Brookfield Zoo

We've been to the Brookfield Zoo on a few occasions and visited again this past weekend for Mother's Day.  It was a really nice day and very busy but you don't generally feel like you are tripping over people at the zoo because it is so spacious.  We all really enjoyed seeing the kangaroos, hippos, zebras, and giraffes in their nice spacious homes.  It seems like whenever we go to the zoo the animals are always just laying about but this time they were very active, which was fun to see.  It has been a few years since we last have been to the Brookfield Zoo and in that time a new bear exhibit has opened.  As part of the Great Bear Wilderness area there are buffalo, eagles, and different types of bears.  It is a very nicely organized area and I would recommend checking it out while you are there.

We did not eat at the zoo during this visit mainly because we had such a bad experience last time.  The food was not good and not cheap.  It seems as though a few more dining options may have opened up since we were there last time but I would still recommend a picnic or eating before or after your visit.  You are allowed to bring in food and there are several large areas throughout the zoo with picnic tables where you can dine.  There are two large, nice playgrounds located at opposite ends of the zoo with picnic tables next to them that make a really nice place for lunch.

My one complaint with the zoo is price.  First you have to pay $10 for parking.  Then general admission is $15 per adult and 10.50 per child 3 and up.  That's just to see some of the exhibits.  In order to see the Dolphin Show, Stingray Bay, Children's Zoo, Family Play Zoo, Butterflies and to ride the carousel you have to pay extra for each.  The total price can really add up.  When we went, we did not pay for any of the extras except for a couple of carousel rides ($2.50 per kid) and we were able to see plenty of interesting stuff.  I'm sure the attractions that you pay extra for are really good, however it becomes really expensive for a family to visit the zoo when these costs are added on to admission and parking.  As with all of these type of places, the zoo offers a yearly membership that could be a more economical option for your family if you go multiple times throughout the year. 

Overall, we had a really great time at the zoo last weekend.  The girls really enjoyed seeing the animals and riding on the carousel.  We were there for a couple of hours and didn't come close to seeing everything so you definitely don't need to pay for the special exhibits to have a full day at the zoo.  It ended up being a great way to spend the day.