Meet us where the kids are the zookeepers
A children’s zoo within the zoo!
This area is designated for kids to learn and play in an indoor and outdoor space with rooms full of hands-on activities and learning opportunities. There is also a sensory-friendly room.
Lemur Leap:
This is the only place in the Brookfield Zoo where lemurs live. Here kids can view the animals, feed the lemurs, and even dress up like a zookeeper! You’ll find a “Tots Corner” in this area where tired little ones can take a nap.
ZooScape Mountain:
With a puppet station, play tunnel, and face-painting table, this area offers endless fun. Follow the animal footprints into a mountain with animal exhibits and more!
Zoo Director:
An office area where kids can pretend to be the director of the zoo or they can build their very own mini zoo. Includes a reading corner with lots of animal books.
Animal Hospital:
Operating tables, microscopes, x-rays, and more! Kids can put on a doctor jacket and be a vet for a day.
Zoo Greenhouse:
Water the plants and play in the sand in this room for the budding gardener.
Zoo Workshop:
A craft table with glitter, glue, and more. The Brookfield Zoo staff is here to help kids create masterpieces in this artwork zone.
The Herpetarium:
Snakes, turtles, salamanders, and more! Plenty of room for kids to dress up like a bird and “fly”!
The Hamill Family Play Zoo is open from 10:00am to 4:30pm. During holiday magic, the hours for the play area change to 3pm-8pm.
The winter months are a great time to visit the Hamill Family Play Zoo because the buildings and exhibits are both outdoor and indoor, providing a great way for kids to burn off a little energy when it’s cold outside.
Bonus: During the winter, the Brookfield Zoo sometimes offers free entrance to the Hamill Family Play Zoo.
Entry costs for the Brookfield Zoo Chicago:
Adults: $29.95
Seniors: (65 and older) $24.95
Children: (3* to 11) $20.95 *free admission for children under 2
Military Personnel: Admission is free for active, reservist, and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Annual members enjoy free admission.
The kids are the guides at the Hammill Family Play Zoo where children can dress up as zookeepers and veterinarians.
Zoo staff man the craft table at all times.
The play zoo is on the south side of the Brookfield Zoo near the Hamill Family Wild Encounters exhibit. Parking at the south entrance of the Chicago Zoological Society will provide the easiest access to this area of the zoo. Parking here is $3 for members and $14 for non-members.
