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

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!

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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