2026 Brookfield Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo is about to "change the weather" this summer—35 life-sized dinosaurs will take over the entire park! Starting May 22, the brand-new seasonal exhibition "Dinos!" officially opens, not hidden inside a single pavilion but scattered throughout the zoo. Just after seeing the giraffes, you might turn a corner and run into a T-Rex. 🦖 35 lifelike dinosaurs roaming the entire zoo T-Rex, Pterosaurs, and various other dinosaurs appearing randomly Spread across the 235-acre zoo Visiting the zoo instantly becomes a prehistoric treasure hunt 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family interactive experiences Walk through a giant dinosaur rib tunnel Climb fossil display frames Simulate archaeology in the excavation area Dinosaur-themed photo spots all along the way 🥽 VR high-tech experience "Ultimate T-Rex" virtual reality adventure Sit in a motion seat and enter a 360-degree digital dinosaur world The top choice for kids 📅 Special events May 30: 2-mile Dinosaur Run July 11: Nighttime Dinosaur Pajama Party Spend an afternoon traveling through three worlds: prehistoric dinosaurs, African savanna, and polar glaciers. Chicago summers are worth planning a trip for this.

The signature event of Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, the Roaring Nights summer concert series, is officially back. Three shows will feature Grammy winners and top musicians, creating an unforgettable night under the stars at the zoo. The 2026 lineup is truly spectacular: on June 7, '90s pop-rock icon Melissa Etheridge kicks off the series; on July 24, the Blues Traveler brings an impromptu psychedelic live performance; and on July 25, hip-hop superstar Nelly closes the series, igniting the crowd with his beats. Each ticket includes all-day zoo admission, free parking, and unlimited rides on the Ferris wheel and carousel, allowing a magical transition from daytime giraffe interactions to evening sing-alongs with thousands. As the sun sets, this place transforms into both a live music venue and a collective celebration of wildlife. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and embark on a unique Chicago summer night journey of sound and light alongside the animals!

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo offers free admission days from January 5 to February 28, 2026, allowing visitors to enter the zoo without paying the regular ticket fee. The zoo's opening hours on these designated dates are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, making it a great opportunity for families, nature lovers, and those seeking winter adventures. During these free admission days, visitors can also access the Hamill Family Play Zoo and the Hamill Family Wild Encounters, enjoying interactive wildlife exhibits and a variety of engaging activities. It is recommended that visitors check the zoo's official website before planning their visit for specific dates and additional details. This event promises a delightful experience, offering close encounters with nature and the chance to enjoy the wonders of wildlife in a family-friendly environment. Don’t miss the opportunity to create unforgettable memories at Brookfield Zoo!

Thanksgiving is approaching, and multiple light festivals in Chicago are waiting for you to check in! From November 14 to January 4, 2026, the Chicago Botanic Garden's annual Lightscape exhibition will be open, featuring a dazzling 110-foot-long tunnel made up of 100,000 lights, along with a series of installations to explore along the illuminated path. On November 21-23, 28-30, December 4-7, 11-14, 18-21, and from December 26 to January 4, 2026, Brookfield Zoo transforms into a sea of lights, with over two million lights spread throughout the park, a 300-foot sparkling tunnel, oversized glowing animal sculptures, and a 41-foot-tall light tree making a stunning appearance. You can also enjoy treats like cake and pizza. Come to Chicago and join this spectacular light feast!

went to visit and took a 7.78 km walk was nice. #mytripvlog#nationalpark

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A Metra train ride out to the suburb of Brookfield, this zoo is in 216 acres of green parkland and boasts more than 450 species. The Brookfield Zoo made waves when it opened in 1934 as it pioneered the use of moats and ditches instead of cages, and was also the first in America to have giant pandas. One of the most recent additions is the Great Bear Wilderness, letting you get within inches of North Americas mightiest carnivores. Also new is Wild Encounters, where you can pet tame goats, walk through a wallaby enclosure and enter one of the largest free-flight parakeet aviaries in the world. Naturally, kids’ favourites like big cats, rhinos, giraffes are all at Brookfield Zoo, while Humboldt penguins are the stars at the Living Coast habitat. #urbanexplorer #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool