Accessibility

• Electronic convenience vehicles (ECVs), wheelchairs, child strollers, and wagons are available for rent near the North and South Gates. Due to limited quantities of Electronic convenience vehicles (ECVs) and wheelchairs, please reserve one in advance by clicking here to ensure one is available for your visit. Reservations are not accepted for strollers or wagons.

• Wagon (Carretilla) $15.00 (plus $10 deposit)

• Double Stroller (Doble carriola) $15.00 (plus $10 deposit)

• Stroller locks are also available (with deposit)

• Dolphin stroller (Carriola de delfin) $12.00 (plus $10 deposit)

• Electronic convenience vehicle (ECV) (Vehículo eléctrico) $35.00.(credit card required for deposit)

• Wheelchair (Silla de ruedas) $15.00 (credit card required for deposit)

If a guest needs a wheelchair or ECV at the North entrance, a Crew Member can call North Buggies and someone will bring the wheelchair or ECV up to the North entrance.

• Some exhibits and buildings with narrow walkways may prohibit strollers from entering the building as they could pose a safety hazard in the event of an emergency evacuation. Guests with disabilities may use a personal mobility device in exhibits and buildings, such as a wheelchair or a stroller for a child with a disability or other type of personal mobility device (with the exception of gas-powered devices).

• KultureCity Sensory Bags: We offer KultureCity sensory bags, which can be borrowed and returned at both North and South Gate Guest Services. The bags contain: noise-reducing headphones, strobe reduction eyeglasses, fidget tools, a feeling thermometer, visual cue card, and ID Card with lanyard.

• Large-print maps with access information are available at our North Gate Guest Relations.

• Service Animal Maps are available for download. Service animals (dogs) are welcome, and miniature horses may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis. Emotional support, comfort, and therapy animals are not permitted.

  • All service animals must remain under the handler’s control at all times and must be housebroken. They should be leashed, harnessed, or tethered unless such devices interfere with the animal’s work; in those cases, effective voice or signal control is required.

  • Service animals may accompany guests in most public areas—refer to the Service Animal Map or visit Guest Relations for specific guidance. If a service animal is out of control, not housebroken, or poses a safety concern, the Zoo may require its removal; the guest may continue their visit without the animal. Service animals may not be left unattended in vehicles at any time.

• Safari Tours are wheelchair accessible.

• There are accessible parking spaces available in both lots. (The South Gate is an easier entrance for people with disabilities).

• To speak to someone at the Zoo using the Illinois Relay service, please call 711 and then (708) 688-8000.

• Life-size statues and cutouts of animals are located throughout the Zoo (gorilla, dolphin, tiger, etc.) Also, at Wolf Woods we have bronze plaques depicting social behaviors.

• Accessible picnic tables are located throughout the park.

• The videos playing in The Living Coast and Seven Seas Dolphin Underwater Viewing are captioned.

Educational programs can be modified or developed to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Sign Language interpreters are available for public programs and classes by advance request. Call the ADA Coordinator at (708) 688-8338 or complete the ADA Accessibility Request Form. Please allow a minimum of 14 days advanced notice.

Good Works and Bridges Volunteer programs are available for teens and adults. Please call (708) 688-8304 for information.

We are pleased to offer KultureCity sensory bags which can be borrowed and returned at both North and South Gate Guest Services. The bags contain: noise-reducing headphones, strobe reduction eyeglasses, fidget tools, a feeling thermometer, visual cue card, and ID Card with lanyard.

Signage throughout the park highlights areas that may present sensory challenges—such as strong noises, smells, or sounds—and also points visitors toward designated quiet spaces for relaxation.

To help prepare for a visit to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, view our social story, complete with visuals and details.

Our staff members receive KultureCity training on sensory sensitivities and sensory processing challenges. Please do not hesitate ask for assistance.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago provides programs that train individuals with disabilities for employment and volunteer opportunities. Some of these programs include:

Good Works

In partnership with the LaGrange Area Department of Special Education (LADSE) and Riverside-Brookfield High School, the Good Works program helps currently enrolled high school students with disabilities develop job skills for the future by placing them in internship positions at Hamill Family Play Zoo where they are trained to help with a variety of different tasks including greeting guests, prep work, refreshing play settings, and organizing donated recyclables.

With the guidance of on-staff inclusion specialists, we continually work to create inclusive opportunities within our current programs whenever possible. We continue to assess and revise our zoo programs and exhibits to better serve guests with disabilities.

Zoo Camp

At Zoo Camp, we remove barriers so all children can participate, regardless of ability. This means that children with and without disabilities and special needs are participating together in camp activities. Zoo Camp provides reasonable accommodations so activities can be adapted to individual needs and abilities. We are pleased to have a dedicated inclusion specialist on staff who trains and supports our camp counselor staff in providing inclusive experiences and making sure the zoo is for all campers.

Sensory Friendly Family Room

Located in Hamill Family Play Zoo, this quiet space provides a low-sensory environment and a calming atmosphere. It includes a variety of fidgets, sensory-support materials, comfortable seating, and dimmable lights.

Resource Center

Also located in Hamill Family Play Zoo, this resource center provides guests with resources, items, and materials that help enhance their experience here at the zoo. Resources include visual schedules, social stories, noise-reducing headphones, magazines, articles, and more.

Zoo Accessibility

Brookfield Zoo Chicago makes a concerted effort to make its grounds, pathways, buildings, exhibits, and programs accessible to all visitors. The information contain in our Accessibility Guide will be helpful in answering your questions. The staff and volunteers of Brookfield Zoo Chicago welcome everyone and are happy to answer your questions during your visit.

BZC Care Kits

These complimentary kits are available at the North and South Guest Relations booths and are designed for guests with sensory disabilities and include visual schedule books, noise-reducing headphones, name tags, "if lost" ID bracelets, and stickers. Large-print maps with access information are also available to give you special instructions before entering the park.

Our animal ambassadors and program staff provide community-based opportunities for people with disabilities to interact with animals. We also provide complimentary Brookfield Zoo Chicago visits and events for schools and organizations serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Visit our Events page to find out more information about these opportunities.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago also provides a limited amount of complimentary admission tickets to non-profit 501c3 community groups, organizations, and partners.