The abiding Lincoln Park Zoo opened in 1868 and remains a local freebie favorite, filled with gorillas, lions, tigers and other exotic creatures in the shadow of downtown. Check out the Regenstein African Journey, Ape House and dragonfly-dappled Nature Boardwalk for the cream of the crop.
Families swarm the zoo grounds, which are smack in the park's midst. Kids beeline for the Regenstein African exhibit, which puts them close to pygmy hippos, dwarf crocodiles and hissing cockroaches. The Ape House pleases with its swingin’ gorillas and chimps. Farm-in-the-Zoo features a full range of barnyard animals in a faux farm setting at the zoo’s south end and offers frequent demonstrations of cow milking, horse grooming and other chores. The half-mile-long Nature Boardwalk circles the adjacent South Pond and teaches about wetlands ecology; keep an eye out for endangered birds such as the black-crowned night heron.
The rest of the zoo is fairly typical. The exhibits for the lions and other big cats and for the sea lions are fine but unremarkable. Still, free is a good price, and if you come during the colder months you’ll have many of the animals to yourself.
The zoo has multiple entrances around its perimeter. The Gateway Pavilion (on Cannon Dr) is the main one, where you can rent strollers, pick up a free map and see the schedule for the day’s feedings, training demonstrations and zookeeper talks. Drivers be warned: parking here is among the city’s worst. If you do find a spot in the Cannon Dr lot, it can cost up to $35 for four hours.
