Located 2 miles north of the Loop in the North Side neighborhood of Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Zoo is home to dozens of species, such as zebras, sloths and hippos. Visitors can view the zoo's furry (or scaly) friends in their natural habitats: Check out the gorillas in the sprawling Regenstein Center for African Apes, or head to the Kovler Seal Pool to get up close and personal with harbor seals.

Travelers appreciated all of the large mammal species found here, as well as the zoo's lack of an entrance fee. If you have kids in tow, head to the Farm-in-the-Zoo exhibit, where little ones can meet barnyard favorites like cows, pigs and goats. Also, plan on using public transportation or a taxi to get to the zoo since there's limited availability in the zoo's parking lot and parking fees start at $20 per vehicle (or $25 per vehicle on weekends) for 31 minutes to 2 hours of parking.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is not within walking distance of an L station, however, two bus routes – Nos. 151 and 156 – have two Lincoln Park Zoo stops. Bus Nos. 22 and 36 also drop two blocks away from the zoo. The property is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30, 5 or 6:30 p.m. depending on the season. During the zoo's annual ZooLights light display, gates remain open until 9 p.m. All of the zoo's exhibits are free to visit, but bring money if you plan on riding the zoo's carousel and train or purchasing items at the on-site gift shops and cafes. Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo website to learn more about exhibits, facilities and special events.

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