Exploring Chicago with kids often starts at the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the country’s last free-admission zoos. While the zoo itself can easily fill a morning with lions, gorillas, and the beloved Farm-in-the-Zoo, the surrounding neighborhood offers a surprising depth of additional attractions. Families who plan a full day or weekend in the area will find that the blocks surrounding the zoo are packed with hidden gems.
The beauty of this particular stretch of Chicago is its walkability. You can park once, visit the animals, and then stroll to a beach, a conservatory, or a nature museum without ever moving your car. It is a rare urban area where nature, education, and recreation intersect so seamlessly. This makes it a prime destination for locals planning a "staycation" and tourists alike.
Understanding that young legs tire quickly, the best activities are those that offer a mix of active play and quiet rest. Fortunately, the Lincoln Park neighborhood delivers both. From sandy shores to quiet butterfly rooms, there is a rhythm to the area that suits the energy levels of toddlers, tweens, and parents.
Many visitors miss the fact that the zoo is situated within the larger, 1,200-acre Lincoln Park. This green space stretches along the lakefront and contains lagoons, historic statues, and winding paths. Venturing just a few blocks outside the zoo’s gates opens up a world of exploration that requires little to no admission fee.
Planning your itinerary around the weather is key. On sunny days, the outdoor spaces are unbeatable, while the indoor museums and conservatories provide a perfect refuge from Chicago’s unpredictable rain or winter chill. This versatility ensures that a trip to the zoo is viable year-round, regardless of the forecast.
To help you maximize your visit, we have compiled a list of the best family-friendly activities located within walking distance or a very short drive from the zoo’s entrance. These recommendations prioritize safety, accessibility, and the "fun factor" for children of all ages.
Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze
| Address | 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 595-5375 |
We stopped by this fun maze during our Navy Pier visit, even though it wasn’t originally on our list. The colorful lights at the entrance caught my son’s attention, and he really wanted to check it out, so we went in.
The mini 3D maze was fun, while the rest was more of a simple walk-through. It’s not very big, but still enjoyable, could use some updates to feel more engaging. There are a few small jump scares that might surprise little kids, but nothing too scary. Worth a quick stop if you’re already at the pier.
We had a great time! It cost $15.99 per person to go through the fun house. I honestly didn't think it was that expensive, considering where it is and compared to other nearby attractions. It's not huge, but was a lot of fun. There's a mirror maze at the beginning which we enjoyed! Most of it afterwards was simple to navigate, pretty straight forward. Definitely wear the 3D glasses they give you and try to go through it when it's not busy. There were a few jump scares that may frighten small kids, but overall not bad. We recommend visiting. If you're walking down the pier, the entrance is on the righthand side, maybe about halfway down.
We had a lot of fun at the Funhouse maze. If you look at the pictures with 3d glasses you will get an idea of what it is like inside. Beware if you are prone to vertigo. There is a rotating tunnel that makes you feel like you are turning upside down. There is also a mirror maze that is a little tricky but really fun. Keep your hands out in front of you to keep from running into glass.
We paid for a 5 and 7 year old to enter, within minutes the 5 year old came out screaming and crying and the 7 year old was lost for so long her father had to go retrieve her.
This company WILL BOT VERBALLY COMMUNICATE IT IS SCARY!There is a hand written sign with 15 sentences and the last one says may be scary for anyone under 8. All employees were incredibly rude and disrespectful towards me as their mother who was terrified my daughter was stuck in the maze. NO REFUND NO RESPONSIBILITY.
Just my problem for not reading the sign. GOD FORBID THEY WARNED US AT PURCHASE THE KIDS WOULD BE TERRIFIED.
We spent about $500 at the pier in 2 hours and SERIOUSLY THANKS to THE FUNHOUSE MAZE, we will NEVER EVER EVER return.
It’s overpriced for what it is but it was a lot of fun, the maze was a blast for my family. I won’t give anything away but there are great surprises to keep the family entertained. $4 less per person would be much more reasonable, however, it’s still a fun attraction
Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
| Address | 2121 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
My child loved this walk. My child is afraid over everything which can be slightly annoying to most but I dont mind. However, this walk calms the child to levels we have not seen. So for us, this walk is so essential. Thank you Chicago, and thank you Chester/Abragam Lincoln Park for making this park
I've walked this every morning for the last 4 months. Such a pleasant place to Center and ground yourself. My Pomeranian loves these walks and many people walk their dogs here every morning and day. Great sense of safety and community in Lincoln Park. We love watching the beavers that are out early.
This is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon or the entire day and it’s free. Very easy to get to via car or public transport. Well maintained with lots of room for kids to run around. Wandered around the zoo, the boardwalk, the gardens, and the conservatory.
We parked a little far from the zoo. But we enjoyed the walk through the Nature Boardwalk. Awesome views of the Chicago Skyline and beautiful plants all around. A great place to stop for a little breath and break. Or just to cross while jogging, walking or running.
What a beautiful walk! Great place to stroll after leaving the zoo to watch sunset and see animals in the wild.
Farm in the Zoo
| Address | 1911 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 742-2000 |
The farm is simply yet amazing. It was one of my favorite parts. The kids really get excited about it. The petting zoo wasn't open when we went but I know how special something like that can be for little ones
LOCAL TOUR GUIDE HERE!!! LOADS of fun facts on this spot. Chicago’s official motto is “urbs in horto,” a latin phrase that translates to “City in a Garden." An ode to the cities proximity to the lake and its green spaces. But this particular green space, Lincoln park, is designed around a family farm that has been around for generations. The family simply wouldn't sell! Now they carry on with their crops and livestock here as the city bustles around them. Super cool!
This exhibit at the zoo is such a fun and interactive experience, especially for city kids who get the chance to learn where their food comes from. It’s family-friendly, walkable, and provides a unique opportunity to connect with farm life in the middle of the city. The space is also available as a rentable event venue, making it a versatile addition to the zoo. Having grown up on a farm, I truly enjoy walking through this area and appreciating the thoughtful design. The staff are always ready to answer questions, everything is kept clean, and the animals appear happy and well cared for. A wonderful addition to the zoo that blends education, fun, and community.
I remember visiting this place back in 1988. Even then, I thought this was a great idea. I was fortunate to grow up in a large agricultural area in California. I visited farms. We had friends in the Ag industry. However, as I got older, I met many people who had no idea how the part of our lives operated. They had no idea how we got milk, eggs, bacon, ribs beef & chicken. While this place doesn't go into the harsh side of Ag, it does a good job of teaching the basics of a farm and farm animals. I was there in November and most of the fruit trees were empty. Glad to see that 40 years later, this place still exists to teach city kids about where food comes from, and not just thinking it comes from a grocery store.
Nice place special in the early morning if you have toddlers I'm going to enjoy it the animals are active they do have some decent restaurants but unfortunately the rabbits but nowhere to be found looks like it was too cold for them but all in all it's worth it especially the pony and the pigs are not smelling as bad as they should that's a bonus point
Sloomoo Institute - Chicago
| Address | 820 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | (877) 917-5463 |
This was a fantastic experience. I took my 15 & 13 year olds and we all had a great time. We bought the slime making but did not buy the get slimed experience.
Everyone was nice and seemed to love their job. It was fun to touch all the slimes with textures and scents! I would definitely recommend going!
Our visit to Sloomoo was an unforgettable experience for my daughters! They absolutely loved playing with all the different types of slime and had such a fun, joyful time from start to finish. The place is beautiful, imaginative, and full of exciting activities that truly amaze children and keep them engaged throughout the entire visit.
What we loved most was the attention to detail. At the end of the experience, each girl received three containers to create their own slime. They were able to choose the type of slime they wanted, as well as the colors, scents, and even different add-ins to customize it. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they designed their own unique creations.
Overall, it was a magical and memorable experience that we will never forget. It’s easy to find many places to play, but it’s rare to find a place that stays in your memory. I highly recommend Sloomoo to any family with children—it’s truly a place full of fun, creativity, and lasting memories. We will definitely be coming back again!
So every year in late March during my older son's spring break, we always find an attraction ahead of time and reserve a day to take our boys to the city. Was thinking no Shedd or Navy Pier this time around.
I must say that SlooMoo is definitely a much different experience than anything we've ever done and we all enjoyed it. Was a lot of fun playing with the different colors and textures and lastly making up your own slime and adding colors to it.
I did ask my wife if she wanted anyone to get slime showered prior to buying the regular admission tix but thought the price for each ticket for that attraction was a bit steep. Had fun watching other ppl get slimed.
Great all around fun for the family and a great place to celebrate kids' birthdays. Not a bad way to kill 2-3hrs in the city and definitely will refer to other family, friends and co-workers with young kids.
The SlooMoo is amazing!! Highly recommended. I think I might have had more fun than my kids. My kids who are 10 & 12 had a blast. The customer service here is top notch!! From the moment we entered the employees were all so friendly and so helpful. Highly recommend the VIP experience!! This place is awesome!
We visited Sloomoo Institute for a birthday celebration and it was such a great experience! The kids absolutely loved it, and honestly, even us adults had so much fun. It’s definitely one of those places where you want to take your time to really enjoy everything.
One of the workers was incredibly helpful — he suggested that since the kids were excited about making their own slime, we should go do that first and then come back to the other activities. I loved that they allow you to go back and forth! It made the whole experience so much smoother and enjoyable.
Overall, it’s the perfect place for kids to explore, play, and get creative… and also a great spot for adults to de-stress and feel like kids again. Highly recommend for birthdays or just a fun family outing!
Lincoln Park Conservatory
| Address | 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Phone | (773) 883-7275 |
Free, and a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend visiting this conservatory before or after the zoo, or if you want to have a picnic this is the perfect place! My favorite features were the “nerve plants” and the fern room. A wide variety of plants to learn about or see for the first time, and the staff is very friendly helping you get your free tickets online. There is a 90 minute limit but you could crawl the entire place and still be out in half that time. Overall, I would highly recommend this beautiful place and will be back soon! Thank you to the kind staff.
Such a gorgeous garden. And so happy that it’s FREE! We went to the zoo and walked over here right after. It’s a small garden but it is so cute! Make sure to reserve tickets ahead of them even though it’s free!
This was a beautiful free botanical garden right next to Lincoln Park! Make sure you reserve your entry time early online. It’s encouraged to give a $2 donation, but not required. It’s all covered and separated into different sections with lots of pretty plants to look at.
It feels like a different world the moment you walk in. It's warm and humid and paired with all the lush greenery, towering palms, and carefully maintained plant rooms make it feel peaceful compared to the city outside.
I liked how calm it was inside even when there are other visitors, it never feels crowded or rushed and you can just wander slowly through each section and take everything in. The different rooms each have their own vibe, from tropical plants to more structured floral displays, it doesn't feel repetitive.
One of Chicago's best kept secrets — and it's free! Beautiful Victorian greenhouse filled with lush tropical plants and gorgeous orchids. A peaceful, magical escape right in the city. Absolutely worth a visit! 🌿🌸
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
| Address | 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 755-5100 |
What a delightful hidden gem in Lincoln Park! The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum instantly warmed my heart with its beautiful Butterfly Haven, where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter around you like living magic. The hands-on exhibits are engaging and educational for all ages, and the whole space feels light, welcoming, and full of wonder. Perfect for a peaceful, inspiring afternoon reconnecting with nature right in the city. Highly recommend!🌿🦋
My son and I loved exploring nature at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Our first visit was when he was just 19 months old, and we recently returned at 3 years 3 months—both experiences were equally enjoyable, which really speaks to how well the museum engages a wide range of ages. The highlight of the visit was watching the butterfly release—it’s such a special, memorable experience. We also spent a lot of time in the kids play areas, which are interesting and interactive. The live animals were another favorite, and we especially appreciated the learning opportunities woven into places like the Nature’s Lunchbox Café.
It’s a wonderful blend of play and education, and definitely a place we’ll keep coming back to.
September 2026 Update: We took our time through the museum, focusing on more detail than in the prior visits. It's safe to say that we love this museum.
We had a wonderful time exploring the Nature Museum with our two kiddos (2.5yrs & 5.5yrs old) today! There was tons to do - water play (in multiple areas), living & taxidermy creatures to see/learn about, two play spaces to get the wiggles out, and of course the beautiful Butterfly Haven.
We went on a weekday around 11am during spring break and it was moderately busy, but there was no line to get in. We paid extra to visit the butterfly haven (100% worth it!). The 1st exhibit included water play, which our kids loved, but def bring a change of clothes for when they get wet. There is another water play zone on the 1st floor next to the play area as well.
The highlight of our visit was the Butterly Haven. It’s very beautiful and I honestly could sit there forever watching butterflies flutter around. They release butterflies daily at 2pm, but we didn’t see that. We also enjoyed the digital interactive butterfly exhibit, where kids color a butterfly on paper, scan it, and it appears fluttering on a giant digital screen.
Street parking was full, but there is a small lot across the street from the entrance and it was $24 to park. It was a short walk to the entrance. The gift shop is super cute and has snacks/drinks, but nothing fresh-made (mostly pre-packaged options). They have tables & high chairs near the entrance for snacking/resting. Also family restrooms, stroller parking, & an elevator. Super kid/family friendly and we’ll definitely be back!
I love this museum very family/kid friendly. the seasonal exhibit where they change themes is the coolest and always keep kids on their toes. The new one (July 25) is so cool, theres creativity, hands on, action. It is play at your own risk, I feel like there should be an employee just to facilitate. Can never go wrong here.
I used to bring my children here and now I bring my grandchildren. It excites them and expands their knowledge as as much as they do with their parents. The butterfly garden is also an amazing exhibit you don’t want to miss! Lastly, be sure to stop at the taxidermy station if they are there working on an animal.
Parking is a nightmare if you don’t arrive early or during lunch as parents are leaving.
Big Mini Putt Club
| Address | 3655 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (773) 770-9200 |
This is such a fun place with mini golf and drinks and beer and really good chewy New York style pizza and you get great deals like for five dollars you can get a soda and a slice of pizza. Fun ambience. Bring a group! I’m from nyc and the pizza is very good and chewy and thin and the right cheese.
not where I would have imagined going for a kids birthday party, but it was a blast.
would love to go for an adult's night out too.
the pizza was very very good! rest of the menu looks fine as well.
huge cocktail menu, though they look more "fun" than upscale craft.
very good beer list.
very helpful and friendly staff.
We had a blast! Drinks were strong, tasty & reasonably priced! The golf isn’t long but it’s fun & you can go again or do other things there. Awesome spot! Bartender was attentive & full of knowledge for us
Visiting friends and tried this place out to catch up. We went on a week night so it wasn't too busy so it was definitely easy to talk. It was so much fun! Great, laid back atmosphere, and it's huge in a cool warehouse type building. Lots of different games, easy food and drinks. Mez was heading up the mini-golf and she was super friendly and chill. Definitely will return!
Great deal on multiple rounds and drinks are very good too. Very cute place overall with Chicago themed holes
Kovler Lion House and Pepper Family Wildlife Center
| Address | 2101 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 742-2000 |
The Lion House is always a stop while visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo. I have been coming to the zoo since I was a little kid and that's a number of decades. The building design has changed a lot over the years.
Today Jabari and the ladies were napping, while the 18 month old cubs chilled on the other side of the exhibit.
Today was our first visit back since CV19 and the remodel - wow, what a difference! I used to live across the street from LP Zoo and we loved listening to the big cats at night but their enclosure (which seemed fine at the time) was *so* much smaller than the upgrade! There's much more space for the cats to move around when they want and there are huge observation windows, too!
Almost bone chilling experience, truly phenomenal.
Beautiful facility and really incentive exhibits. The lions looked very happy
Excellent zoo, many animals, many beautiful landscaping, free tickets
Pritzker Family Children's Zoo
| Address | 2197 N Stockton Dr Apt 2119, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Phone | (312) 742-2000 |
A great indoor area of the zoo with a lot of natural light. A great stop for kids. The improved climbing structure is much safer for kids and more navigable for adults which is fantastic. The bathrooms are clean and this is one of the cooler buildings temperature-wise so its a nice spot to rest on the hot summer days,
Though it is called Children's Zoo, its great for adults also. This is Lincoln Park Zoo's dedicated North American animal section of the park. Some of the notable species here are Black bear(s?), extremely rare red wolves, North American river otters and North American beaver, various native turtle species.
Fun Facts:
-For several years now, wild black crowned night herons have nested here.
-If an ambulance or fire truck drives by with its sirens on, you'll hear the red wolves howl along with it!
-Behind the indoor turtle pond, there is a lodge camera where you can view the beavers in their lodge.
Less about the merit of the current building and more of a wishful thinking thing, I miss the species diversity of the Children's zoo building before the redesign of the indoor play area. There used to be green snakes, tree frogs, walking sticks, American toads, and more. I hope in the future, this building gets a few more native species like it once did. Northern walking sticks are still visible to the public in the Regenstein Small Mammal & Reptile House.
Hello everyone! Thank you for reading my reviews! My family and I love this zoo. We visited a very interesting part of the zoo. Here we saw a cute family of beavers. There are children's attractions. I recommend visiting!
it was wonderful ☺️ My toddler and I really enjoyed walking around the zoo grounds and the animals. We'll come back a million times)
Not too bad but probably because we went there on sunyny day,we could not see many animals in habitat..but you have to consider it is a free zoo.The best part is seal section..Kids really enjoyed.We loved the conservatory area with lots of different plants..You can get free parking near zoo if you are early in the morning.
This play area is much smaller and darker than anticipated. There are no benches around the perimeter, so it feels like a space you aren't supposed to stay in very long. At the time of our visit a camp of older kids was barreling around making my 2.5 year old feel unsafe in the structure. If you are at the zoo and want a place for your under 3 to play for more than 10 minutes, the playground across the street is a better choice.
Regenstein Center for African Apes
| Address | 2058-2156 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 742-2000 |
This was the most intimate setting I have seen for great apes. There are places in Indonesia where you can literally walk amongst other smaller monkeys, but this is the closest I have ever observed larger primates. Leave a couple of extra minutes to soak them in.
Very disappointing. They were listed as “open,” but the venue had been reserved for a private wedding and was completely closed to the public. We drove a long distance for nothing. They should update their hours or post a notice when they’re closed for private events.
Not to be missed. It is an excellent and very popular exhibit. The best thing to do is get to the Zoo at open and go straight there. You will get some quality time with the gorillas and chimps before everyone else arrives. Well worth goijg there first.
We love hanging out with the apes, especially when there are babies. Things have changed a bit since covid but it's still a nice place spend time with the primates. As others have mentioned, if you go later in the day, the apes sometimes need a break from interacting with humans (understandable!)
Excellent exhibit! Large glass viewing areas, air conditioned and lots of history of the Apes in the Chicago zoo. Top notch exhibit!
Walter Family Arctic Tundra
| Address | 2262-2332 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 742-2000 |
Unfortunately, I didn’t see any polar bears here. I looked in all of the different viewing windows and couldn’t find them anywhere. There’s lots of nice windows and the enclosure looks very nice. There was a small pile of snow as well as a large block of ice that you could poke even in summer.
Polar bears looked happy and well cared for
When the polar bears are out and active, it is a fascinating place to watch them at one of three tiers of tundra and water. I've never been able to predict when the polar bears are out, as it seems to vary by the day. Unfortunately the ice wall no longer seems to be functioning, and the exterior viewing areas could do with a bit of refurbishment, but it's still enjoyable.
If you can afford too put snakes in a air conditioned area you can put the polar bears in a better arena then youve given them..
Beautiful place with a white 🐻❄. Amazing to visit with family.
A lot of animals around to seeing. I visited during January month and we had 30°F surprised that is one of the coldest months but it was nice weather. We visited during weekday with no probkem. Not all animals were available to see but it was very nice time spent walking around for a couple of hours. We were fortunate to see the bear 🏊♂️ swimming. It is an incredible view on the window and lovely. The best time to visit is May to September when The weather is a lot better. We will go back whenever is possible because it is amazing this zoo and all of the animal. Recomendable to visit alone or in a family group.
Jack's Pumpkin Pop-up
| Address | 1265 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (312) 850-8188 |
Very nice, I had so much fun. They have alot to do it's adult and kid friendly. It's so pretty at night. They have a mechanical bull, drinks, pig racing, cocktails, food, so many photo ops, corn maze etc.
I liked it. I liked the atmosphere and the music was just great. We came on Sunday and it wasn’t a lot of people. The drink is good, but I recommend you to buy a ticket or drink already included. It’s a little cheaper. They have a lot of stages to take a pictures and every one is amazing. We came at 6 pm and it was perfect. We had time to enjoy during the day and during the night too.
Jack’s Halloween Pumpkin Pop-Up Bar in Chicago was an absolutely incredible experience — like stepping into a Halloween wonderland designed for the ultimate photo op. The entire place felt like a glorified selfie station in the best possible way, with every corner offering something new and eye-catching. From glowing pumpkins to spooky backdrops and eerie lighting, it was clear that this pop-up was made for people who love capturing fun, festive memories. You couldn’t take a bad picture if you tried — the whole place was just that visually stunning.
What made it even more impressive was learning that many of the props and decorations actually came from the same company that supplies Six Flags holiday decor. That explained the level of detail and quality throughout the venue — everything looked like it was straight out of a professional theme park haunt. There were elaborate animatronics, fog effects, and intricate displays that made you feel fully immersed in the Halloween spirit. It wasn’t just a bar; it was an experience that blended art, atmosphere, and creativity in a way that stood out from anything else in the city.
The drinks were just as impressive as the visuals, with themed cocktails that matched the festive mood perfectly. Each one was cleverly crafted and added to the fun of the night. If I were to go again, I’d definitely purchase one of their ticket packages — it’s absolutely worth it for the full experience. Between the atmosphere, the creativity, and the quality, Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up is a must-visit for anyone who loves Halloween, good drinks, and unforgettable photo ops.
It was an awesome experience. We have went year after year. We also go to the event in the winter time. It is expensive. The parking is crazy. There is always a ton of people. That is the negatives. Now that being said, if you can deal with that it is such a magical time. The sights, sounds, and smells just scream fall. There are quaint photo ops everywhere. You can purchase food as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Families also bring their children. It really is a good time though a bit pricey. We will continue to come back and attend the winter festival.
My family including 2 girl teens and a toddler loved this cute place! Great place for cute photos with so many different scenes and backgrounds so come prepared! The signature drinks were good, we tried every one! Food truck was delicious and not too overly priced! Corn maze and games were also fun! We came at 6pm which was a great time with no crowds yet because by 8pm it was crowded with lines to get in and def getting busy inside. 6 pm was perfect time to get beautiful pictures and enjoy the place! 2 hours is more than enough time!
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Navigating a busy Chicago neighborhood with children requires a bit of strategy. The area around Lincoln Park Zoo is generally safe and pedestrian-friendly, but a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some expert tips to ensure your family has a smooth, stress-free, and memorable experience exploring everything the area has to offer.
Pack for the "Micro-Climate"
The proximity to Lake Michigan means the temperature near the zoo can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than inland neighborhoods, especially in the spring and early summer. Even if the forecast looks warm, bring a light jacket or windbreaker for the kids. The breeze off the water can be sharp, particularly near the Nature Boardwalk or the beach.
Plan Around Naps and Parking
If you are driving, the parking lot directly at the zoo fills up very quickly on weekends and during school holidays. Arrive before 9:30 AM or plan to arrive after 1:00 PM when the morning crowd begins to thin out. If you have a stroller-bound child who needs a nap, the quiet paths of the Lincoln Park Conservatory’s outdoor gardens or the shaded areas near the South Pond are excellent spots to walk them to sleep.
Leverage the Free Days
While the zoo is always free, several nearby museums, like the Chicago History Museum or the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, offer specific free admission days for Illinois residents. Check their online calendars before you go. You can often structure a full day of "free" activities by pairing the zoo with a museum on its designated free day, saving a significant amount of money for a family of four.
Bring Snacks, but Budget for Treats
Walking around the zoo and the surrounding park builds up an appetite. While there are cafes inside the zoo and nearby restaurants, lines can be long and prices are tourist-level. Pack a refillable water bottle and high-energy snacks like granola bars or fruit. Save your money for a special treat, like the iconic Chicago-style popcorn or an ice cream cone from a local vendor on Clark Street.
Respect the Wildlife (Both Zoo and Wild)
Lincoln Park is home to more than just the animals in the enclosures. You will encounter wild birds, butterflies, and turtles in the ponds. Teach children to observe without touching or feeding the wildlife. This preserves the ecosystem and ensures the animals remain safe and healthy for future visitors. Additionally, always stay on marked paths to avoid poison ivy and to protect the natural landscaping.
The area surrounding Lincoln Park Zoo is truly one of the most enriching corners of Chicago for families. Whether you spend your day digging in the sand, marveling at exotic plants, or simply walking the paths along the lagoon, the neighborhood offers a perfect blend of education and leisure. It is a place where children can burn off energy while simultaneously developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
By venturing just a few steps beyond the zoo gates, you can transform a simple outing into a full day of discovery. The combination of free public spaces, world-class museums, and the stunning lakefront backdrop ensures that no two visits ever have to be the same. It is a destination that grows with your family, offering new layers of enjoyment as your children get older.
