Brookfield Zoo Chicago With Preschoolers

Updated November 2026 with Holiday Magic dates and the latest free-day pattern.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago covers about 235 acres in the western suburbs, so with preschoolers the key is to pick a few areas and skip the rest. Start at the Hamill Family Play Zoo, a hands-on area made for young children that is included with zoo admission, and use the South Gate to park close to it. Children 2 and under get in free, and the zoo offers free admission days in winter.

Here is how to plan. Prices, hours and attractions change, so check the zoo's website before you go.

Tickets, parking and free days

• Admission: adults, seniors and children 3 to 11 pay general admission. Children 2 and under are free. Members get free admission and parking.
• Parking: charged per car, even on free days. The South Gate lot has cost a little more than the North Gate lot.
• Free days: in 2026, general admission was free from January 5 to February 28, except January 19 and February 16, with the zoo open 10 am to 4 pm on those days. The zoo has also offered some free days in late fall and December. Watch the zoo's website for the 2027 schedule. Parking and attraction fees still apply.
• Buy online to skip lines on busy days.

Hamill Family Play Zoo

This is the best stop for preschoolers. It is a children's zoo inside the zoo, with:

• Indoor and outdoor play spaces where kids can dress up as zookeepers and vets
• Animal habitats, including the zoo's first koalas, Brumby and Willum
• Hamill Family Wild Encounters next door, with Nigerian dwarf goats, reindeer and Bennett's wallabies
• A sensory-friendly room with fidgets, comfortable seating and dimmable lights for children who need a quiet break

It is a good choice on rainy, hot or cold days, and there is no extra charge beyond zoo admission. The zoo also runs caregiver-and-toddler classes here.

Which gate to use

The South Gate, at 3300 Golf Road, is the closest entrance to the Hamill Family Play Zoo, which sits just inside on the right. The main North Gate on 31st Street is closer to other habitats. With preschoolers, parking near your first stop saves a lot of walking.

A simple half-day route

1. Arrive at opening and park at the South Gate.
2. Spend an hour at the Hamill Family Play Zoo and Wild Encounters.
3. Have a snack, then pick one or two big habitats your child wants to see.
4. Eat lunch, then head home for a nap.

Trying to see the whole zoo with a 3 or 4-year-old usually ends in tears. Come back another day for the rest.

What to pack

• A stroller or wagon, even for kids who usually walk
• Water bottles and snacks
• Sunscreen and hats, or warm layers in winter
• A change of clothes
• A small bag for treasures, like maps and stickers

For winter visits, see how to dress a toddler for cold weather.

Holiday Magic and daytime visits

Holiday Magic, the zoo's holiday lights festival, runs on select dates from November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027, from 3 to 9 pm. On those dates the zoo only opens at 3 pm, so a morning visit is not possible. If you want a daytime trip in December, pick a non-event day. For evening visits, the earliest time slots work best for preschoolers. See our holiday lights guide for all the dates.

Frequently asked questions

Is Brookfield Zoo free for toddlers?

Yes. Children 2 and under get in free.

Does Brookfield Zoo have free days?

Yes. In 2026, admission was free on most days from January 5 to February 28. Parking still costs extra. Check the zoo's website for 2027 dates.

Is the Hamill Family Play Zoo extra?

No. It is included with zoo admission.

Can we visit in the morning in December?

Not on Holiday Magic dates, when the zoo opens at 3 pm. Check the calendar and choose another day for a daytime visit.

How long should we spend at Brookfield Zoo with a preschooler?

About 3 to 4 hours, focused on a few areas, works well for most preschoolers.

Children's Land

Children's Land preschool classrooms build on children's love of animals and nature with themed units, books and outdoor play. Field trips begin in our preschool program. Learn about our preschool or find a location.

Related reading: Lincoln Park Zoo With a Toddler: Tips for an Easy Visit.