If you will be in Chicago, you must visit one place. That is the Brookfield Zoo, also known as Chicago Zoological Park. This zoo draws numerous visitors from everywhere each year. The biggest reason is that the zoo is the first one for keeping animals in outdoor enclosures with usage of moats and ditches to replace cages.

This zoo also gains recognition as the first one in the nation to host a Giant Panda exhibit. When exploring the Brookfield Zoo, you will find an array of different exhibitions to tour. If you would like to visit the zoo, you can find it at First Avenue between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield, just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago.

For those who plan on driving to the zoo, the info about driving routes and parking would be necessary. If you are traveling by your own car from downtown to the Brookfield Zoo, take I-290 (Eisenhower) west to First Avenue exit. Drive south about 2.5 miles and follow the signs on First Avenue. The signs will bring you to the zoo's main entrance and parking lot. To get door-to-door driving directions, visit this website:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=8401+31st+St&city=Brookfield&state=IL

Parking is available at the Brookfield Zoo. The Brookfield Zoo owns two parking lots: north lot and south lot. Following the signs on First Avenue, you will find the main parking lot of the zoo - the north lot. Skip over the signs indicating to the north lot and drive to head down First Avenue to Ridgewood Road. Turn right and the signs will direct you to the zoo's south lot.

Although general admission of the zoo is free during normal hours, parking at the zoo is charged. Parking fees for north lot are $9 for cars/vans and $12 for buses. Compared to the north Lot, south parking garage offers much easier access for the same parking fee for non-members. The parking rates for zoo members are just $2. Though much smaller, this garage fills up quickly. So arrive early.

Zoo admission is free on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from January 1 to February 28, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 1 to December 31. Free admission is good only during general hours of operation. Although admission is free on these days, normal inside attractions are still charged, including the Dolphin Presentations and Holiday Magic.

Brookfield Zoo Tickets

http://www.czs.org/czs/Brookfield/Plan-Your-Day/Print-At-Home-Tickets?bzorderid=13663420840&redirectpage=

Becoming a zoo member can help you get free parking year round. If you are a zoo member, you will receive unlimited free admission, free parking at the main entrance, free subscription to Gateways, the member's quarterly magazine and member e-mail updates, discounts at the zoo's restaurants and gift shops, discounts on admissions to seasonal attractions, educational programs, special events and lectures as well as discounts on parking at the south lot.

Brookfield Zoo Membership FAQ

http://www.czs.org/CZS/Support-the-Society/Membership/Membership-FAQ

Become a Zoo Member of the Brookfield Zoo

https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/shell/?shttplink=../ecomv2/membership/membf01.asp

What to consider when exploring the zoo? For the safety and welfare of the animals and visitors, smoking, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and skates are not permitted in the Brookfield Zoo. If you want to smoke, go to the designated smoking areas of the zoo.

Pets are not allowed to be brought in. For the safety of the animals at the zoo, cars and visitors with pets will be turned away. Service dogs are permitted in the zoo. However, they need to be checked in at the zoo's Security Office first.