Category: Zoos

Where else in Chicago are you going to see fish that swim by and see you as dinner? Combine that with the fun dolphins, beluga whales, penguins and otters, on top of all those neat and bizarre fish from all over the world, and you will find yourselves at the Shedd Aquarium. It’s probably one of the best aquariums in the country, not to mention impressive, considering the nearest ocean is over a thousand miles away!

Besides what has already been mentioned, two other favorite spots include the delicate sea horses stingrays and the awe inspiring moon jellies. What I found to be particularly impressive is the tank with sturgeon, which are just now beginning to make a comeback to Lake Michigan, and watching scuba divers feed the animals is just plain cool, okay!

Free parking is available by the meters on Sundays, but since they’re in high demand, you need to get down there early to scoop one up! There is also a cash lot nearby, with cabs and public transportation always available. Oh and also, Chicago residents who have a library card can stop by the library and check out a museum pass at the counter! It’s good for 4 people, gets you in for free and lets you bypass the lines! Sunday mornings are probably the best bet if a weekday isn’t practical, since the tourists haven’t gotten into town yet.

Because the Shedd is undoubtedly the most visited museum in the city, the lines here can get worse than camping out for Cubs tickets, especially in summer. The place is also on the pricey side of things, but is understandable due to the sheer magnitude of running such a facility. The Surroundings restaurant, while absolutely delicious and remarkable, is also on the expensive side, but offers a wonderful view of the skyline that makes up for it, and yes, they take reservations. Of course, locals know parking at the museum campus is tricky at best, but I fail to see how $25 valet parking is justified. I say go in winter, get the pass, pack a lunch and ride the bus or trolley!

Quite possibly one of the best zoos in the country and even the world (and yes, one of the largest!), Brookfield Zoo is more than a place to look at caged animals in simulated habitats. It is a place where animals are truly cared for and respected, with adequate space to live as they would a little more naturally, allowing folks to catch a glimpse of their lives and learn from them, all wrapped up in a fun and educational environment.

Besides the dolphin shows, the elephants and giraffes common to most zoos, Brookfield Zoo has taken great strides in recreating naturally themed continental environments, where different types of animals interact with each other in relative harmony. Tropic World is a favorite for many and a standby for over twenty years, as is the Living Coasts, where people feel as though they have actually been transported into such climates, complete with familiar fauna the animals would expect to see in their wild homes. The Wolf Woods, where a pack of Mexican Grey Wolves reside, is an excellent example of how conservationists can lend a hand in recreating an environment for animals to live as they would in the wild.

Because the zoo is so large and spread out, folks may want to take a ride on the Motor Safari, where a trolley like guided tour will take you from one point to another, with stations spread out all over the park. It also gives you a chance to rest your feet in the heat of the day, and the kids always love cruising around.

Food at the zoo is surprisingly good, from standard American concession fare to a full service restaurant. A feature many parents may be thrilled to see is the icy cold 32oz draft domestics at various concessions throughout the park! Definitely a bonus there. Of course, the place does get pretty pricey rather quick, so brown bagging the majority of what you plan to eat for the day is probably a good idea. Just please don’t offer any to the animals!

It is my suggestion to avoid going on holidays, including Mother’s day, because that’s when the tourists come in to romp around. The best time to go is on a weekday in late spring or early fall, when the weather is comfortable and most kids are in school. (Who says you can’t play hookie for a day? It’s educational, after all!) Most local families will probably want to go more than once a year, so getting a family membership will more than pay for itself. There are so many events going on throughout the year, that making a return visit or three will prove to be very rewarding. Just be sure you wear good, comfortable shoes!