Tag: fun

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is one of Chicagoland’s most beloved attractions for families — and it’s one of my favorite places to spend a free day with my loved ones! 

I love Brookfield Zoo Chicago year round. In the summer, I can see animals out and about while enjoying an ICEE. In the winter, the cold weather animals emerge and the zoo is decked out in holiday lights. Plus, the zoo has some exciting attractions — like a hand-carved carousel and a new Ferris wheel — and hosts family fun runs, holiday celebrations and tons of fun seasonal events for families. 

The 235-acre zoological park features 3,481 animals belonging to 511 species. Your child could probably spend all day gazing at their favorite animals, but Brookfield Zoo Chicago offers plenty of fun and educational activities for kids that will take your family’s next zoo outing to the next level.

Quick details about Brookfield Zoo Chicago Photo credit: Brookfield Zoo Chicago

• Address: 8400 31st St., Brookfield
• Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily 
• Cost: $29.95/adults, $24.95/seniors 65-plus, $20.95/children ages 3-11, free for children ages 2 and under 
• Parking: $17-$20 for non-members. Park at the North Gate to save a few dollars. 

In March 2024, the zoo launched a name change and rebranding campaign, along with exciting new attractions for families like the 90th Anniversary Ferris Wheel. 

Brookfield Zoo Chicago will unveil its Next Century Plan this summer. By its 100th anniversary in 2034, the zoo will transform its animal habitats and facilities to improve animal well-being and care. 

Tropical Forests will be the first of many new habitats at the zoo. Set to open in spring 2025, the three-acre outdoor space for primates will feature multi-use environments that allow the animals more control and decision-making in how they use their environment. 

While we’re anxiously awaiting these exciting new additions to the zoo, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with the zoo’s current offerings! Check out these educational activities, special events and more happening at the zoo. 

Things to do at Brookfield Zoo Chicago with kids  Photo credit: Brookfield Zoo Chicago

• Join animal care specialists for daily Zoo Chats about everything from birds and reptiles to bears,

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CHICAGO — With summer just around the corner, community organizations teamed up to offer West Side families a fun and safe way to spend their Saturday. 

The “Peace in the Streets” Summer Block Party took over part of Garfield Park this weekend. The fun, family-friendly event was the first of three planned for communities across the city this summer.

“It’s really a positive vibe and I like it,” event attendee Thelma Gafford said. 

The event, which was hosted by WGCI-FM and 1-800-Truckwreck, is the first of several block parties set to take place during the summer months. 

“We don’t want to forget about the West Side because usually that’s the side that, you know, people forget about. We’re usually on the South Side or in the suburbs, but we want to make sure that we are on the West Side,” Maya Hightower, Director of Community Relations at Witherite Law Group, said. 

Before the block party started, several children enjoyed a baseball clinic. 

“V103’s Joe Soto is really passionate about baseball, we had a baseball camp out here for a lot of young people and they also got free gloves, bats, balls,” WGCI personality Tone Kapone said. 

According to recent CPD statistics, violent crimes in District 11, where Garfield Park is located, are down by 19% over the past year. Residents in the area hope that the trend continues heading into summer.

“It’s a lot of kids that lose their lives during the summertime and a lot of people period, but if we can just get along it’ll be just great,” Gafford said. 

Along with all of the perks associated with a block party, several community organizations attended the event, including Girls Inc., a nonprofit that offers mentorship and exposes young girls to a range of opportunities.

“We go on different field trips and experience different categories like STEM, anything that you are interested in,” La’Keyla Grant, from Girls Inc., said. 

Residents say it makes a positive impact when events like this come around.

“It keeps a lot of kids out of trouble. It’s so much violence you know and they need events like this to bring people together,” Jacqueline Boyd, who attended the event, said. 

The next “Peace in the Streets” block party is set to take place on June 29 in North Lawndale,

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