Discounts/​Free Days - Brookfield Zoo

There are several free days at the Brookfield Zoo, but typically during the winter only. If you're from the Chicagoland area, you can also check out a Chicago Public Library Museum Pass from any CPL library, or a Museum Adventure Pass from suburban libraries. The Brookfield Zoo also offers discounts to military personnel (including active, reservist, and retired members).

Free Days

Brookfield Zoo free days are typically only offered during the winter. For the 2022-23 winter, Tuesdays and Thursdays were free in October and November, Mondays and Tuesdays at the beginning of December, and Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in January and February. The zoo still charges for parking on those days.

Library Passes

The Kids Museum Passports from the Chicago Public Library and Museum Adventure Passes from many suburban libraries include admission to the Brookfield Zoo. Neither pass includes parking. As of June 10 you don't need to make a separate reservation with the zoo, just bring the pass.

A limited number of Kids Museum Passports are available at any Chicago Public Library location. The passes typically admit a family of 4, with a maximum of 2 adults, and the group must include at least one child under 18. See CPL's Kids Museum Passports page for more information.

Many suburban Chicago libraries have Museum Adventure Passes for the Brookfield Zoo. However, the pass is only good for 2 people total and each family can only check out one at a time. The pass is good for one week and will have your name printed on it, and you may be asked to show ID when you visit. Visit MuseumAdventure's libraries page to see if your library is included and to reserve your passes online.

Military Personnel

Military personnel (including active, reservist, and retired members) are offered free admission year-round. A valid ID is required. You'll still need to pay for parking and any non-military guests with you.