Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo

  • January 6 2026
  • Within Walking Distance
Overview
Getting To and From
Inside the Venue
Onsite Accessibility
Our Guidelines
Comments
About
Small, free zoo with lions, primates, reptiles, a children's area & an interactive farm exhibit.
Getting To and From
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
  The zoo’s paid parking lot entrance is at 2400 N. Cannon Drive. This lot includes 28 accessible parking spaces, which can fill up on summer weekends and during popular events.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
  ADA Paratransit Services guests should be dropped off and picked up at the East Gate (2150 N. Cannon Drive). Taxis and rideshare services are generally asked to use the West Gate, but guests with accessibility needs can be dropped off at the East Gate. Vehicles may stay in the zoo’s parking lot for up to 30 minutes without charge for drop-off/pickup.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
  Accessible parking is available on northbound Stockton Drive for vehicles displaying accessibility placards at West Gate, Farm-in-the-Zoo, south of the Café Brauer turnaround, and between West Gate and Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
  All public buildings have at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance. All animal encounter programs at Farm-in-the-Zoo are accessible by wheelchair.
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
  Lincoln Park Zoo’s Accessibility Map is a high-contrast version of the zoo’s map. It identifies locations with high sensory experiences, low sensory experiences, captioned videos, tactile experiences, benches and rest stops, and spots to burn off some energy. The map also marks the length of zoo paths to help determine travel distance and time and location of accessibility resources and amenities.
Inside the Venue
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
  All public buildings have at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance. All animal encounter programs at Farm-in-the-Zoo are accessible by wheelchair.
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Yes
  Inferred from accessible entrance availability
Security Checkpoint
No
No
  Not explicitly mentioned.
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
 

Guests may rent wheelchairs at Searle Center. Availability is first come, first served. You must leave a deposit: either a picture ID or refundable $20 fee.

Accessible Seating (Theater)
  Outdoor venue - theater seating not applicable

Getting To and From

Find essential details on parking, drop-off points, and accessibility to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
Check the table below for more information.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
  The zoo’s paid parking lot entrance is at 2400 N. Cannon Drive. This lot includes 28 accessible parking spaces, which can fill up on summer weekends and during popular events.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Yes
Yes
  ADA Paratransit Services guests should be dropped off and picked up at the East Gate (2150 N. Cannon Drive). Taxis and rideshare services are generally asked to use the West Gate, but guests with accessibility needs can be dropped off at the East Gate. Vehicles may stay in the zoo’s parking lot for up to 30 minutes without charge for drop-off/pickup.
Off site Parking
Yes
Yes
  Accessible parking is available on northbound Stockton Drive for vehicles displaying accessibility placards at West Gate, Farm-in-the-Zoo, south of the Café Brauer turnaround, and between West Gate and Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
  All public buildings have at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance. All animal encounter programs at Farm-in-the-Zoo are accessible by wheelchair.
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
  Lincoln Park Zoo’s Accessibility Map is a high-contrast version of the zoo’s map. It identifies locations with high sensory experiences, low sensory experiences, captioned videos, tactile experiences, benches and rest stops, and spots to burn off some energy. The map also marks the length of zoo paths to help determine travel distance and time and location of accessibility resources and amenities.

Inside the Venue

Get to know what to expect indoors—from seating layouts to restrooms and concessions.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Yes
Yes
  All public buildings have at least one wheelchair-accessible entrance. All animal encounter programs at Farm-in-the-Zoo are accessible by wheelchair.
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Yes
  Inferred from accessible entrance availability
Security Checkpoint
No
No
  Not explicitly mentioned.
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Yes
 

Guests may rent wheelchairs at Searle Center. Availability is first come, first served. You must leave a deposit: either a picture ID or refundable $20 fee.

Accessible Seating (Theater)
  Outdoor venue - theater seating not applicable

Onsite Accessibility

Learn about ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features available during your visit
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Restrooms
Yes
Yes
  Accessible restrooms are available at East Gate, Regenstein Macaque Forest, Searle Visitor Center (adult changing table available), Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House, Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, Park Place Café (via elevator), Main Barn at Farm-in-the-Zoo, Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Foreman Pavilion (open seasonally), Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill (open seasonally). Public restrooms contain a mix of manual and automatic fixtures. Single-stall, All Gender, and Family Restrooms are available at Regenstein Macaque Forest, East Gate, Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Searle Visitor Center, Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo. An adult changing table is available at Searle Visitor Center.
Elevators
Yes
Yes
  Elevators and ramps to get to second stories are present in Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House, Park Place Café, and Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill.
On-Site Dining
Yes
Yes
  Dining options are available, and Park Place Café has accessible restrooms via elevator. Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill is open seasonally.
Theater, Auditorium, etc. (Museum)
 
Our Guidelines
1. Make Accessibility Info Easy to Find - Dedicated Website Accessibility Page

Clearly post detailed accessibility information online, covering parking, entrances, interior pathways, site plans, and more.


2. Include All Mobility Devices

Consider walkers, canes, crutches — not just wheelchairs. Provide specifics for a variety of mobility needs. Include people who use different devices in the conversation.

3. Go Beyond ADA Compliance

ADA is the minimum. Strive for real-world accessibility through thoughtful design and ongoing improvements.

4. Visibility = Accessibility

If disabled visitors aren't present, barriers may exist. Transparency and preparation are the keys to inclusion. Empower everyone to attend.

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