Flipping through the pages of one’s childhood memories, something that stands out with many are trips to the zoo.  Located in Northern Chicago just near Lake Shore Drive between Fullerton Ave. and North Ave. lies the Lincoln Park Zoo. Why not time-travel back to your youth and check out one of the biggest attractions in the city? So without further ado, here’s the top 5 reasons as to why everyone should visit Lincoln Park Zoo.

1. Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and entrance is free; not just for kids, for everyone! Frequent zoo-goer Amy Huske ‘17 says, “I probably wouldn’t go to the zoo so often if it weren’t free. Taking the train there or getting a ride helps to save money, too.” This is only of the only remaining free zoos, so take advantage of this opportunity!  
2. There’s something to do every day, and, the park opens as early at 7 a.m. Daily activities include polar bear training, seal training and feeding, meeting an animal, ape cognition and care, and free-flight feeding. These begin at 10:30 a.m. and extend until 2:30 p.m.
3. At LPZ, guests can see aardvarks, lions, penguins, camels, flamingos, and fruit bats. The Zoo Reviewer writes “The Children’s Zoo has kid-friendly habitats of North American wildlife, including otters, black bears, beavers, and red wolves.  A Farm-in-the-Zoo allows urban children to have their first experience with domestic animals.” Within all of these friendly exhibits live over 1,100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. This includes about 200 species of animals, and a number of them are rare.
4. The Lincoln Park Conservatory and its scenic landscaping. The nature exhibit characterized by different species of fish, flowers, and other plants, is located at the far northwest side of the zoo just outside the gates. It’s a little more humid inside too, making it a great place to stop by on a chilly day. Additionally, there’s also a giant field garden that spans blocks just west of the gates of Lincoln Park Zoo. XingXing Shou ‘17 says, “one of my favorite parts of going to Lincoln Park Zoo is picnicking on the field with my friends.” It definitely serves as a great place to enjoy the scenery which includes thousands of bright flowers and tall trees in the summer, and to relax with friends.
5. In the nooks of the zoo’s great landscaping visitors will find restaurants, stores and indoor exhibits. These include the Safari Shop, Wild Things!, Park Place Cafe, The AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and more. Guests can grab a bite, pick out their favorite stuffed animal, and snack on some Dippin’ Dots. As these options may prove to be a little expensive, the zoo also allows visitors to carry in their own food and drinks, too! 

And as far as field trips go, a visit to the zoo proves to be experiential learning, fun, and with enough activities to keep a class excited! Head on over to Lincoln Park Zoo and get a taste of wildlife right here in the city!