Looking Back at My Childhood in Illinois: How Brookfield Zoo Became an Unforgettable Experience

Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, it took me years to realize just how good I had it. Chicagoland is home to world-class theaters, unbeatable museums, and an incredible dining scene. Yet, it was the memories made while exploring Brookfield Zoo that helped shape me into the woman I am today. 

The zoo plays a role in my family history. Having opened in 1934, even my parents and grandparents grew up visiting. My dad frequently tells the story of how he and his brothers would trap garter snakes. The zoo offered kids a handful of coins if they brought in these critters to feed their larger supply of animals. 

Some of my earliest memories are at Brookfield Zoo. I distinctly remember an elementary school field trip that my dad chaperoned, and the sound of him yelling at my childhood friend to stop climbing on the giant gorilla statue. As my parents purchased a membership, there hasn’t been a year when I missed a trip to the zoo.

My mom would take me to the zoo after school for a quick hour walk. Those walks amongst the tigers led to conversations with my mom that helped me grow up. Whenever I visit home, we continue to take those walks around the zoo. Whether it's a teenage conversation about a boy in front of the bears or discussing my new apartment, the zoo has been the backdrop to many of my life's biggest decisions. 

Brookfield Zoo has changed a lot over the past 90 years. It’s expanded its exhibits and facilities in a way that has made it a leader in conservation. In 2025, it will open a $66 million project that expands the gorilla exhibit. The Tropical Forests exhibit, combined with the new Gorilla Conservation Center, will cover over three acres. It’s this type of innovation that excites me at the possibility that my future children and grandchildren may one day experience the Brookfield Zoo themselves. Just as my own grandparents did.

There are over 3,400 animals to visit across 235 acres. The Great Bear Wilderness offers an up-close view of grizzlies and polar bears. Meanwhile, Habitat Africa transports visitors to the savannah, where they can encounter majestic giraffes, zebras, and lions. If aquatics is your vibe, the Living Coast offers an up-close look into marine ecosystems that feature playful penguins and coral reefs. For an additional fee, you can even meet and feed the penguins. The Hamil Family Play Zoo is an excellent spot for families. Children have the opportunity to get their faces painted, play veterinarian, and even meet small animals.

Picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds for anyone who wants to pack a lunch. Alternatively,  you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks or restaurants located on-site. Additionally, the zoo frequently hosts adults-only special events, such as wine and beer festivals.

I enjoy visiting zoos around the world. Whether it's Zoo Miami or the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, I still find the Brookfield Zoo my favorite. What's your favorite zoo in the country? Let me know by filling out this nomination form.