Lion at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo

Located in Lincoln Park, not far from downtown Chicago, is Lincoln Park Zoo.  Perhaps the best thing about Lincoln Park Zoo is that it is free, so that anyone can enjoy it.

Its paths meander in and around various animal spaces, with several entrances and exits from the park area.  A carousel ride (for a small fee) is available, as are concessions and various visitor services.

Lincoln Park Zoo is home to many “traditional” zoo animals, but also has a farmyard area where children can visit with cows, goats, pigs, and ponies.  It has been honored with an entry in America’s Best Zoos.

There is paid parking near the zoo and free street parking (if you can find it) a little farther away.  Other activities in the Lincoln Park area are the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Chicago History Museum, and there’s a footbridge across Lakeshore Drive to a large beach on Lake Michigan.  When we visited, we parked our car in the morning and spent the day on foot enjoying all of these things to do.

Lincoln Park Zoo is open daily and is always free.  Hours vary by season; please check the zoo’s website for details and parking information.

Photo credit:  minnemom on flickr

Linda (minnemom) lives in Minnesota and writes about her Travels with Children. 
Chicago is one of their favorite vacation destinations.

Uptake writers have also enjoyed these zoos:

• San Diego Zoo
• Fort Worth Zoo
• Minnesota Zoo
• Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
• Columbus Zoo
• Houston Zoo
• Central Florida Zoo
• Dallas Zoo