nov – Mar 9am – 5pm, Apr – Oct 9am – 6pm, open till 7pm Sat summer only.
Tel. (312) 742-2000 website: www.lpzoo.com
From journal The Second City Revisited - Chicago in the Spring
Lincoln Park Zoo
- July 26, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
amber02 from chicago, Illinois
This Zoo is great if you are visiting Chicago. It is a fun place to go whether or not there are kids in your party. To start off with this zoo is really well kept and a pleasure to take a walk in. As you walk around, you can explore and interact with all the different animals they have here. Each display area is fun and unique and if you stop to read the little boards, you will surely learn something interesting. There are so many animals here to see. Even if you are not a fan of animals, come here and enjoy a nice stroll in the beautiful zoo grounds. Did I mention that this beautiful and fun place is FREE??
From journal A Vacation in Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo
- December 5, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
goofball38 from Chicago, Illinois
We went on a rainy but warm day and we loved this zoo. I hadn't been here since I was around 5 years old. I love the size of the park. Its just big enough where you aren't completely wiped out after you are done looking at animals. Also, just outside one of the gates near the back of the zoo is a Botanical Garden and a huge park. I just love how such a beautiful sight can be right in the middle of all the traffic and huge buildings. It is an amazing site to see. I do love how all the animals have huge exhibits and the variety of animals they had. I had never seen some of those animals in any zoo I've been to before. It is definitly a great place to visit. The food is pretty good too!!
From journal Chicago is Awesome