The Hamill Family Play Zoo, located within the renowned Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL, is a one-of-a-kind educational and interactive destination designed specifically for children. Unlike traditional zoo exhibits that are focused on observation, this unique space invites young visitors to touch, build, dig, create, and discover. It blends science education, nature, and imaginative play into a seamless experience that fosters curiosity and a lifelong love for animals and the environment.
From the moment families enter the Hamill Family Play Zoo, it’s clear that this is a place made with kids in mind. Vibrant colors, hands-on exhibits, and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere that’s as exciting as it is enriching. The play zoo is structured to be both fun and educational, introducing children to animal care, conservation, and biology through immersive activities. For families in Brookfield, IL and beyond, this play zoo serves as a treasured local attraction that consistently delivers learning experiences wrapped in fun.
Whether you’re a local parent looking for a weekend outing or a visitor seeking an engaging stop during your trip, the Hamill Family Play Zoo is one of Brookfield’s most family-friendly destinations. It encourages learning through play, sparking discovery in children from toddlers to preteens, all while reinforcing the importance of kindness toward animals and respect for the natural world.
The Hamill Family Play Zoo was created as a space where children could do more than just look at animals. It was designed to let them take on the roles of zookeepers, scientists, and wildlife explorers. This approach empowers young learners to engage on a deeper level, using all five senses to interact with the environment around them. Each element of the zoo has been crafted to be safe, age-appropriate, and developmentally enriching.
One of the key features of the play zoo is the animal care station. Here, children can dress up as veterinarians and help “care” for stuffed animals using toy stethoscopes, bandages, and scales. This role-playing not only helps children learn about animal health and biology but also fosters empathy and responsibility. The concept encourages them to consider what it means to care for another living creature, a core value that extends well beyond the zoo’s gates.
In addition to animal care, the Hamill Family Play Zoo offers seasonal gardening areas, interactive storytelling corners, art stations, and musical play zones. Each activity is intentionally designed to stimulate creativity and learning. These experiences are especially popular among families in Brookfield, IL, who often visit multiple times throughout the year to take advantage of changing exhibits and activities that align with the seasons.
Play-based learning is at the heart of everything the Hamill Family Play Zoo does. This educational philosophy emphasizes exploration and interaction as the primary tools for teaching children new concepts. Rather than being passive observers, kids are invited to become participants in their own learning journeys.
One example is the zoo’s “Build a Zoo” exhibit, where children use blocks and props to create their own animal habitats. This kind of activity promotes critical thinking and problem-solving while teaching ecological and biological principles. Kids must consider what their animals eat, where they sleep, and how they interact with the environment. By thinking through these details, children gain a better understanding of ecosystems and the relationships between species.
The zoo also incorporates live animal encounters into its programming. With guidance from trained staff, children may meet gentle animals such as rabbits, turtles, or insects, learning firsthand about their behaviors and needs. These interactions are carefully managed to ensure safety and to promote gentle touch and observation. Families in Brookfield, IL frequently mention these up-close encounters as some of the most memorable aspects of their visits.
Another key strength of the Hamill Family Play Zoo is its flexibility in meeting the needs of diverse learners. The exhibits are designed to support different types of engagement, from tactile exploration and movement-based play to quiet contemplation and art creation. This inclusive approach ensures that children of all abilities can participate fully in the learning experience.
Throughout the year, the Hamill Family Play Zoo offers a rotating calendar of events and programming that reflects the rhythms of the natural world. Springtime might bring baby animal celebrations, while autumn features pumpkin painting and lessons on animal hibernation. These seasonal activities are designed to deepen children’s connection with nature and help them understand the cycles that shape the animal kingdom.
During summer months, the outdoor areas become a popular draw for families in Brookfield, IL. Children can dig in the dirt, water garden plants, or splash in small interactive water features. These activities encourage sensory exploration and introduce basic concepts in environmental science and sustainability. The staff also hosts special guest events, such as conservation talks or themed storytimes, that provide added enrichment for returning visitors.
Winter doesn’t slow things down at the play zoo. Indoors, children can participate in themed crafts, story sessions, and animal enrichment activities. One popular feature is the “Animal Keeper for a Day” program, where children shadow zoo staff and help with simplified versions of daily animal care tasks. This type of immersive, experiential learning leaves a lasting impact and continues to inspire young animal lovers throughout Brookfield.
The Hamill Family Play Zoo was thoughtfully designed to be fully accessible to all families. Walkways are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, and rest areas are strategically placed throughout the space. There are plenty of seating options for caregivers and sensory-sensitive zones for children who may need a quiet break.
In terms of amenities, families visiting from Brookfield, IL and beyond will find convenient parking, shaded picnic areas, and clean restrooms equipped with changing tables. The larger Brookfield Zoo grounds also offer food vendors and souvenir shops, allowing families to extend their visit and explore more of the zoo after enjoying the play zoo area.
Membership options are available through the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo and the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Local families often take advantage of annual passes, which offer unlimited access to the zoo and its educational programming throughout the year. These passes are especially valuable for frequent visitors who see the zoo not just as a place for occasional outings, but as a key part of their child’s early learning and development.
The Hamill Family Play Zoo isn’t just a place for children to burn off energy—it’s a thoughtfully designed learning environment that provides foundational experiences in science, empathy, and environmental awareness. Its presence has strengthened Brookfield, IL’s reputation as a family-friendly community that prioritizes education, inclusivity, and nature-based learning.
Local schools and early childhood education centers often coordinate field trips to the play zoo, using its hands-on learning model to reinforce classroom lessons. For many children in Brookfield, the Hamill Family Play Zoo represents their first connection with wildlife, sustainability, and animal care. These early experiences plant the seeds of curiosity that can grow into lifelong passions for biology, conservation, or even veterinary science.
Parents in the Brookfield area regularly praise the play zoo for providing a space where their children can learn without pressure, explore without boundaries, and grow in confidence. It’s the type of place where a child might discover a fascination with bugs, a love for gardening, or a desire to protect endangered species—all through a morning of play.
The impact of the Hamill Family Play Zoo extends beyond individual families. It contributes to Brookfield’s cultural and educational landscape by offering accessible, high-quality programming rooted in scientific knowledge and delivered through joy-filled, tactile experiences. Its presence elevates the Brookfield Zoo from a traditional animal park to an active learning center where every visit sparks discovery.
Read more: