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Brookfield Zoo - Chicago Hotels .com

A parrot at the Brookfield Zoo

Spanning over 216 acres, Brookfield Zoo serves as home to more than 450 species of animals from across the globe. As one of three zoos in the Greater Chicago area, this zoo is different as it uses ditches and moats instead of cages.

Once you enter through the zoo's main North Gate entrance, you are immediately greeted by the largest hand-carved, non-restored carousel in North America. You can either take it slow by strolling through the zoo at your own pace, or hop on the Motor Safari guided tour. Exhibits include the Seven Seas Dolphinarium, the Fragile Kingdom, Australia House, Baboon Island, the Living Coast and more.

After a tiring trip at the zoo, rest your feet at La Piazza (708-366-4010), a really cool spot where you can relish Italian cuisine the traditional way. If in the mood for a Thai meal, head over to Mama Thai (708-386-0100) and savor their famous noodles.

To close your day, go over to the Empty Bottle to be part of the action. Shoot pool, slug at beers and enjoy some live music. This place is small and can get noisy at times, so if you are looking for a more romantic experience, try the Rainbow Club, where you can chat with the literary kind.

Just a little over three miles from the zoo is the Carleton Of Oak Park, a reasonably prices boutique-style hotel with European decor.

Click here for a full list of hotels near Brookfield Zoo. 

Hours:
Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Admission:
Adult $8
Senior (65+) $4
Child (3-11) $4

Payment Methods:
Visa, Master Card, American Express

Address:
8400 31st St.
Brookfield, IL 60513

Tel: (708) 485-2200

Web address: http://www.brookfieldzoo.org