Best Zoo in South Loop

"It would be hard to find a kid that doesn't like the zoo, especially the Lincoln Park Zoo, with its historical architecture and world-class wildlife exhibits nestled among lagoons and mature trees not far from Chicago's downtown. Families traveling on a budget will appreciate the fact that the zoo is open free of charge 365 days a year. Lake Shore Drive and Fullerton Parkway, 312-742-2000."

"Enjoy free admission to Lincoln Park Zoo, and while you’re there, explore the Nature Boardwalk to spot birds and other wildlife. Bonus: as you stroll the Lester E. Fisher Bridge that crosses the South Pond (also known as the Nature Bridge), you can take in beautiful Chicago skyline views — the perfect backdrop for your selfie."

"In a city full of skyscrapers, animal lovers can go wild at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This free oasis features lions, tigers, and gorillas in an immersive setting ranging from savannahs to rainforests. The juxtaposition of modern marvels like Willis Tower with wildlife habitats makes the experience that much more engaging."

"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."

"Spend a day at Chicagoland’s largest zoo and meet some of the world’s most charming and fascinating creatures. This 216-acre nature parks is filled with a wide variety of animals, plants, and even an animal-themed carousel – so your kids will find plenty to enjoy. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Motor Safari tram, explore the “Great Bear Wilderness,” and pop into the “Butterflies!"

"Spend the day among more than 2,000 animals at this gigantic zoo. The highlights? First, there's the 7½-acre Great Bear Wilderness…"

"Lincoln Park Zoo is a renowned 35-acre zoo in Lincoln Park and a hotspot for tourists. It’s the zoo’s pavilion, designed to provide shelter for open-air on-site classes, that offers such a fantastically picturesque snap. With the design drawing inspiration from the appearance of a tortoise’s shell, the stunning curved wooden pavilion elegantly frames the Chicago skyline."

"The Regenstein Center for African Apes is also part or rather an extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo, where the visitors can come close to the apes, chimpanzees and the gorillas that have found their home there. It is home to some of the endangered species of western lowland gorillas as well as chimpanzees and exists to provide with the most realistic looking environment for them to live in comfortably. Location: 2058-2156 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, USATimings: 10 AM to 5 PMEntry Fees : –"

"The Helen Brach Primate House is yet another extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo and is home to primates of varying shapes, sizes and colour. The area is made in a way to imitate the natural habitat for the primates to make them feel safe and familiar at the place that they are residing in. It was opened back in 1927 which finally underwent an extensive renovation in the year 1992."

"Sure, you can score a well-rounded meal here, but wouldn't you rather have a multi-course feast of rainbow layer cake, iced cut-out cookies, pecan sticky buns, and hulking rice crispy treats?"

"This goddess is more than a baker with their extensive breakfast through dessert menus. Taste their avocado toast or baked mac and cheese, but leave room for their artisanal sweets."

"Goddess and the Baker is casual Chicago café chain with iconic and colorful baked goods. The bistro features breakfast and lunch, as well as delicious baked goods."

"Their shaved ice macaron sandwiches are what dreams are made of. Don’t let summer end before you get to try one of these."

"This cafeteria-style restaurant has a well-deserved reputation for putting out some of the area's best pizzas, breads and desserts. The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, pastas and desserts. Start with a Marie's Special salad which includes chunky hearts of romaine, red onions, fried prosciutto and blue cheese with their signature thick homemade vinaigrette."

"Allyu Spa delivers medicinal massage and bodywork, superior skincare and elegance tools in a relaxing and lavish mood. Their aspiration is habitually to anticipate for your wellness needs in your individual and accurate way. Their gift inside their society would be a competent distance, higher treatments and services and products to promote health insurance and wellbeing."

"With its dramatic white draperies and warm uplighting, Allyu is the kind of place we’re tempted to loiter. So it’s a good thing that loitering, lingering and general lounging are encouraged for all spa guests. After your hot stone massage or chakra balancing, curl up in an armchair with an herbal tea and take it all in."

"A post shared by Allyu Spa (@allyuspa) on Nov 22, 2016 at 10:18am PST. With an aim to ensure your well, the Allyu Spa is known for its therapeutic massages and treatments. They offer special massages and treatments for expecting mothers as well as couple massages and services."

"Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas is a family-owned Chicago-based business offering skin care and spa services in addition to haircuts, styling and color services. Operating in 14 locations around the Chicagoland area, Mario's team has been clipping and styling hair, massaging and treating skin for 40 years. One of the latest options is the RevitaPen facial, a cutting edge service that enhances product absorption for visible, instant results."

"Tucked away on the lower floor of 900 North Michigan Avenue, the cornflower-blue Mario Tricoci Spa team is quietly eradicating stress and defying the ravages of time. Massages are sturdy. Waxing, tanning, and nail services are flawless."

"Chicago’s Lakefront Trail I promised we’d do a lot of walking today, so next, head back towards Lake Michigan and enjoy the lakefront trail, a nearly 20-mile stretch of paved walkway that meanders down the city’s coastline. The views are spectacular and it’s a great way to see the city’s skyline from a distance. If you’d prefer to bike the trail (highly recommended!), check out the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, where you can grab a bike for a 24-hour rental period from one of the city’s many stations"

"Lincoln Park Conservatory has been a beautiful getaway since the 1890s. Inside, you’ll find tropical palms, ancient ferns, and plenty of other exotic plants."

"BridgeportWhen you think of Bridgeport, the first thing that comes to mind usually isn’t nature. And this park (nicknamed “Mount Bridgeport” and formerly known as Stone Quarry) fits right in with a 27-acre site that has transformed itself from quarry to landfill to park. Cruise the crushed stone running path and peep the fishing pond and wetlands as you stroll the grass amidst preserved quarry walls at this neighborhood hidden gem."

"Opened on the site of an old limestone quarry, Palmisano Park unfurls an urban prairie landscape with great views of the Chicago skyline. Locals come here to fish for bluegill in the lagoon in summer and sled the hills in winter. The winding walkways, made of recycled construction debris, are great for a stroll anytime."

"Palmisano Park has gone from coral reefs to quarry to landfill to park. At this park, you’ll find a fishing pond, wetlands, preserved quarry walls, walking trails and more. There is also a giant hill, perfect for gazing over the park and all of its beauty."