Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Fri 25 Sept – Sun 1 Nov · Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park · Chicago
More information on Lincoln Park Zoo
via Lincoln Park Zoo · Checked 7 Oct 2026
About this event
Six weeks of harvest-season programming across the zoo: a pumpkin patch open daily, live pumpkin carving at weekends, stilt walkers, puppet shows, s'mores roasting and fall-themed animal enrichment, all through decorated gardens at peak colour. Entry is free and the zoo says so plainly. The fun slide, Ferris wheel and inflatables are separately ticketed, so you can skip those and still have a full day.
Why we picked it
The biggest free family event running in Chicago right now, and it closes 1 November.
Free entry
Lincoln Park Zoo's Fall Fest page states: Fall Fest, September 25 to November 1, Free Admission, All Ages. Rides and some attractions are separately ticketed.
Registration
Registration needed
No admission ticket needed. Rides, the Haunted History tours and beer tastings are paid extras.
A third-party event from official public listings, checked by Glentio. Programmes can change. Confirm on the organiser's site.
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