Zoos and aquariums for kids around Chicago
Chicago has two big zoos and a top-tier aquarium, plus a few small zoos a toddler can finish in an hour for a few dollars or nothing; pick by age and stamina.
A 2-year-old's first zoo should be Cosley in Wheaton, Illinois wildlife and farm animals only, cheap and short; Trailside in River Forest has free owls and turtles. Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and the children's zoo, the Farm-in-the-Zoo and the little train fill a day, with the conservatory and the beach out the north gate. Brookfield Zoo in the west suburbs is bigger, with dolphins and the Hamill Family Play Zoo, and Metra stops at Zoo Stop. The Shedd's belugas, penguins and Polar Play Zone are the ultimate rainy or snowy day.
- 5 places
- 2 free
- 5 stroller-friendly
- closest is 15 min away
5 places
Drive times from Naperville
Cosley Zoo
5.0Wheaton · 15 min drive
1.5 h · stroller-friendly
$ · Parking: Free zoo lot (1356 N Gary Ave)
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
5.0Brookfield · 25 min drive
4 h · stroller-friendly
$$ · Parking: Zoo lot about $17 per car; 5-minute walk from the Metra BNSF Hollywood (Zoo Stop) station
Trailside Museum of Natural History
5.0River Forest · 30 min drive
1.5 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Parking: Free museum lot (738 Thatcher Ave)
Shedd Aquarium
5.0Chicago · 45 min drive
3 h · stroller-friendly · reservation needed
$$$ · Parking: Soldier Field garage (about $25–30); 10-minute walk from the Metra Museum Campus/11th St station; bus 146
Lincoln Park Zoo
5.0Chicago · 50 min drive
3 h · stroller-friendly
Free · Parking: Zoo lot about $20–35 (by the hour); Stockton Dr meters; bus 151 / 156
💡 Good to know
- Buy timed tickets online for the Shedd and Brookfield; Illinois residents get free days. Be at the gate at 9–10am on weekends, since the animals sleep at midday.
- Lincoln Park Zoo is free but parking is $20–35; take the 151 bus or walk over from North Avenue Beach.