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What to do and see in Illinois, United States: The Best Zoos & Aquariums
Discover the best top things to do in Illinois, United States including Pritzker Family Children's Zoo, Aikman Wildlife Adventure, Randall Oaks Zoo, Kovler Sea Lion Pool, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Cosley Zoo, Miller Park Zoo, Scovill Zoo, Phillips Park Zoo.
Restaurants in Illinois
1. Pritzker Family Children's Zoo
2. Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Zebras in the midwest??!! YES!! Aikman Wildlife Adventure is a wildlife sanctuary located in Arcola, Illinois. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of life possible to all wildlife in need, while maintaining a family friendly environment through interaction, education, conservation and by creating an experience of a lifetime for all our guests. Come out to enjoy 200+ animals and 75 different species! Drive through our park in your own vehicle to see all of our bigger animals, then take a stroll in our Walk-Thru to visit our small animals, predators, and petting zoo. If you love animals and are ready for an adventure of a lifetime, come out and see for yourself why our place is so unique and special! Hours vary depending on weather, visit our website for the most up-to-date information.
Reviewed By 649angelar - Portsmouth, United States
Our family of four (daughters ages 8 and 10) had an amazing experience taking the Behind the Scenes Adventure. We enjoyed learning more about the story of how this place came to be and of course the animals that live there. My daughters love animals, as do I, yet I am often conflicted about animals living in zoo environments. However, visiting Aikman did not fill me with conflicted feelings. Although this family-run business doesn't label themselves as an animal sanctuary because that word means different things to different people, they take animals that need a new home - because they were previously privately owned pets and/or in need of better living conditions. Their animals are those who could not survive in the wild. All animals are "fixed" before coming to live at Aikman meaning that they don't breed animals. They only take on animals if they can provide them with a better life. We loved getting up close and personal with lots of different species of animals and of course the open air ride on a 4x4 through the drive through. The price may seem high but it's a sum that's easy to give knowing that it's going to the betterment of the lives of so many animals. As Thanksgiving approaches, I'm absolutely thankful for people like the owners of Aikman who dedicate their lives to provide a safe place for animals who can no longer live in the wild.
3. Randall Oaks Zoo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By bikeguychicago
Randall Oaks Zoo is a great place visit for an afternoon of fun for the kids and is budget-conscience.
4. Kovler Sea Lion Pool
5. Lincoln Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,859 reviews
Established in 1868, this 35-acre, beautifully landscaped zoo is one of America's last free-admission zoos. The Great Ape House has one of the best assemblages of gorillas and chimpanzees in the world.
Reviewed By Susantoot62 - Munster, United States
The Lincoln Park zoo lights for Christmas are extremely beautiful. My family and I stroll through this magnificent park and saw the incredible display of beautiful Christmas lights. Some of the lights are actually in the shape of animals of course! There is ice carving also. You can stroll enjoying hot chocolate hot coffee and other refreshments. It is great for all ages! And guess what, it is free
6. Brookfield Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,176 reviews
216-acre Zoo With Over 400 Species Of Animals.
Reviewed By Shelliu - Hilton Head, United States
Not everything is open in the winter but on a 50 degree day like today, especially with free admission, it was the perfect day. Brookfield has a lot of indoor exhibits - for wolves, bears, penguins, snakes, amphibians, giraffes and monkeys (highlight of the whole zoo). It’s one of the best places to visit in Chicago if you have kids, no matter the time of year.
7. Cosley Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
Reviewed By EnjoytheSilence44 - Wheaton, United States
My 2.5year old nephew and I love this place! Perfect place for a quick lil activity! Small wall to see all the Great animals and have a lil picnic. It’s also great to see around Christmas with all the lights and decoration.
8. Miller Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Miller Park Zoo offers many exhibits and Zookeeper interaction opportunities that are enjoyed by the whole family. Some highlights include: reindeer, Sumatran tiger, greater flamingos, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagles, Pallas' cat, snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves. The Zoo features many large indoor and outdoor exhibits such as a Tropical America Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer Animal Building, Wallaby WalkAbout, Children's Zoo, and Animals of Asia.
Reviewed By Bud998 - Bloomington-Normal, United States
Wide variety of animals. Great place to take kids. Wife and I usually go once a year, not including special showings or event.
9. Scovill Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Catchpenny - Decatur, United States
It was a little on the cold side, but there was good hot chocolate for only fifty cents, and every station had good treats/candy/trinkets to collect. We especially enjoyed the "Haunted Train Ride." There were actually people dressed in costume running after the train. It was scary, but not too scary. The Conductor made it fun.
10. Phillips Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By 306tyl - Naperville, United States
My daughter and I would go at least once a month because it is a small quaint Zoo. It is a fun visit, and they have rescued animals, so I could appreciate it a little more.
