Did you know that the Hamill Family Zoo is celebrating 15 years at Brookfield Zoo? Hamill Family Zoo provides the perfect opportunity for young kids to get up close and personal with animals and to feel connected to their environment. As one of the nation’s first major experiences of its kind, Hamill Family Play Zoo has been nurturing children’s curiosity and sense of caring for millions of guests since 2001. To celebrate, the zoo is celebrating on the 15th each month for the rest of the year. We had the opportunity to visit last month’s celebration and the kids had a great time.
“Hamill Family Play Zoo is one of our proudest exhibits,” said Stuart Strahl, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society. “At Brookfield Zoo, we understand how early childhood play opportunities help bridge the gap between children and nature. We hope that by allowing children to get up close and personal with animals and their environment, they will become active conservationists throughout their lives.”
Why your kids will love Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo
- Hands-on learning. Let’s face it, kids will be kids and will always have a need to touch things. This is why this is perfect for them. Kids will like touching animals, planting and tending a garden, examining animal X-rays, engaging in mud finger painting, painting their face, discovering insects, and building habitats as they imagine what it is like to be an animal.
- Seeing bearded dragons and turtles are always fun.
- Spray away. My kids enjoyed grabbing a spray bottle and watering the plants. Maybe even each other. But mostly the plants.
- What kid doesn’t like a sand table?
- Younger kids can have fun too! The little play area with large nest was a hit with my youngest. She wanted to leave with those eggs.
- Indoor. No matter how cold (or hot) it is outside, rest assured that you’ll be comfortable. There is also an outdoor area for warmer weather.
Nitty Gritty:
Cost: Admission to Brookfield Zoo is $17.85 for adults and $12.50 for children ages 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and over. Children 2 and under are free. Admission to Hamill Family Play Zoo is $3 for guests 3 and older.
Parking: Parking is $11.
The Fun:
Each month will highlight a different area of expertise, exposing children to different aspects of zoo life including Zoo Chats from veterinarians, animal care specialists, carpenters, zoo writers, volunteers, and more, the unique topics covered will keep families coming back month after month to learn something new.
- Meet zoo professionals
- Participate in scavenger hunts
- Learn about the animals during Zoo Chats
- Play a part in animal training or husbandry sessions
- Join in fun-filled parades.
- Get creative with art activities
When: On the 15th of every month in 2016, guests can play and learn in with special monthly activities in 2016. Hamill Family Play Zoo will host activities from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15: Groundkeepers
Friday, April 15: Education and Zoo Writers
Sunday, May 15: Education
Wednesday, June 15: The official birthday along with the Big Birthday Party! The larger celebration will feature live music and entertainment, craft activities, multiple experts who will teach kids about their jobs, and more. More details to come.
Friday, July 15: Zookeepers and Veterinarians
Monday, August 15: TBA
Thursday, September 15: Groundkeepers
Saturday, October 15: Education
Tuesday, November 15: Volunteers
Thursday, December 15: TBA
Tips to enjoy Hamill Family Play Zoo:
- Park at the South Entrance to be closer to Hamill Family Zoo.
- Stroller parking is located outdoors and it has an awning to protect the stroller from the elements.
- See everything you can do with this handy map.
Have you been to Hamill Family Play Zoo?
