Best Zoo in Wrigleyville

"Home to an incredible array of animals, Lincoln Park Zoo lies just a short drive to the north of the center within the sprawling park of the same name. A firm favorite with locals and tourists alike, it has countless expansive exhibits and enclosures for you to explore which focus on different animals and ecosystems from around the world. One of the oldest zoos in North America, it was impressively founded in 1868 and now houses over 1,100 animals in total."

"While in Lincoln Park for the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, don’t forget to visit the zoo!. The Lincoln Park Zoo is completely free (yes, you read that right) and is one of the top things to do in Chicago with toddlers. In addition to the wide range of animal exhibits, the zoo also offers:"

"An alternative to Lincoln Park is Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo, located in the nearby western suburb of (you guessed it) Brookfield. Brookfield Zoo is spread out over 200 acres and offers larger, cage-less exhibits such as Tropic World, a massive indoor habitat with three distinct environments, filled with primates from around the globe. 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield, Ill., 708-688-8000."

"Not only is Brookfield Zoo a wonderful place to visit the animals, it’s also a world leader in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Admission is free for zoo members and all active, reservist, and retired members of the military."

"However, for the admission, they should include some sort of souvenir or discount gift for next visit. On another note, the Zoo is pretty big and the parking lot is conveniently close by. Admissions process on a weekend was pretty quick."

"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."

"If you want a view that blows all others out of the water, head to Cite, where you can dine on upscale French cuisines while taking in the whole of the city’s skyline from its wrap-around windows. This is one of the best restaurants to visit in Downtown Chicago since you can see the buildings and architecture from every angle up here, including Lake Michigan docks, Navy Pier, and even out into the suburbs if you look hard enough."

"The french-influenced restaurant does fare a little on the pricey side, but the views of Navy Pier at night are incomparable to any other nighttime aerial view. The popularity of bookings spike on the nights when Navy Pier has fireworks."

"Dine among the Stars at Cité | Join us in our Sky Lounge |HAPPY HOUR 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM MONDAY - SUNDAY!"

"Restaurants Steakhouse River North. This steakhouse chain's Marina City digs—a Chicago River fixture since 1998—sports all the classics, from prime-aged meat cuts to creamed spinach and truffled mac and cheese. Head to the restaurant's covered patio area for peak river views, or grab a table near the interior's floor-to-ceiling windows."

"If you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, Welles Park can offer a respite from all of the lights, noises and crowds of Chicago. It isn’t without amenities. Its centerpiece is an ornate, wire-topped gazebo where bands can play outdoor concerts and community leaders can give rallying speeches."

"Welles Park is a 15.84-acre park located in the heart of Lincoln Square. It is a gathering place for musicians and sports & fitness enthusiasts. The park was created in 1910 and named after Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy from 1861 to 1869."

"You can find fried dough here 24 hours a day, and when you try these pillowy pastries, you’ll find a good reason to come back at all hours of the day and night. If it’s your first time, go for a box of the original glazed yeast donuts, which basically melt in your mouth."

"My husband bought me with some donuts from there and they were huge and delicious!. The people there are oh so nice!"

"Another cooling dessert worth highlighting is the gelato at Black Dog Gelato, which the brainchild of crafty pastry chef Jessie Oloroso. Her offbeat gelato flavors are fascinating, not only in surprising ingredient combinations, but in silken texture and illustrious hue. You really can't go wrong with any of the them, from the rich malted vanilla to the goat cheese-cashew-caramel."

"A former pastry chef, Black Dog Gelato founder Jessica Oloroso now uses her knack for flavors to make artisanal gelato. Choose from favorites like goat cheese cashew caramel, strawberry balsamic, and chocolate coffee toffee, all handmade in small batches each day."

"Black Dog offers some of the most unique gelato flavors in Chicago. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the only gelato place to go."

"No matter what dessert you’re in the mood for, this amazing dessert place in Chicago is going to have something you’ll love. The Parlor Pizza Bar’s Dessert Dealer is next on our list of the best desserts in Chicago – and it’s really cool and unique!. Read more food inspiration: Top 15 best desserts in Portland"