We're planning a trip to the Brookfield Zoo (near Chicago) this weekend with my BIL's family and also my MIL. Since the food you buy at these type of places tends to be super expensive, we're planning to picnic with a light lunch. I've only been to Brookfield once before, and it was years ago, so I don't remember much. I know there are big grassy areas where you could picnic, but are there picnic tables? I'm looking at the zoo map and it's hard to tell. If you've been to Brookfield Zoo recently, can you recommend the best area to picnic? Also, can you leave and come back in the same day, like if you need to go out to the car and come back in? I'm thinking it would be much easier to leave the food in a cooler in the car and then go get it when we're ready to eat, instead of carrying it around all day. Thanks for your help!
Thanks ladies! My BIL is a member, so we went with his guest passes. He has a cooler with wheels, so we just took that and ended up eating in a nice grassy shaded area by Stingray Bay, there were a few picnic tables scattered through that are and it was perfect. I did get concerned for a few of the children running around through there though, as their parents seemed to think it was funny to watch them chase the geese.
i'd eat at the tables by the play grounds.
and i'd wear a back pack cuz its a treck to the car and back
Never been to that zoo, but I've been to a bunch and they all let you leave and comeback in as long as you have your receipt/ticket. Check them out on the web because not all zoos allow you to picnic inside the zoo.
Hello S.,
I was just there about 2 weeks ago. They do have a few picnic tables. I might have counted a total of 4 through out the entire site. I'm not sure if you can go out and come back in. Im sure it's possible.
Have fun!
My family has a membership because it is just cheaper and we go a couple times a year. If you park in the north lot, you will have a walk but get there early and it should not be too bad. Make sure you get your hand stamped if you leave so you can re-enter. The south lot is faster and only costs a few dollars more for parking. For tables, they do have a lot. You do not have to buy their food to sit at any of the areas or in the building by the dolphins if it is really hot. There is a playground near the midway area that is all grassy. i think it may be near the dolphins but not behind the building. There is a small stand there as well with food to buy. We always stop there for a rest so the kids can play and run around, just watch out for the geese and nest signs since they can be aggressive.
Yep there is a picnic area and you can leave and come back. We just brought all of our stuff in backpacks so we didn't have to go back to the car. It can be a bit of a walk depending on how early you get there.
There is a huge picnic area with tables on the very east side of the zoo, behind the food court building just south of the dolphins. It's behind the building and down a ramp and there are tents and tables there. There are also a couple of areas with tables and a playground near the new bears (boring) exhibit on the west side of the zoo. I've also seen people eating on the grass near their cars in the parking lot. There are plenty of grassy areas with trees there if you want to leave everything in the car.
I was just there on Monday.
ADDED: You can park in the south parking lot by Brookfield High School and it's a closer walk to your car if you want to go get your food later and bring it in. Just a thought.
