Things to Do

The Washington Park Zoo strives to have all of our animals on exhibit while the Zoo is open, but at times for the health and comfort of the animals, this is not always possible.   There are a number of reasons why some animals may not be on public exhibits when you visit: regular maintenance on exhibits; new exhibit construction; health issues and exams or training; bedrooms are often left open so animals have the important choices they need to go in and out of their bedroom/off-exhibit spaces, especially when weather conditions are an issue; if there are babies or breeding protocols; and if darkness is involved, to name just a few. Priority is given to the safety and well-being of the animals at all times. Thank you for understanding. 

Yes. There is a separate parking fee since the Zoo shares a lot with the beach, splash park, and Washington Park.  The Park District charges $20 for all-day parking if you do not have a pass. 

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        Visit the map of the Lakeshore and Zoo 

Please understand NO outside drinks or food permitted inside the park. No exceptions are granted. You are welcome to enjoy any required dietary needs outside of the facility; re-entry is permitted.

Self-contained baby bottles or jarred store-bought baby food is not of concern.

Picnic tables are available outside our Welcome Center, adjacent to parking, for your use if need be.

This policy is in place to protect our animals from unnecessary threats/dangers – we take their safety as serious as your own when visiting.

There is no smoking or vaping permitted on zoo grounds per the City Ordinance. You may leave zoo grounds to smoke through the exit gate but must stop at the admission window to get a stamp for re-entry. You must be 15-feet away from all zoo buildings, exits, and entrances while smoking. 

• Working Service Animals are permitted with a valid copy of Rabies Vaccination Certificate, to be given to our team to retain. We retain the right to deny entry per ADA guidelines.  Emotional Support Animals are not permitted. Our policy is ADA-compliant.

• Working Service Animals must adhere to a strict code of contact.

  • No contact with guests or animals, or exhibit fence lines including the free-roaming peafowl.

  • No barking, running, jumping, or disruptive behavior.

  • Failure to adhere will be grounds for service animal removal.

Yes, we offer active military and senior citizen discounts with a valid ID. 

The zoo is open rain or shine unless the severity of the weather is so severe it poses a threat to our guests, staff, or animals. If we close for a major weather event, we will post the news on our website and our Facebook account. We do not offer rain checks or refunds to due inclement weather.

For the safety of our guests, staff, and animals we ask that the following items NOT be brought on zoo grounds:

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• Camera tripods and selfie sticks 

• Alcoholic beverages

• Glass containers

• Straws

• Balloons, balls, or similar

• Laser pointers

• Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, or similar

• Radios/stereos

• Firearms/Knives

• Pets