Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo

The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicago's best surprise for visiting families — an urban wetland habitat wrapped in a wooden boardwalk that puts kids directly over a functioning ecosystem. With 941 reviews at 4.8 stars and a $0 admission price, it's one of the finest free experiences in the entire city.

The boardwalk circles a restored prairie pond within Lincoln Park Zoo's property. The pond is a genuine wildlife habitat: great blue herons wade in the shallows, painted turtles sun themselves on logs, mallards and wood ducks navigate between lily pads, and during spring and fall migration, shorebirds stop through that attract serious birdwatchers from across the region. Kids who've never thought twice about a bird will suddenly be fascinated when a heron stands motionless three feet away.

The boardwalk format keeps younger children engaged by literally putting them over the water — they can look down between the planks and see what swims below. Interpretive signs explain the ecology without being tedious. The loop takes 20-30 minutes at a relaxed pace, but families who slow down to actually observe tend to spend 45-90 minutes.

As part of Lincoln Park Zoo's free grounds, the Nature Boardwalk connects directly to the zoo exhibits — making the combination of boardwalk plus zoo an excellent free Chicago half-day. Take the CTA Red Line to Fullerton and walk 10 minutes to avoid Lincoln Park parking headaches. Pack a picnic and use the surrounding lawns for lunch.

Open 7AM to 7PM daily. Early morning visits (7-9AM) offer the best wildlife sightings before human activity picks up.