Zoo & aquarium · Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago: free entry days, tickets & hours
Large suburban zoo west of Chicago, known for Tropic World, dolphins and naturalistic habitats.
Independent guide, not the official Brookfield Zoo website. Official links are under Sources.
Brookfield Zoo is free for some visitors, not for everyone.
- Free for: Children 2 and under are free; admission for active, reservist and veteran military; Museums for All: up to four free general admission tickets with a SNAP EBT card.
- Otherwise: adult general admission — $29.95.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- Budget for parking ($17-20) even on free entry.
- Chicago Public Library cardholders can check out an Explore More Illinois pass for four free admissions.
- Tropic World closes earlier (3:30pm) than the rest of the zoo.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free forChildren 2 and under are free | children under 3 | — | No |
| Free forFree admission for active, reservist and veteran military | military members and families | Show military ID at an admission booth. | No |
| Free forMuseums for All: up to four free general admission tickets with a SNAP EBT card | EBT cardholders (Museums for All) | Parking, add-on experiences, events and attractions not included. | No |
Official prices
Brookfield Zoo ticket prices
| Adult general admission — Seniors 65+ $24.95, children 3-11 $20.95. Parking $17 (North Gate) or $20 (South Gate). | $29.95 |
Prices from the official website, checked Oct 2026. Free options are listed above.
Worth timing your visit?
What a free day saves
Based on the official price (adult general admission). Free days are busier — if your dates don't line up, a timed ticket is the trade-off.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: Brookfield Zoo
All tickets and tours on GetYourGuide
Ratings and prices from the booking partners; prices may change.
Practical
Opening hours & how to get there
| Mon | 10:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–18:00 |
Current hours: weekdays 10am-5pm, weekends 10am-6pm. Open daily except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Tropic World closes at 3:30pm.
31st St. and Golfview Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513, USA (North Gate)
FAQ
Brookfield Zoo: common questions
Is Brookfield Zoo free?
Brookfield Zoo has no free entry for everyone. Also free: Children 2 and under are free; admission for active, reservist and veteran military; Museums for All: up to four free general admission tickets with a SNAP EBT card. Otherwise the official ticket costs $29.95.
Who gets free entry to Brookfield Zoo?
Children under 3. Military members and families — show military ID at an admission booth.. EBT cardholders (Museums for All) — parking, add-on experiences, events and attractions not included..
How much is a ticket to Brookfield Zoo?
Adult general admission costs $29.95 on the official site.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about Brookfield Zoo
No reviews yet. Been here? Tell others how it went — especially on a free day.
Write a review
Sources
Where this comes from
- brookfieldzoo.org/visit · checked Friday, 23 October 2026
- brookfieldzoo.org/discounts-and-free-days · checked Friday, 23 October 2026
Every free rule is checked against the official source and re-checked on a schedule. Spotted a change? Tell us.