Did you know dinosaurs can be found in Chicagoland this summer? Dinos Everywhere, a temporary exhibit with more than 40 larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs, have invaded Brookfield Zoo. Although going to the zoo may be a little different this year, with a little planning you can still have a great (and safe) time. 

Here are a few things you need to know before you visit Dinos Everywhere at Brookfield Zoo.

Disclosure:Our family was provided complimentary tickets to Brookfield Zoo. I was not required to express a particular point of view, and all opinions are my own.

Tips to enjoy Dinos Everywhere at Brookfield Zoo:

• Buy tickets beforehand. Times are available in 20-minute increments, and will not be sold onsite. You will need to pay for parking at the time.
• Cash is NOT king. Only credit card payments are accepted for drinks, foods, and gift shops.
• Bring your masks. There are certain areas where masks are required such as when you walk in, bathrooms, and when you are in contact with the staff. Masks do not need to be worn if you can keep a safe social distance of 6 feet or more between other people.

• Maps will not be handed out. Take a picture of the Zoo map or better yet download this map which shows where all the dinosaurs are located.

• Dinosaurs are literally located everywhere. Unlike past dinosaur exhibits, the dinosaurs are located throughout the entire zoo and not limited to one area. So in essence you’ll be going on a scavenger hunt to find all the dinosaurs, which I think was so much more fun!

larger-than-life dinosaurs

• If you’re pressed for time, many of the dinosaurs are located in the southeastern section of the Zoo. Follow the path and find dinosaur after dinosaur. You will need masks in this area. If you are avoiding crowds, it may be best to avoid this area.

• Clever ways to encourage social distancing.  You’ll find signs located everywhere that encourage social distancing. Open outdoor exhibits also have markings on the floor where you should stand to stay 6 feet away from others.
• Areas that are normally congested will require masks with signs indicating so. We noticed that some of the congested areas include the giraffe feeding area and the Dinos Everywhere area located in the Southeastern section of the Zoo. 

• Most bathrooms are open. Masks are required in bathrooms.
• All indoor exhibits will be closed as well as play areas, the carousel, motor tram rides, dolphin show.
• Behind the scenes. Workers’ temperatures are taken before working, and will wear masks and gloves. High touch areas are cleaned frequently.
• Looking for a fun souvenir? Besides looking for dinosaurs, go on a scavenger hunt to find the Mold-A-Rama dinosaurs. Choose from Trachodon, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Corythosaurus, Apatosaurus, and T. rex molds. We love our collection! Note: They only take credit cards and hand sanitizers are located at each stop.

Thoughts about Dinos Everywhere at Brookfield Zoo:

We visited on a weekday with a reserved time of 10:30 a.m. I found that mostly everyone that we saw adhered to social distancing and mask requirements. I thought that the Zoo did a pretty good job with social distancing signage and the addition of hand sanitizer stations. We felt “safe” and if we did have to pass a congested area, we had our masks on. The kids had a fun time searching for Dinos Everywhere as well as the cool Mold-A-Ramas at Brookfield Zoo.

Nitty Gritty:

WHAT: Dinos Everywhere at Brookfield Zoo
WEBSITE: https://www.czs.org/
WHEN: Now until November 1st
WHERE: Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513
COST: General zoo admission is $24.95 for adults and $17.95 for children 3-11 and seniors 65 and over. $19.95 Children 2 and under are free. Parking is $14.