As a large space that's fairly easy to navigate, Brookfield Zoo is a fun place to set middle and high schoolers free to do their own thing. Wild Encounters (feeding birds, walking among wallaby and emu) is fun, as are the dolphins, whether the dolphin show or the free underwater viewing. The usual favorite animals are all good at Brookfield, including monkeys and apes, bears, giraffes, zebras, and big cats.
For an unforgettable special experience, consider a "Penguin Encounter" at the Living Coast.
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