ZooIllinois, US

Phillips Park Zoo

Phillips Park Zoo offers a charming and free wildlife experience in Aurora, Illinois.

About

Phillips Park Zoo offers a charming and free wildlife experience in Aurora, Illinois. This community-focused zoo provides an intimate setting to observe a diverse collection of animals, primarily focusing on native North American species, while also housing a variety of captivating reptiles and exotic birds. It's a treasured local gem, perfect for a relaxed day out with family and friends.

Visitors can explore engaging exhibits featuring impressive mammals like Gray Wolves, American Elk, and playful North American River Otters. The Bald Eagle enclosure showcases the majestic national bird, while the Reptile House provides a fascinating look at snakes, turtles, and dart frogs. Don't miss the Highland Cattle with their distinctive long horns or the friendly Alpacas and Goats in the farmyard area, offering memorable close-up encounters.

More than just an animal attraction, Phillips Park Zoo is an educational and recreational hub within the larger Phillips Park. With its free admission, well-maintained grounds, and integration with beautiful features like the Sunken Garden and Mastodon Island, it provides a unique blend of wildlife appreciation, historical discovery, and family-friendly fun, making it a truly memorable destination. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

Phillips Park Zoo, established in 1915, is a historic institution nestled within Phillips Park in Aurora, Illinois. The park itself has roots dating back to 1899, named after Travis Phillips, an Aurora merchant and mayor whose will designated funds for its creation. Initially, the zoo featured a mix of exotic animals like giraffes and monkeys, but after the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, Phillips Park Zoo shifted its focus to primarily showcasing native animals. Over the decades, the zoo has seen continuous development. A significant discovery occurred in 1937 when mastodon bones and tusks were unearthed in the park during a lake excavation project, leading the zoo to also be known as a museum and these fossils now being displayed in the visitor center. Recent additions and renovations include the cougar exhibit (2005), improvements to the otter, wolf, and elk exhibits, and a remodeled reptile house, continually enhancing the visitor experience.

What to do here

Enjoy observing the animals, take a leisurely stroll through the Sunken Garden, let children play at the Mastodon-themed playground or other play areas, and learn about the park's history at the Visitor Center. During warmer months, a tram ride offers informational tours of the grounds.

Seasonal info

Spring: The Sunken Garden bursts with over 10,000 tulips, offering a spectacular floral display.

Summer: Enjoy the splash pad for cooling off, and possibly tram rides around the park. The zoo is open an hour later during summer months (9 AM - 5 PM).

Winter: The zoo is open year-round, offering a peaceful, less crowded experience, with animals like wolves and elk often more active. Check for holiday light displays.

Accessibility

The entire zoo is wheelchair accessible, including the reptile house. Some walkways may be steeper, requiring guidance for wheelchairs. Restrooms with changing tables are available in the Visitor Center. Accessible parking is located near the Visitor Center entrance.

Don't miss

Gray Wolves

Observe these majestic canids in their spacious exhibit.

North American River Otters

Watch their playful antics.

Bald Eagles

Witness the national bird up close.

Reptile House

Home to various snakes, turtles, dart frogs, and more.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Japanese Beetle

House Sparrow

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early on Weekdays

To avoid large crowds, especially during warmer months or school field trip season, consider visiting on a weekday morning.

Explore Phillips Park

The zoo is part of a larger park. Allocate time to visit the beautiful Sunken Garden, Mastodon Island, and the various playgrounds.

Pack a Picnic

Take advantage of the free admission and picnic areas by bringing your own food and drinks, as on-site food options are limited.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you explore the entire park.

Check for Tram Rides

During warmer months, inquire about the tram rides for a guided tour and historical information about the park and animals.

Visit the Reptile House

This indoor exhibit is a great stop, especially on very hot or cold days, and offers a close-up view of many fascinating species.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, admission to Phillips Park Zoo is completely free for all visitors, making it an accessible and affordable destination for families and individuals alike.
: Phillips Park Zoo primarily features North American native animals, including Gray Wolves, American Elk, North American River Otters, Bald Eagles, and various birds of prey. It also houses a Reptile House with a variety of snakes, turtles, and dart frogs, as well as domestic animals like Alpacas, Goats, and Highland Cattle.
: While the zoo has vending machines for drinks, visitors are encouraged to bring their own packed lunches. There are numerous picnic areas and tables located throughout Phillips Park, particularly near the Sunken Garden and playgrounds, providing pleasant spots for a meal.