The cost of visiting the aviary in Chicago depends on a few factors. The main aviary in Chicago is the Brookfield Zoo, which has an admission fee. There are also some free aviaries and conservatories to visit. The cost can range from free up to around $25 per person for admission to the Brookfield Zoo.
What is the aviary in Chicago?
The main aviary in Chicago is the Brookfield Zoo. The Brookfield Zoo opened in 1934 and is located in the suburbs of Chicago, spanning 216 acres. It is home to over 2,500 animals representing about 450 species. The zoo has several indoor and outdoor aviaries and exhibits featuring birds from around the world.
Some of the key aviaries and exhibits at the Brookfield Zoo include:
- The Living Coast exhibit with shorebirds like puffins
- The Feathers and Scales exhibit with tropical birds
- The Seven Seas exhibit with aquatic birds like penguins
- The Aviary with both indoor and outdoor free flight areas
- The Dinosaur Dynasty exhibit featuring early birds
In total, the Brookfield Zoo is home to over 250 species of birds. The zoo has both outdoor habitats and indoor, climate-controlled aviaries allowing visitors to see birds from tropical, temperate, and frigid environments.
Other Aviaries in Chicago
In addition to the Brookfield Zoo, there are some other smaller aviaries and conservatories in Chicago that can be visited. Some of the top options include:
- Lincoln Park Conservatory – A free conservatory in Lincoln Park with exotic birds.
- Garfield Park Conservatory – A large conservatory with free admission and tropical birds.
- Navy Pier – An indoor aviary on Navy Pier with free admission.
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – A nature museum with a small indoor aviary.
How much does it cost to visit the aviaries in Chicago?
The cost to visit the aviaries in Chicago really depends on which one you visit. Here is an overview:
Brookfield Zoo
The Brookfield Zoo costs:
- Adults (ages 18-64): $24.95
- Seniors (65+): $17.95
- Children (ages 3-11): $17.95
- Children 2 & under: Free
There are sometimes discounts available online. Parking costs $15 per car.
Lincoln Park & Garfield Park Conservatories
The Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories have free admission and free parking.
Navy Pier
The small aviary at Navy Pier is free to access, since it is located indoors after passing through security.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
General admission ranges from $9-$16 depending on age. The aviary exhibit is included with general admission.
Cost comparison table
Here is a table summarizing the costs for the main aviaries in Chicago:
| Aviary | Adult Ticket Price | Senior Ticket Price | Child Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield Zoo | $24.95 | $17.95 | $17.95 |
| Lincoln Park Conservatory | Free | Free | Free |
| Garfield Park Conservatory | Free | Free | Free |
| Navy Pier Aviary | Free | Free | Free |
| Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum | $16 | $13 | $9 |
What’s included in the aviary admission costs?
The admission fees for the aviaries and conservatories in Chicago cover access to see the birds and exhibits. Here are some additional details on what’s included:
Brookfield Zoo
Admission to the Brookfield Zoo provides access to all the indoor and outdoor aviaries, exhibits, and habitats. This includes:
- Seeing the hundreds of bird species across the various habitats
- Access to the indoor tropical aviary exhibits
- Outdoor shorebird, waterfowl, and raptor exhibits
- Interactive educational bird shows at Hamill Family Play Zoo
General admission covers all exhibits. Certain extra attractions like the butterfly exhibit, stingray feeding, and camel rides have additional fees per person.
Lincoln Park & Garfield Park Conservatories
Admission to the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories includes access to all the plant and bird exhibits indoors. Key highlights include:
- Tropical bird habitats with colorful exotic birds at Lincoln Park
- Amazonian bird species like macaws at Garfield Park
- Seasonal bird exhibits and migratory bird shows
As both conservatories are free, the admission covers access to all indoor exhibits and birds.
Navy Pier Aviary
The indoor aviary at Navy Pier can be accessed for free. It features tropical birds in a small indoor habitat. As it is located past the security checkpoint, you need a free Navy Pier pass to access it.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
General admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum includes access to all exhibits including theavian exhibit featuring Illinois birds. Highlights include:
- Seeing native Illinois bird species
- Observing the avian life cycle from eggs to flight
- Learning about bird conservation
Special temporary bird exhibits may have an additional fee.
When are the aviaries open?
The opening hours for the main aviaries in Chicago are:
Brookfield Zoo
- Open daily from 10am-5pm
- Open until 6pm on weekends April-October
- Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Open daily from 9am-5pm
- Closed city holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas
Garfield Park Conservatory
- Open Thursdays-Mondays from 9am-5pm
- Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Navy Pier
- Open daily from 10am-8pm
- Extended summer hours on weekends
- Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- Open daily from 9am-5pm
- Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
During other seasonal holidays like Labor Day, aviaries may have shortened hours or closures. It’s best to check the official website for each aviary’s hours before visiting.
Do you need tickets in advance?
For most aviaries in Chicago, you can purchase tickets at the venue when you arrive. However, buying tickets in advance online can have some advantages:
- Avoid ticket lines at the aviary entrance
- Take advantage of online discounts at some aviaries
- Confirm availability for any special bird shows or exhibits
The Brookfield Zoo in particular can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to save time waiting in line.
Here are some tips on getting advance tickets:
- Brookfield Zoo – Purchase admission tickets at https://www.czs.org/Brookfield-ZOO/Tickets-and-Pricing
- Lincoln Park Conservatory – Free admission, no tickets needed
- Garfield Park Conservatory – Free admission, no tickets needed
- Navy Pier – Get free timed entry passes at https://navypier.org/pier-passes/
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Book timed tickets at https://www.naturemuseum.org/visit/tickets
Where can you eat at the aviaries?
Most of the major aviaries and conservatories in Chicago have dining options onsite. Here are some places to eat at each location:
Brookfield Zoo
- ZooGrille Cafe – American fare like burgers, chicken tenders, salads
- Garden Grill – Sit-down restaurant with a buffet
- Flamingo Cafe – Specialty coffees and pastries
- Several snack carts around the zoo
Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Cafe at Lincoln Park – Sandwiches, salads, soups inside the conservatory
- Several nearby restaurants and cafes in Lincoln Park
Garfield Park Conservatory
- Garden House Cafe – Homestyle meals and snacks
- Outdoor grilling is allowed at the picnic area
Navy Pier
- Various restaurants like Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Casual dining options like corn dogs and funnel cakes
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
- Nature’s Cafe – Soups, salads, sandwiches and coffee
Outside food and drinks may be restricted at some aviaries, so check policies before visiting. Bringing your own snacks and lunch can help you save money as well.
What are the best times of year to visit?
The aviaries in Chicago can be visited year-round, but some times of year offer peak bird-watching opportunities. Here are some of the best times to visit:
Spring Migration (April – May)
Many migratory birds pass through Chicago in spring on their way north. The aviaries and conservatories host special migratory bird exhibits and sightings during this time.
Baby Animals (May – June)
Late spring is a popular time to see new chicks and baby birds being raised at the Brookfield Zoo and other exhibits.
Breeding Seasons
Different bird species breed at various times from spring through summer. Visiting during peak breeding lets you see courting rituals and nesting behaviors.
- Penguins – March to May breeding season
- Eagles – Late winter breeding season
- Flamingos – Summer and early fall breeding
Fall Foliage (October – November)
The natural scenery is beautiful during fall foliage changes, along with autumn bird migration spotting.
Holiday Festivals (Nov. – Dec.)
Holiday events like the Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic with carolers and light displays provide a festive aviary visit.
Check each facility’s event calendar to find special bird-related exhibits happening during your travel dates.
Other tips for visiting the aviaries
Here are some additional tips for having the best aviary experience in Chicago:
- Weekday visits are less crowded than weekends
- Pack binoculars to get good views of birds
- Stop by the 4D movie theater at Brookfield Zoo for an immersive bird experience
- Chat with volunteer docents for their bird expertise
- Consider the Animal Encounters at Brookfield Zoo to feed or pet birds
- Ask about free bird shows or feedings at the right time
- Take the tour boats with viewing decks at Brookfield Zoo for unique perspectives
With proper planning using the aviary costs, hours, exhibits and seasonal tips provided, you’re sure to have an amazing bird-viewing adventure in Chicago. The city provides many affordable options to experience exotic species, migrate visitors, and local birds up-close.
Conclusion
Visiting the top aviaries and conservatories in Chicago can make for a fun and affordable day trip or weekend getaway. While the premier Brookfield Zoo has an admission fee, you can opt for free aviaries at Lincoln Park, Garfield Park, and Navy Pier as well. The cost to visit Chicago’s avian exhibits ranges from free up to around $25 for adults. You can explore tropical species from around the world, migrating birds, and local Illinois fowl. Planning your aviary adventure during peak breeding seasons, baby animal times, migration patterns, or holiday festivities can maximize your bird-watching experience. By following the tips on tickets, food, hours, seasonal timing, and more, you’re sure to have an amazing time seeing birds when visiting Chicago’s fabulous aviaries.
