Sunset Garden Tours

Sunset Garden Tours

Select Thursdays, May–September

67 p.m.

$12 for members, $15 for non-members

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Join a zoo expert for a relaxed evening in the gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo—after hours! Learn about the zoo’s horticulture program through monthly Sunset Garden Tours, each focusing on a different topic.

Enjoy all the zoo gardens have to offer—from spring flowering trees to the zoo’s nationally accredited perennial herbaceous hibiscus collection —as the sun falls below the horizon and evening sets in. The tours are open to people of all ages. However, the content will be geared towards adults, so we recommend ages 16+. Tours take place on zoo grounds and include walking.

Monthly Tours

May 8
Bulbs Galore!
Delight in the first flowers of the spring season; the zoo features more than 16,000 flowering bulbs, including colorful tulips and daffodils!

June 12
Summer Flowers
Appreciate summer’s splendor as you learn about flowers that support urban wildlife and pollinators.

July 10
Zoo in an Arboretum: All About Trees
Learn how the historic oak canopy and the trees in the zoo’s accredited arboretum support urban wildlife and the animals at the zoo.

August 14
Hibiscus Mania
Beat the heat of summer with refreshing views of over 80 different types of native hibiscus in the zoo’s perennial herbaceous hibiscus collection, which is accredited by the American Public Gardens Association Plant Collections Network.

September 11
Fall Color
Learn about the science behind fall color and enjoy some golden hour leaf-peeping in our final Sunset Garden Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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I’m a member. How do I receive my discount?

Members may receive their discount by logging in to their member account at tickets.lpzoo.org prior to selecting tickets. The discount will be automatically applied.

What are the age restrictions for this event?

Sunset Garden Tours are open for all ages. However, the content will be geared towards adult audiences.

Where will the tours be held?

All Sunset Garden Tours will be entirely outdoors and may involve walking throughout Lincoln Park Zoo and Nature Boardwalk. Guests can expect to be walking for the full hour.

Is this event accessible?

Yes! To learn more about accessibility at Lincoln Park Zoo, please visit lpzoo.org/access. To view the accessibility map of Lincoln Park Zoo, click here.

Guests who identify as disabled, Deaf, or chronically ill may email access@lpzoo.org for information on accommodations or to ask other questions about the event experience.

My plans changed and I can no longer attend. Can I transfer my tickets or get a refund? What happens if it rains?

All Lincoln Park Zoo event tickets are nonrefundable and not transferrable to another event. If you are not able to make it to your tour, feel free to give your ticket to a friend or family member! All ticket purchases help to keep the zoo free and open for all, 365 days a year.

All tours will be held rain or shine. Please dress accordingly!

Can I purchase tickets at the gate?

We will not have tickets available at the gate for this event. Please purchase your tour tickets in advance, as these events have limited capacity!

Where do we meet for the tour?

You will meet your tour facilitator and other tour attendees at the Brauer Gate, located here. To see a map of the zoo, go here.

Is parking available?

Paid parking is available in the zoo’s parking lot located at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive (2400 N. Cannon Drive). The zoo is also accessible by train via the Armitage and Fullerton stations and by bus via the 22, 36, 151, and 156 routes. It is recommended for rideshares to drop off and pick up guests at Café Brauer.

Do I need to print my ticket?

Nope! For the most efficient experience, please have your ticket ready on your smartphone. All guests must show their ticket to the tour facilitator for entry.

Will I see animals?

Maybe! Most outdoor and indoor habitats will be open for viewing. However, all animals have the choice to be in view of guests or behind the scenes.

Will there be food available for purchase?

Food will not be available for purchase during these tours.

What should I wear to a Sunset Garden Tour?

Dress for the weather. We also recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a water bottle. Guests can expect to be walking for the full hour.

What can’t I bring to a Sunset Garden Tour?

For a list of items you cannot bring to the zoo, please review Lincoln Park Zoo’s Code of Conduct here.

Have other questions or issues not listed here?

Interested In Sponsorship Opportunities?

Email corporatealliances@lpzoo.org.

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