My wife and I took my 2.5 year old daughter and 6.5 year old son to LPZ on Sunday July 20. I don't know why but I was not expecting much (always using the St. Louis Zoo as a barometer). All of us loved the zoo, it was very clean and easy to navigate. My kids loved the paddle boat swans and the "Farm at the Zoo". The Cat house is awesome, the tigers were "talking" as my kids put it. The only exhibit that was not up to par was the penguin exhibit. I would put this zoo right up there with the St. Louis Zoo and Omaha Zoo. And it's free!!!!

With young kids in tow we headed off to the LP zoo and while the free admission was a plus, the kids became tired and agitated when we couldnt find the animals.We went exhibit to exhibit and most of the cages were empty! A positive about this zoo was that it was in walking distance to the beach so when we got tired of the zoo we headed to the beach.Overall I would reccommend this but dont have too high expectations. Perfect for a day in the city when you dont want to spend too much money for entertainment.

I always loved LPZoo as a child and as an adult! The greatest part of the zoo experience here would have to be the extrordinary care the keepers and all the zoo staff give to the animals . The animals look healthy and happy. Best of all this zoo keeps under privledged families in mind by not charging admission. I grew up in Chicago in the less than lower income bracket and going to LPZoo was always a magical ,wonderful experience for me and my siblings. Somehow every worry about the "real world" seems to melt away when you are among the animals. Thank you LPZoo for a lifetime of wonderful memories, and here's to wishing you all a safe and prosperous New Year and hopefully many more to come!

I loved Lincoln Park zoo for forty years, since I was a child, even though their parking became more and more impossible. Now that an unreasonable outdoor smoking ban has been enacted which, needlessly and senseless persecutes smokers, I will never return again. Smokers, stay away and keep your wallets shut!. Illinois Smokers Rights

Cons: Parking lot fills up quickly. If able to get on lot, rate will be $14.00 for up to 3 hours. Quite a bit of garbage on paths and grassy areas. Food and beverages add up quickly. Our family of 6 had lunch for over $30.00 Pros: Free! Parking meters on streets surrounding park is $1.00 for 2 hours. Friendly staff. Wonderful exhibits and animals. Can bring in lunch, snacks, beverages.

It has all kinds of animals, it clean safe environment an its free! ':) The kids love walking around and seeing all species of animals

Everytime we visit Chicago we go to this zoo. The animals are up close(but not too close). Get there when they open and you can see them being feed.

Very clean and extremely cheap for the animals they have! Only thing you have to pay for is parking.. We paid about 15 dollars for 4 hours.

I love Lincoln Park Zoo, I have been going since I wsa a kid. It is completely free and I has great animals. This summer My boyfriend came to Chicago and we went to the zoo and had a ball, we went paddle boating, went to the petting Zoo and had ice cream. It is in a great location, right off the lake.

Parking for the zoo is really steep, but when you consider that the zoo is free it works itself out, esp if you have a carload of people. There are a lot of animals, but the enclosures for a lot of the big cats seemed small. We went on a hot day and there is not a lot of shade or air conditioned places. There were nicely decorated water fountains around so bring your own water bottle to fill up. They rent out strollers for cheap, but keep in mind they are not the greatest, but they get your kids around. I was disappointed as there were no elephants and there were no places where you could feed the animals. We ate at the Big Cats Cafe and the food was not great. Our wraps were all soggy and did not come with drinks which for the price they should have. If I were in the area again, I would like to check out the zoo again. I suggest bringing your own stroller, snacks and drinks, and a bagged lunch.