Brookfield, Illinois — Something prehistoric is about to roar into Brookfield Zoo Chicago this spring. Beginning May 22, visitors will be able to walk among 35 life-size dinosaurs as part of the Zoo’s new “Dinos!” attraction—an immersive seasonal experience that blends entertainment, education, and family-friendly exploration.
The exhibit is part of a broader lineup of new animal habitats, interactive encounters, and dining options launching across the Zoo’s 235-acre campus throughout the spring and summer.
Life-Size Dinosaurs Take Over the Zoo
The new Dinos! attraction invites guests to step into a prehistoric landscape featuring 35 towering dinosaur models placed throughout the grounds. Visitors can explore a giant rib-cage tunnel, climb on an oversized fossil, dig for ancient discoveries, and snap photos with prehistoric creatures. The experience is included with regular zoo admission or membership and will run during operating hours through October 25.
According to a press release by the zoo, guests can also enhance their visit with the “Ultimate T. Rex” virtual reality experience, where motion chairs and 360-degree visuals bring encounters with tyrannosaurus, triceratops, and other dinosaurs to life.
The exhibit also anchors several themed events this season, including the two-mile Dino Dash fun run on May 30 and a family pajama celebration called Dinos After Dark on July 11. Details and tickets for these after-hours events are available at brookfieldzoo.org/events.
New Animal Habitats and Close Encounters
Alongside the dinosaur exhibit, the Zoo is unveiling several new animal habitats. A colorful macaw aviary is scheduled to open March 20, just in time for spring break. The redesigned space recreates a tropical environment with handcrafted banana palm trees that highlight the birds’ natural rainforest habitat.
Construction is also underway on a new enclosure for Hank, a Komodo dragon that will mark the first time the Zoo has showcased the endangered reptile. The habitat will eventually allow guests to participate in close encounters through the Zoo’s Wild Connections program.
Later this year, the Zoo plans to open an immersive Galápagos tortoise habitat, where visitors will be able to feed the largest living tortoise species in the world. Select the new “Today at Brookfield” tab on the homepage of brookfieldzoo.org to stay in the know of must-see and do experiences at the Zoo.
New Animal Babies Debut This Season
Spring will also bring several young animals to the spotlight. At The Swamp, visitors may notice an eight-month-old scarlet ibis, whose plumage is gradually changing from gray and black to the species’ distinctive bright red.
Meanwhile, animal care teams are preparing for the public debut of 10 African painted dog pups, born November 25, along with a male klipspringer calf born January 2. Both species are currently being cared for behind the scenes as they reach developmental milestones before appearing on exhibit.
Fresh Food and Seasonal Flavors
Guests will also find new dining options throughout the zoo. At Roaring Oven, a new Italian-style panino sandwich features shaved ham, salami, whipped burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, giardiniera, and pickled onions.
Another addition, esquite fries at BZ Red Hots, combines seasoned fries with smoked street corn salad, charred pepper aioli, cotija cheese, chorizo, and scallions.
With dinosaurs, new habitats, and fresh dining choices all arriving this season, Brookfield Zoo Chicago is preparing for one of its most dynamic spring and summer lineups yet. Visitors can explore schedules, events, and tickets through the zoo’s newly redesigned website as the season begins.
