Phillips Park Zoo

Great free small zoo and sunken gardens with large enclosures for the bigger animals, Ox, White Wolves, Goats and Elk. There is an indoor reptile exhibit too. Really cool and informative Mastodon exhibit with many insite unearthed Mastodon bones. A must visit.

Nice, small zoo. No entry fee at all. The top of the free trolley ride is absolutely free. Nice front entrance with a small but eye-catching garden. Good for photography.

Always a nice free zoo option close to home. All the animals were surprisingly active which was nice. We miss our old alligator friends in the reptile house but enjoyed seeing all the animals available. Still wondering if there are otters or if the exhibit is being changed. When we were there the area was open and water was running but no otters to be seen.

very modest and not very interesting if you have been to large zoos. free. the price corresponds to the quality. there are few animals and small varieties. it is worth paying attention if your children are very young or have not been to zoos yet. it is also not worth traveling from afar. there are tables to sit and have a snack.

Took two grandsons for a visit. First, it is free. So can't complain about cost. Second, I believe this zoo has seen much better days. Many places were empty. Animals not there and enclosure not even labeled. The reptile house was only half open. And looking poorly. Some hawks and a Bald Eagle in cages that are small. I realize that this is a city zoo (Aurora) and it costs a lot to run a good zoo. There needs to be some balance. Perhaps a modest entrance fee. Something very affordable for many with lower income. There needs to some kind of change. The critters need more and the visitors should have a better experience. Should you visit? By all means if this is your only choice. The big name zoo in the Chicago area costs $30 for one adult. With kids it could cost a large family well over $100 to visit. Phillips Park Zoo is free and will give some happiness to young who have never experienced big name zoos.