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Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N Clark St · Chicago, IL

Why you should go…

Founded in 1868 and still completely free, Lincoln Park Zoo puts lions, gorillas, and penguins in a gorgeous lakefront park setting just north of downtown. Pair it with the neighboring conservatory and Nature Boardwalk for a perfect low-cost family day. The winter ZooLights display is a Chicago holiday tradition.

  • #zoo
  • #free
  • #lincoln park
  • #family
  • #gardens

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Lincoln Park Zoo, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    The Second City

    $25–$50

    The legendary Old Town comedy theater that launched Bill Murray, Tina Fey, and Stephen Colbert. Sketch and improv nightly.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Museums
    History Buff

    International Museum of Surgical Science

    $25–$50

    The only North American museum devoted to the history of surgery, set in a Gold Coast mansion on Lake Shore Drive.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

    $25–$50

    Lake-and-skyline views from 1,000 feet up, plus TILT, the glass ledge that leans you over Michigan Avenue.

    1.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Iconic

    Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean)

    Free

    Snap your reflection in The Bean, splash at Crown Fountain, and catch free concerts downtown.

    2.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Garfield Park Conservatory

    Under $25

    "Landscape art under glass", two acres of palms, ferns, and desert plants inside one of the nation's largest conservatories.

    4.9 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Villa Olivia

    $25–$50

    Family ski, tubing and golf destination in Bartlett with a quad chairlift, six rope tows and an 18-hole golf course.

    31 mi awayMore like this