For Wildlife. For All. For Fall! Dive into the wonderful world of autumn—from picking the perfect pumpkin to taking in the nostalgic scents of hot cider and toasted s’mores—with Lincoln Park Zoo’s ninth annual Fall Fest. This FREE, family-friendly celebration brings harvest-time fun to the heart of Chicago each year from September to October.

This year’s festival features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Fun Slide, a pumpkin filled Harvest Maze, inflatable attractions, and much more. Guests can enjoy free musical entertainment, story times, professional pumpkin carvers, a pumpkin patch, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals. Every weekend will offer something new!

Free Festive Activities

    Live professional pumpkin carvers
    Patch’s Bar & Grill, a festive fall pop-up restaurant and bar
    Fall photo ops
    Pumpkin patch
    Animal viewing
    Stilt walker
    Live chalk art
    Chats from keepers and zoo experts
    Festive decor themed for fall, ranging from harvests to haunts

Ticketed Experiences

These Fall Fest attractions cost $4 for one ticket, $36 for 10 tickets, and $69 for 20 tickets.

AT&T Endangered Species Carousel

The AT&T Endangered Species Carousel features 48 artisan-crafted wooden animals and two chariots.

1 ticket required per person

Fun Slide

Climb to the top and rush to the bottom in the blink of an eye on this super-sized slide. It’s fast, fun, and fantastic for the entire family.

1 ticket required per person

Lionel Train Adventure

The trackless 28-passenger train crosses over a quaint country bridge and winds its way past forest and canyon scenery before returning to a red brick station.

1 ticket required per person

Inflatable Bounce House

Enter the house of fun! In this inflatable attraction kids can run, jump, bounce and play!

1 ticket required per person

Pirate’s Revenge

“Shiver me timbers!” It’s time to set sail with the return of this thrilling ride. Climb aboard the mighty ship and let it rock you back and forth, just like you’re on the open seas.

1 ticket required per person

Harvest Maze

Find your way through twists and turns in an area accented by beautiful gardens and more enchanting fall décor.

1 ticket required per person

Pumpkin Patch Pop-up

Nothing says “fall” like the perfect pumpkin. Whether you’re carving a jack-o’-lantern or making some delicious pie this autumn, your adventure starts at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Prices vary

Special Events Happening This Fall at Lincoln Park Zoo

Haunted History Tours

Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17 & 24, 7–10:30 p.m

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18 & 25, 7–10:30 p.m.

For guests ages 16+

Join Adam Selzer—author, podcaster, and host of Mysterious Chicago Tours—for spine-tingling walkabouts that dig into the zoo’s cemetery roots and locations from throughout its allegedly haunted history. These popular tours will sell out quickly, so scare up some tickets for yourself before they disappear!

Adults Night Out: Howl-o-ween

Thursday, October 26, 6:30–10 p.m

For guests ages 21+

Ever wonder what it would be like to explore Lincoln Park Zoo after the sun sets and the gates close? Here’s your chance! Leave the kids at home and head to the zoo for Adults Night Out. Guests will enjoy a Haunted Trail, a live DJ, dueling pianos, lots of pumpkin-themed photo ops, fall-friendly animal chats, free and unlimited rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and cash bars throughout the zoo at this festive after-hours event. No kids. No crowds. Just ghouling around the zoo with friends who love the spooky season. Are you in?

Spooky Zoo

Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 10 a.m. –1 p.m. while supplies last

Fall Fest Dates:

Fridays–Sundays
September 29–October 29, 2023
and
Monday, October 9, 2023
10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesdays, October 3, 10, 17 & 24, 7–10:30 p.m

Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18 & 25, 7–10:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 10 a.m. –1 p.m.

Thursday, October 26, 6:30–10 p.m

Hours: 10 am - 5 pm

Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Click here for More Information.