Lincoln Park Zoo

Hours
April–May
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Memorial Day–Labor Day
Weekdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Weekends 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

September–October
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

November–March
10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Lincoln Park Zoo is located off Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Parkway exit, just minutes north of downtown Chicago. From I-94, exit at either Fullerton Parkway or North Avenue and go east.

CTA bus routes 151 or 156 both serve the zoo; for schedules, contact the RTA/CTA at 312-836-7000. Click here for the CTA/RTA Travel Information Center (will open a new window).

Smoking Policy

We ask that you refrain from smoking for the health and safety of our animals and visitors.

Parking

Parking fees are collected at the exit of the lot. 

Rate
October 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010
No Charge 0-30 minutes
$17 30 minutes–3 hours
$19 3+ hours
$19 lost ticket charge

Please note that different rates may apply for special events.

   Location & Directions

Lincoln Park Zoo is located off Lake Shore Drive at the Fullerton Parkway exit, just minutes north of downtown Chicago. From I-94, exit at either Fullerton Parkway or North Avenue and go east.

Zoo members continue to receive parking benefits during zoo hours.

Zoologists Level Members:
You receive six free hours of parking during zoo hours. Swipe your card at the entrance and exit.

Household and Individual Members:
If you are using a complimentary parking coupon:

  1. Take a white parking ticket from the ticket dispenser at the parking lot entrance (use the "Push here for ticket" button). DO NOT swipe your membership card.
  2. Upon exiting, insert the white ticket from the entrance into the payment unit's ticket slot.
  3. Insert your yellow complimentary parking coupon into the same slot.

To receive $7 flat-rate parking:

  1. Swipe your gold membership card through the machine's slot at the entrance. DO NOT press the button for a ticket.
  2. Upon exiting, swipe your gold membership card through the payment unit's slot.
  3. Next, insert a credit card or cash into the unit. The machine will provide change for cash transactions, as appropriate.
  4. When payment is completed, the arm will lift, allowing you to exit from the lot.

PLEASE NOTE: The zoo is no longer able to adjust fees charged when exiting the parking lot. As a result, failure to follow the steps above will likely result in you being charged the full rate. This includes patrons who have forgotten their membership card.

As always, you may visit Gateway Pavilion from 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. for any parking or membership questions. We recommend you resolve any parking concerns at Gateway prior to exiting the lot.


Please call 312-742-2000 or e-mail here with any questions.

We appreciate your cooperation.