Zoo & aquarium · Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo: free entry days, tickets & hours
Free, 35-acre lakefront zoo in Lincoln Park, open every day of the year.
Independent guide, not the official Lincoln Park Zoo website. Official links are under Sources.
Lincoln Park Zoo is free to enter.
- Open today 08:00–17:00.
- Free Monday tickets are released one week in advance at 11 a.m. CT.
Calendar
Free days at Lincoln Park Zoo
- MON23NOVMonday, 23 November 2026 · in 4 weeks · 16:30–21:00
- MON30NOVMonday, 30 November 2026 · in 5 weeks · 16:30–21:00
- MON7DECMonday, 7 December 2026 · in 6 weeks · 16:30–21:00
- MON14DECMonday, 14 December 2026 · in 7 weeks · 16:30–21:00
4 free days for everyone in the next 12 months. Closures and public holidays are already taken out. Group-only days need proof of eligibility.
Before you go
How to actually get in for free
- ZooLights Free Admission Mondays (holiday lights, 4:30-9pm): Free Monday tickets are released one week in advance at 11 a.m. CT.
- Take transit or a bike: parking is the main cost here ($35-45/day).
- Arrive after 10am if you want the indoor animal houses open.
- ZooLights is ticketed, but Monday nights are free (except 21 and 28 Dec); grab tickets the week before at 11am CT.
All free options
Who gets in free, and when
| Free option | Who | Conditions | Book? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always freeZoo admission is free every day for everyone, no reservation needed | everyone | — | No |
| Free eventZooLights Free Admission Mondays (holiday lights, 4:30-9pm) · 16:30–21:00 | everyone | ZooLights runs 20 Nov 2026 to 3 Jan 2027; last entry 8pm. Free tickets still required. | Yes |
Official prices
Lincoln Park Zoo ticket prices
| Admission — Always free; no reservation needed. Parking is $35-45 per day (first half hour free). | $0 |
| ZooLights fixed-date ticket (non-Monday nights, bought ahead) — 3 million lights, light tunnel and Ferris wheel; $7-12 in advance, $20 on the day. | $7 |
| Malott Family Penguin Encounter (non-members) — 60-minute up-close penguin program, ages 6+. | $80 |
| Behind-the-Scenes Tour (non-members) — Guided look behind the Small Mammal-Reptile House. | $45 |
Prices from the official website, checked Oct 2026. Free options are listed above.
Tickets & tours
Best-rated tickets and tours: Lincoln Park 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 | 08:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 08:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 08:00–17:00 |
| Thu | 08:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 08:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 08:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 08:00–17:00 |
Open every day, 365 days a year, 8am-5pm. Gates and Farm-in-the-Zoo open at 8am; animal buildings open at 10am.
2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
FAQ
Lincoln Park Zoo: common questions
Is Lincoln Park Zoo free?
Yes — Lincoln Park Zoo is free to enter.
Do I need to book for free entry to Lincoln Park Zoo?
Free Monday tickets are released one week in advance at 11 a.m. CT.
Visitor reviews
What visitors say about Lincoln Park Zoo
No reviews yet. Been here? Tell others how it went — especially on a free day.
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Sources
Where this comes from
- lpzoo.org/visit/ · checked Friday, 23 October 2026
- lpzoo.org/zoolights/ · 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.