This isn't the easiest review for a couple of reason. To start with I visited in late November, kinda the off-season. So for the most part the animals weren't outdoors. Also I made my plans month previous. I had done research though and it stated that in November the Zoo was open till 5pm. However they closed at 3pm due to a light show till January. I didn't know that and got there a few minutes before 2:30pm expecting 2 1/2 hours. Instead I had 30 minutes. I hurried through and saw the tigers and the Apes, including the great Apes. Plus a Zebra and some deer. That was about it. I saw maybe 30%. All in a rush. There really wasn't a reason they had to close early. Lastly there really weren't very many animals, in a lot of the areas just 1 or 2 animals. I enjoyed the layout of the part of the zoo I saw. Overall a 3 star review. Would have been 4, but the time issue isn't forgivable to me. The lights were set up already, so why did they need to kick people out? However that being said it is a free experience. Would I return? Yes it's free and some very interesting animals to see.

A big city can be dangerous only if you don’t choose right! Lincoln park is a paradise for the arts, formal and informal, a tremendous place to be entertained with humans, animals and art everywhere, even in a snack bar. We explored it for two days and could have done more. Next year, I’ll be back, just wait.

Cannot believe this Zoo is free! I really appreciate the kind folks who continue to fund this stellar attraction. There are lots of exotic animals and different types of exhibits. It’s very compact for a zoo so it’s easy to see everything in a couple of hours. The setting is amazing with views of the City from the south pond area. I was a little saddened to see the Gorillas behind the glass - they definitely looked dejected and stir-crazy. This is a must visit for Chicago.

I recently spent a winter's day afternoon at the Lincoln Park Zoo with my granddaughter. It was a cold day, but we kept moving and made use of all of the indoor exhibits so did not get chilly. We especially liked the lion exhibit. The male lion was prowling the area right in front of the glass wall, it was thrilling staring into his amber eyes. I could read his thoughts "If it wasn't for this wall . . .guess what. . .you humans are NOT at the top of the food chain!" There was ample viewing space in the lion house, where we were able to view the 5 or so lionesses were lolling about on the rocks. Other highlights were the zebras, several varieties of ducks, geese, monkeys, rhinoceros, and seals. We didn't see the whole shebang as we decided to head home to warm up, but we'll definitely be back! (3 yo granddaughter has short legs!) Snack Bar: We ate at the Park Place Cafe. We only had the French Fries & a popsicle, but I would definitely go back to sample one of the many offerings here. Seating is ample & the variety is great. Their French Fries are delicious! Staff are wonderfully accommodating.

We came here twice within the same vacation. The first time it was OK but many of the exhibits and animals were not on show. Because of that we spent time in the Gorilla house and African Savannah buildings which were nice to walk through. The second visit 5 days later was on s particularly cold snowy day but this time we got to see the Lions and Polar bears which was a real highlight and totally made the second trip worthwhile. The Zoo is free of charge surrounded by beautiful Lincoln Park so I'd definitely recommend at least one visit whilst visiting Chicago. Free Tours by Foot Architecture walking tour. This tour was an excellent introduction to the city of Chicago and it's amazing architecture including the birth of the skyscraper. Although you can appreciate the awesomeness of these buildings just by looking at them getting their history, purpose and aesthetic choices of the architects involved is priceless. Our guide Mitch was knowledgeable, friendly. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking a place onto this tour.

We went at the beginning of a cold snap when it was snowing so some of the animals were choosing to stay tucked up inside (which is completely understandable!) but we still got to see a lot of animals & the whole facility seemed to be really well set up. The staff we interacted with were friendly & knowledgeable, one even went out of her way to draw our attention to a viewing window we had missed so we could see a snoozing otter (so cute!) It was easy to get to on public transport. Would definitely recommend this zoo to anyone visiting Chicago!

Major drawback for me was that there were no paper maps. I understand everything is digital nowadays, but for people caught unawares, aka me, makes it easy to get lost. Time spent was about 5 or 6 hours to take it all in. Some habitats didn't have animals as they were inside, but taking a second look a short time later was a good way to find the others. Check out the barn area to see goats and cows. Staff were very hands off with visitors (again, aka me) so it wasn't too engaging. In the gorilla enclosure and another one (near where the polar bear is, the name escapes me) are one way through the buildings, but they aren't well signposted until you're standing at the wrong door! Also in the gorilla enclosure be aware that some of the gorillas will bang and make themselves seem a danger. Lot of people caught unawares. You can purchase coins here, 4 designs depicting different types of gorillas. At the gift shop they offer you to round up your purchase to the next dollar amount to help the zoo. As expected almost everything is exorbitantly priced (individual post cards .25 cents; pack of postcards makes them work out at .35 cents each). Not everything is clearly marked. Hoodies etc run at around $50-60. They have toys, magnets, tshirts etc. A lot was closed this time of year. No train, only 1 gift shop. Not sure if any eateries were open since I brought a packed lunch. Inside the reptile house there is a video about the zoo which plays for a little bit. Good place to get off your feet and learn about how the zoo has evolved.

I couldn't believe it was free to visit, but it is! Huge areas for the animals and it looks well kept and maintained. Bigger area than it appears, check out the daily shows. Obviously being colder some animals just didn't want to come out and who could blame them?! I would have prefered if they said if things were empty and not to have to walk all the way around to get into a building wouldn't have been nice. I liked the place and if i was a local I would regularly visit

This is one of the best city zoos in the world, and it's fantastic that it can be accessed free. The kids love going back for the cheesy fries at the restaurant, and the somewhat steep prices for food and drinks don't seem too bad when you've not had to pay admission. Easy to get to on the bus.

Had an absolutely amazing visit with my partner to this zoo. Spacious, open and free! Normally not a huge fan of zoos but the animals seemed to be well looked after and exhibits well maintained. 10/10 would recommend. Barb at the gift shop was an absolute dream as well helping us pick out gifts for friends and family as well as some emergency sun glasses as we were ill prepared for the changeable weather of Chicago.