Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo is famous for being one of the only completely free zoos in the United States. Along with being budget-friendly, this Chicago landmark is a fun, family-friendly outing for tourists, with a wide array of animals, special events, and animal-oriented zoos and cafes.

Best and worst times to go to Lincoln Park Zoo
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the zoo is open the longest number of hours, and the warm weather will be most suitable for the mostly outdoor exhibits. For fewer crowds, January and February are quiet, but be prepared to brave cold temperatures and possibly snow.

Must see at Lincoln Park Zoo
The Regenstein Center for African Apes is a unique and popular exhibit, and the polar bear, lions, and large cats are animal favorites among visitors. If you're traveling with children, they'll love the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo and the Farm-in-the-Zoo, which have interactive experiences and let kids get up close and personal with some of the animals.

Parking at Lincoln Park Zoo
The zoo has its own conveniently located parking lot. While the zoo itself is free, parking in the zoo's lot is expensive.

Public Transportation at Lincoln Park Zoo
Bus lines CTA 151 and 156 both stop right at the zoo's entrance. The closest 'L' train stop is Armitage, served by the Brown and Purple lines. It's about a mile walk from the station to the zoo.

Food at Lincoln Park Zoo
Park Place Cafe and The Patio at Cafe Brauer, which is outdoors and only open in late spring and summer, are the zoo's sit-down dining options. Both offer a wide assortment of lunch and dinner food. Park Place Cafe is relatively inexpensive, while The Patio at Cafe Brauer is a bit pricier. There's also Eadie Levy's Landmark Cafe, an inexpensive grab and go cafe with hot dogs, fries, and snacks.

Insider tip for visitors to Lincoln Park Zoo
If you come during the holiday season, the zoo will be decked out in holiday lights, decorations, and offers an after-hours zoo lights event.

Author's bio: Kacie Berghoef is a freelance writer who grew up in Chicago and currently lives in San Francisco. Stay in touch with Kacie on Twitter at @kberghoef.