Phillips Park Zoo | Aurora

The Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora, Illinois is a family-friendly, educational attraction that offers free admission and is one of the city’s most beloved destinations. Nestled within the larger Phillips Park, the zoo emphasizes conservation, education, and showcasing native North American wildlife in a welcoming and accessible setting.

📍 Location & Overview

Address: 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL 60505

Founded: 1915

Admission: Free

Size: The zoo sits within Phillips Park, a 325-acre area featuring playgrounds, gardens, trails, and a golf course.

Phillips Park Zoo was initially established to house exotic animals, but by the 1930s it shifted focus to native species, especially after the opening of Brookfield Zoo. Today, the zoo serves as both an educational resource and a place for families to explore and learn about regional wildlife.

🐾 Animal Exhibits

The zoo houses around 100 animals across more than 40 species, mostly native to North America. Its enclosures are designed for both animal welfare and visitor education.

Mammals:

Gray Wolves – One of the zoo’s highlights, with a spacious enclosure allowing for natural behaviors.

Mountain Lions (Cougars) – A 2005 exhibit with rocky outcrops and hiding spots, offering an up-close look at these elusive predators.

Elk – A herd of North American elk graze in a large, open area mimicking their natural habitat.

White-tailed Deer – Common to Illinois forests, featured in a peaceful enclosure with wooded cover.

Llamas – In the farmyard area, llamas help connect visitors with domesticated animals used across the Americas.

Birds:

Bald Eagles – Rescued birds in a specially designed open-air enclosure with a pond and waterfall (added in 2002).

Great Horned Owls, Turkeys, and Peacocks – Various enclosures and roaming areas feature native and ornamental birds.

Indian Peafowl – A more exotic touch with beautifully colored plumage.

Swans, Ducks, Geese – Found in the zoo’s wetland areas and pond.

Reptiles:

Reptile House – Renovated in 2006, this indoor exhibit features:

Snakes (including common Illinois species)

Turtles

Lizards

Amphibians
This indoor exhibit emphasizes conservation and helps dispel fears about these often misunderstood animals.

🧒 Children’s & Educational Features

Farmyard Zone:

An interactive area where children can observe and sometimes engage with domesticated animals like goats, chickens, and llamas.

Perfect for early childhood education and family engagement.

Educational Programs:

The zoo offers seasonal programming, field trips, and guided tours for school groups and scouts.

The exhibits are supplemented with informational signage aimed at fostering understanding of ecology, conservation, and animal behavior.

🌳 Historical Significance & Features

Mastodon Discovery

In the 1930s, mastodon bones were unearthed during Civil Works Administration excavations in Phillips Park.

These fossils are now displayed in the David & Karen Stover Visitor Center, located adjacent to the zoo, tying natural history to the present day.

Visitor Center Features:

Mastodon fossils, skulls, and teeth.

Interactive displays on Ice Age Illinois.

Information on Aurora’s paleontological history.

🌼 Surrounding Attractions in Phillips Park

The zoo is part of a larger public park with attractions such as:

Mastodon Island & Playground: A themed play area with picnic shelters, climbing structures, and interactive exhibits.

Sunken Garden: A beautiful formal garden, featuring over 10,000 tulip bulbs in spring, and maintained landscaping throughout the year.

Phillips Park Golf Course: An 18-hole public golf course.

Trails & Fishing Piers: Scenic walking paths, fishing spots, and nature-viewing areas are located throughout the park.

🕒 Hours & Visitor Information

Operating Hours:

Summer (June 1 – September 30):
Open Thursday to Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Wednesdays

Off-Season (October 1 – May 31):
Open Thursday to Tuesday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed Wednesdays

Amenities:

Free parking on-site

Wheelchair accessible (including Reptile House)

Family restrooms and picnic areas available

Photography allowed (no flash in Reptile House)

📝 Summary

The Phillips Park Zoo is a charming and well-maintained zoo focused on local wildlife, education, and family engagement. It stands out as a free, year-round attraction that combines history, nature, and recreation. Whether you're watching playful otters, learning about Ice Age mastodons, or enjoying a walk through the Sunken Garden, the zoo and surrounding park provide a well-rounded and enriching visit for all ages.