Lincoln Park Zoo Mobile : Hours

November-March 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (gates open until 5 p.m.)

April-May
10 a.m.-5 p.m. (gates open until 6 p.m.)

Memorial Day-Labor Day (May 29-September 6)
Weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (gates open until 6 p.m.)
Weekends 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (gates open until 7 p.m.)

September-October
10 a.m.-5 p.m. (gates open until 6 p.m.)

Lincoln Park Zoo is located off Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Parkway exit, just minutes north of downtown Chicago. From I-94, exit at either Fullerton Parkway or North Avenue and go east.

View google map

CTA bus routes 151 or 156 both serve the zoo; for schedules, follow the link below or contact the RTA/CTA at 312-836-7000.

CTA/RTA Travel Information Center.

LaSalle Drive is under construction. While there may be traffic delays around Lincoln Park Zoo, our parking lot will remain open.

We ask that you refrain from smoking for the health and safety of our animals and visitors.

Parking fees are collected at the exit of the lot.

Rates
Rates through March, 2012
0-30 minutes: No charge
30+ minutes: $20 flat rate

*Prices reflect an increase in city parking taxes. Members receive parking benefits based on their level of membership.

Zoo members continue to receive parking benefits during zoo hours.

Zoologists Members and Curators' Circle Donors
You receive six free hours of parking during zoo hours. Swipe your card at the entrance and exit.

Safari and Household-level Members
If you are using a complimentary parking coupon:
1. Take a white parking ticket from the ticket dispenser at the parking lot entrance (use the "Push here for ticket" button). DO NOT swipe your membership card.
2. Upon exiting, insert the white ticket from the entrance into the payment unit's ticket slot.
3. Insert your yellow complimentary parking coupon into the same slot.

Or, to receive $9 flat-rate parking:
1. Swipe your orange membership card through the machine's slot at the entrance. DO NOT press the button for a ticket.
2. Upon exiting, swipe your orange membership card through the payment unit's slot.
3. Next, insert a credit card or cash into the unit. The machine will provide change
for cash transactions, as appropriate.
4. When payment is completed, the arm will lift, allowing you to exit from the lot.

Individual-level Members
To receive $9 flat-rate parking:
1. Swipe your orange membership card through the machine's slot at the entrance. DO NOT press the button for a ticket.
2. Upon exiting, swipe your orange membership card through the payment unit's slot.
3. Next, insert a credit card or cash into the unit. The machine will provide change for cash transactions, as appropriate.
4. When payment is completed, the arm will lift, allowing you to exit from the lot.

PLEASE NOTE: The zoo is no longer able to adjust fees charged when exiting the parking lot. As a result, failure to follow the steps above will likely result in you being charged the full rate. This includes patrons who have forgotten their membership card.
As always, you may visit Gateway Pavilion from 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. for any parking or membership questions. We recommend you resolve any parking concerns at Gateway prior to exiting the lot.

Please call 312-742-2000 or e-mail here with any questions.