Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo lies inside Lincoln Park, the long lakefront park on Chicago's North Side. Founded in 1868, it covers about 35 acres and is one of a small number of zoos that charge no admission fee. No reservation is needed: you simply walk in, which makes it easy to fit a visit into a day in the area.

More than 170 species live here. Highlights include African lions, western lowland gorillas at the Regenstein Center for African Apes, giraffes, snow leopards, sea lions and the African penguins at the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove. The Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House and the Regenstein Macaque Forest are worth seeking out, and Farm-in-the-Zoo gives younger children a chance to see farm animals close up.

Gates and Farm-in-the-Zoo open at 8am, and the animal buildings at 10am. Buildings and the farm close at 4:30pm and the gates at 5pm. The zoo is open 365 days a year. Some extras cost money, including the Endangered Species Carousel, the Lionel Train Adventure, a virtual reality ride and animal encounters such as the penguin experience. In winter the zoo's ZooLights event fills the grounds with light displays; check the website for dates.

The zoo is an easy choice for families, with stroller-friendly paths, but it also works for couples and solo visitors who want a free, relaxed couple of hours outdoors. Allow two to three hours to see most of it at a gentle pace. Mornings are best for active animals and fewer crowds, and weekdays outside school holidays are calmer.

Food options include The Patio at Café Brauer, Bird's Eye Bar and Grill and Park Place Café, with vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Outside alcohol is not allowed, and pets are not permitted, although service animals are welcome. The on-site car park charges a daily rate and does not accept cash, so public transport or a bike can be the simpler option.

Inside the grounds, the Nature Boardwalk makes a quiet loop away from the main paths, and the wider park around the zoo is good for a walk. Afterwards, the Lincoln Park neighbourhood has plenty of places to eat, including Alinea and Pequod's Pizza if you plan ahead.