Chicago’s Free Zoo, Open 365 Days a Year

Chicago’s Free Zoo, Open 365 Days a Year

For Wildlife. For All.

Come Visit Us

Open every day
Weekdays: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Weekends & Holidays: 8 a.m.–7 p.m.

2400 N. Cannon Drive
Chicago, Illinois, 60614
Map & Directions
Parking Info

FREE ADMISSION: No reservations needed. Just show up and explore—today, tomorrow, anytime.

Plan Your Visit

Today at the Zoo

8:00 am
Gates and Farm-in-the-Zoo open
10:00 am
Buildings open
11:00 am
Feed the Chickens
11:00 am
Jamaican Iguana Care
11:30 am
Seal Training and Feeding
11:30 am
Feed the Cows
11:45 am
Monkey Cognition 
1:00 pm
Ape Cognition & Care
2:00 pm
Penguin Feeding
2:00 pm
Feed the Cows
2:30 pm
Seal Training and Feeding
4:30 pm
Buildings and Farm-in-the-Zoo close
5:00 pm
Gates close

Use the Web App While You’re Here

Visit go.lpzoo.org during (or before) your visit to use our interactive map, explore things to do, and so much more.

No download needed!

Screenshot of phone using LP Zoo on map page.

New & Upcoming

Baby rhino Hazina

A Rhino Is Born

Head to Lincoln Park Zoo and meet baby calf Hazina, whose name means “treasured” in Swahili. Try to catch a glimpse of her during your next visit!

Meet Hazina

Family Night at the Zoo on Friday

Grab your “pack” and end your week on the wild side at Family Fun Fur-iday! Take part in kid-friendly improv workshops with The Second City, try out a new sound with We Rock! Chicago, and more fun this Friday!

Get Tickets

New Arrival: Mystie, North American River Otter

You’ll be otterly enchanted by this new zoo resident! Plan your next visit to the zoo to meet Mystie.

Plan Your Visit

One of the Best Free Activities in Chicago

Visit Chicago’s Free Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to being the place in Chicago for all things wildlife, where children learn to love animals, adults rediscover what it’s like to wonder, and nature isn’t just an escape, but the priority.

A Historic Chicago Landmark

Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in North America and one of the only remaining free admission zoos in the country.

Beautiful Lakefront Location

Nestled between Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan, the zoo sits in one of Chicago’s most scenic neighborhoods, steps from the lakefront trail.

Fun for Every Kind of Visit

Whether you have 90 minutes or a full day, solo or with a crew of kids, there’s something here for everyone, every day of the year.

Real Wildlife, Up Close

More than 170 species of animals call Lincoln Park Zoo home, from gorillas to snow leopards to penguins.

Become a Member

Help Keep Your Zoo Free

85% of our operating costs are supported by zoo members, donors, and visitors. Membership pays for itself. Enjoy free or reduced parking, complimentary ZooLights tickets, and discounts on events, programs, and experiences.

Become a Member   More Ways to Support

Japanese macaque face inside their exhibit.

We’re in the Field, From Chicago to the Congo

From monitoring wild great apes in the Goualougo Triangle to guiding rattlesnake recovery efforts across Illinois, everything we do is driven by our core commitments of care, conservation, and community.

Our Conservation Efforts   More About the Zoo

Your Support Benefits Wildlife Everywhere

Lincoln Park Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals, it’s one of the world’s leading urban wildlife conservation centers. When you visit, spend, or give, you’re funding real science in the field.

500+ Supported Zoo Species

With science-based management recommendations

250+ Studied Wildlife Species

From Chicago to the Republic of Congo

450+ Training Recipients

Undergraduate interns, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows

Visit Chicago’s Free Zoo

We Can’t Wait to See You

Lincoln Park Zoo is free for all. No tickets or reservations needed. Just show up and explore—today, tomorrow, anytime.

Plan Your Visit

Giraffe next to a tree looking forward
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