Brookfield Zoo Is Free Every Winter — Here's How to Make the Most of It

Most people think of the zoo as a summer outing: hot pavement, long lines, strollers everywhere. Regulars know a secret. Winter is the best time to go to Brookfield Zoo Chicago — and on select days, it's free.

Every January and February, the zoo opens its gates at no charge. The crowds are gone, the paths are quiet, and the cold-weather animals are having the time of their lives. If you're retired and can visit on a weekday, this may be the best free outing in Chicagoland.

The Free Days: What We Know

Here's how last winter worked, as a reference point — Brookfield Zoo Chicago's own site put it plainly: free admission every day from January 5 through February 28, 2026, with two exceptions.

• Dates: January 5 – February 28, 2026
• Not free:January 19 (MLK Day) and February 16 (Presidents' Day)
• Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Heads up for this winter:the zoo sets a new free-day schedule every year, and it's typically announced in December. We'll update this post once the 2026–27 dates are out. Before you go, always double-check the zoo's own Discounts and Free Days page.

"Free" Doesn't Mean Totally Free

Plan for a couple of costs so nothing surprises you at the gate: parking still costs money even on free days, and special exhibits or some indoor attractions charge their own fee.

Money-saving tip:carpool with friends and split the parking. Then it's a free day out for everyone.

Can't Go on a Free Day? Use Your Library Card

This is the best-kept secret in this article. Your library card can get you into the zoo free any time of year:

• Chicago Public Library — Explore More Illinois:Chicago residents 18+ with a CPL card can reserve a free digital pass covering up to four people's general admission. Reserve online up to three months ahead.
• Suburban libraries — Museum Adventure Pass:many participating suburban libraries offer a pass covering two people's general admission, checked out for 7 days. Availability varies by library — check museumadventure.org.

Neither pass covers parking or ticketed attractions like the dolphin show — just general admission. Passes are limited and go fast, so reserve early if you're planning around a specific date.

One more option:SNAP/EBT cardholders can get up to four free general- admission tickets year-round through the zoo's Museums for All program — present the card plus photo ID at the gate.

Why Winter Is Better (Seriously)

1. You'll have the place almost to yourself. No school groups, no summer crowds. You can take your time at every exhibit.

2. The cold-weather animals love it.Polar bears, grey seals, and Humboldt penguins are at their most playful when it's cold out.

3. There's plenty to see indoors. Warm up with the jellyfish, the gorillas, and the tamanduas — a small, very charming relative of the anteater.

4. It's real exercise. A loop around the zoo is a long, easy walk on paved paths, with giraffes to stop and look at along the way. That beats laps at the mall.

Tips for a Comfortable Winter Visit

• Go early. Best parking, most active animals. The zoo closes at 4 p.m. in winter.
• Dress in layers and wear waterproof shoes with good grip — paths can be icy.
• Plan indoor breaks. Alternate between indoor and outdoor exhibits to stay warm.
• Bring a thermos. A warm drink in your pocket makes a long walk much nicer.
• Ask about mobility help. If walking long distances is hard, contact the zoo before you go about wheelchair or scooter options.

Make It a Day: Pair It With Our Directory

Brookfield is a short drive from several suburbs in our directory. Make a full day of it: a morning at the zoo, then lunch, then a nearby library program or senior-center event in the afternoon. Browse programs near Brookfield →

One Honest Note

Free days, hours, and exclusions change every year, and online summaries — including AI search answers — sometimes get them wrong. Before you go, check the zoo's official Discounts and Free Days page or call ahead. It takes two minutes and saves you a wasted trip in the cold.