Lions, Tigers, and Bears...OH MY! (UPDATED)
Written: Nov 14 '00 (Updated May 09 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: fun, interesting, many gorgeous animals, very big, great dolphin show
Cons: a lot of walking
The Bottom Line: I recommend Brookfield Zoo for people of all ages. Friendly atmosphere. Kids absolutely love it! You have got to go to Brookfield Zoo! It is like no other zoo.
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| Peachy3's Full Review: Brookfield Zoological Park |
(Please note I have updated this article since I first wrote it.)
This is the absolute best zoo!! We love it. My parents used to take me to Brookfield Zoo when I was a kid...and now I take my kids there and they love it too. We go every year in mid summer. We usually go on a Saturday.
The animals are magnificent! This is a BIG zoo. They have from insects to reptiles to huge animals such as elephants, camels, giraffes, tigers, many types of bears, and walruses. The dolphin show is spectacular! These amazing animals do all kinds of tricks and the audience gets to participate. There are many different show times to choose from. You can't go there without seeing the dolphin show! The zoo is beautifully kept with very sanitary and healthy conditions for the animals. Cages are always clean and the animals always look healthy.
There are many eating facilities and restrooms, not to mention little colored wax animal figures you can buy for a dollar at different locations throughout the zoo. We came home with about 8 different ones. The kids really love this. The machine makes the wax figure right in front of you. I have them sitting on a shelf in my kids' room for them to look at and remember their trip to the zoo. It is quite affordable. Even the gift shop items are fairly priced. Rain coats are available for a small cost on rainy days.
Opening And Closing Times
Brookfield Zoo is open EVERY DAY of the year from 9:30am - 6pm! Also, June 16 - July 29 the zoo is open later for a special called "Evenings In The Wild". During this time Brookfield Zoo stays open until 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Another special evening event is "Holiday Magic" which runs from November 23 - December 16. The zoo then stays open unitl 9pm on Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays!
The Cost
Regular Admission prices are listed below.
***Adults (age 12-64)- $7.00
***Children (age 3-11)- $3.50
***Seniors (age 65+)- $3.50
***Children under 2- Free
***Zoo Members- Free
These are really affordable costs considering how LARGE the zoo is! Also, in the months of January, February, March, October, November, and December admission is free on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Inside Brookfield Zoo there is a Children's Petting Zoo. There is a VERY SMALL admission fee. Adults are $1.00, Kids are 50 cents, Seniors are 50 cents, and Kids under 2 are free.
Parking
***Cars- $6.75
***Buses- $10.75
***Member Cars
(North of lot Free, South of lot $2.00)
The zoo is reasonably priced for a full day of enjoyment. Bring your sunscreen!!! From 9:30am to 6pm (8-9pm if you go during evening events) it will cost a family of 4 (2 Adults and 2 Children over 2) about $27.25. This is for all day! Of course, food and souvenirs are a must. The food is a little high but not as high as an amusement park. Although, if you would like to cut back on cost then I suggest packing lunches. My parents used to do this. We would go back out to the car to rest and eat. Then go back in ready for more. (You get back in for free, don't worry!)
Location
Brookfield Zoo is located 14 miles West of downtown Chicago, Illinois at First Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois. The phone # is (708)485-6263 if you have any questions.
The Website
www.brookfieldzoo.org is a wonderful website provided by the zoo. You can get door-to-door driving instructions or hear updated traffic conditions. There is an interactive map where you can plan your day ahead of time or just print out a simplified map. (Please note: When you go to the zoo itself, a map of the entire zoo IS provided at the entrance.) You can also view the animal houses and much more.
Zoo Membership
Being a "zoo member" has many benefits. Members always get free admission and parking, the quarterly newsletter, gift passes, and discounts inside the zoo at the restaurants and shops. To find out the cost you can call a zoo member representative at (708)485-0263, ext. 341.
More About Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo has 21 Large Animal Exhibits and a Motor Safari (also the Dolphin Show as mentioned above). All exhibits, restrooms, Motor Safari Trams, and shops are wheelchair accessible. In fact, the zoo received awards for being one of the most disabled accessible places!
There is a new exhibit coming to Brookfield Zoo called "Explore! A Child's Nature" which opens June 14, 2001. This exhibit is run by the children for the children and is "hands on". Sounds very interesting! Children get to make zoo things, pet and feed the animals, care for the animals, learn about the animals, and much more. There are phases II and III in the works which will follow in years to come.
The Motor Safari is also very nice. Tired and need a rest? Hop on the Motor Safari and get a guided tour (with an actual person) around the zoo. Wheelchair accessible.
Catered Events
This is something I just found out. Brookfield Zoo hosts catered events such as wedding receptions, business meetings, and birthday parties. Wow! Call for more information.
I recommend Brookfield Zoo to people of all ages. Elderly people might want a motorized cart. I also recommend a stroller for kids under 6. (Both motorized carts and strollers can be rented there for a small fee). There is a lot of walking, but well worth it. We usually attend the zoo from about 10 am to 6 pm. There is a restaurant there with very good food that we usually eat at around 4pm so that dinner is taken care of. When you go home you can rest and the kids are tuckered out from a very fun and interesting day.
Again, the animals are beautifully kept and totally amazing.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Peachy3
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Member: Crista .
Location: IN
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 13 members
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