Best Things To See and Do at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is one of the oldest zoos in the country, and one of the last zoos that offers free entry. The zoo's combination of outdoor and indoor exhibits, along with its location near lots of other things to do in Lincoln Park not far from the beach, make it a great destination for families looking for some easy entertainment.
Lincoln Park Zoo has recently received an exciting update: The zoo's original Lion House was opened in 1912, housing big cats in a beautifully designed and built building—one that became dated and less animal friendly over time. In December 2019, the zoo, with the help of donations from the Pepper Family, started construction on a new habitat for it cats—the Pepper Family Wildlife Center.
Read on for an introduction to the new Center, plus lots of other tips for visiting Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo with kids. And for more animal adventures, check out our Best Zoos and Aquariums in Chicago.