Zoo & aquariumLIVE DEALWHAT'S ON
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Zoo & aquarium · Free admission · 1 verified saving
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Free admission. Open Daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago invites visitors to explore over 170 species of mammals, reptiles and birds across diverse exhibits. Guests observe lions, giraffes, gorillas, red pandas, bears and otters in naturalistic habitats. The Kovler Seal Pool features grey seals and harbor seals in an open-air environment with underwater viewing areas and daily positive reinforcement training demonstrations. Farm-in-the-Zoo incorporates domestic animals including cattle, goats, pigs, ponies, chickens and rabbits, with a Main Barn for play-based learning and seasonal programs where visitors feed farm animals. Throughout the day, the zoo offers penguin feeding demonstrations, seal training sessions, ape cognition and care demonstrations and bird migration activities. The Primate House, Reptile House and Big Cats exhibit showcase additional species. An interactive web app helps visitors navigate exhibits and plan their experience. General admission is free.
Checked ; we keep re-reading this venue.
Admission is free. The venue says: “The zoo is free and has been since our gates first opened in 1868”
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Buy tickets on tickets.lpzoo.org →Prices and hours quoted from lpzoo.org · read on . Prices can change — the link above goes to the page they came from.
6 reasons to go, each in the venue’s own words, with the date we checked it.
Nov 1 · 10:00 amFridays–SundaysRegular dates
Fall Fest runs on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through mid-November, starting at 10:00 am. Families can enjoy seasonal activities and attractions across the zoo grounds during the fall season.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Fridays–Sundays”
Nov 6 · 10:00 amFridays–SundaysRegular dates
Fall Fest runs on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through mid-November, starting at 10:00 am. Families can enjoy seasonal activities and attractions across the zoo grounds during the fall season.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Fridays–Sundays”
Nov 8 · 10:00 amFridays–SundaysRegular dates
Fall Fest runs on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through mid-November, starting at 10:00 am. Families can enjoy seasonal activities and attractions across the zoo grounds during the fall season.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Fridays–Sundays”
Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027Season
ZooLights transforms the zoo with over 3 million lights and hundreds of LED displays from November 20 through January 3. Families enjoy hot chocolate, s'mores, a Ferris wheel, live entertainment, and holiday shopping.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027 4:30–9 p.m.”
Nov 20, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027 · 4:30 pmSeason
ZooLights illuminates Lincoln Park Zoo from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027, starting at 4:30 pm. Families can walk through the zoo's lit trails and festive displays during the holiday season.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd Dates: November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027 at 4:30 pm”
Nov 22 – Dec 20 · 10:00 amEvent
Fall Fest runs on select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from late November through December at the zoo, with activities and seasonal programming for families.
Check event details and ticket requirements with the venue.
“Dates: November 22, 2026 at 10:00 am Fridays–Sundays”
Admission is free on Mondays (except December 21 and 28), though tickets are required.
December visit dates — year not stated; confirm dates and booking deadline with the venue.
“Tickets for Free Admission Mondays will be released one week in advance at 11 a.m.”
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