Dinos! Life-Size Exhibit at Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo Chicago opened “Dinos!” on May 22, adding a zoo-wide dinosaur attraction that places life-size prehistoric animals along a walking trail through the park. The seasonal exhibit includes a rib-cage tunnel, a climbable fossil feature, fossil-dig activities and photo stops, according to the zoo and Choose Chicago. The attraction is included with general zoo admission or membership, the zoo says. Brookfield Zoo Chicago lists the run through October 25, 2026, extending beyond the July 12 window described in some early event summaries. ### When did the dinosaur exhibit open, and how long does it run? May 22 is the opening date listed by both Brookfield Zoo Chicago and Choose Chicago for “Dinos!,” which the zoo describes as a summer-and-fall attraction spread across its grounds. Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s event page says the exhibit runs from May 22 to October 25, 2026, during zoo hours. Choose Chicago’s event listings also show the attraction beginning May 22, with entries posted for individual dates. (brookfieldzoo.org) October 25, 2026, is the latest end date visible in the zoo’s official event listing. That conflicts with the shorter May 22-to-July 12 frame in the prompt, and the zoo’s own page is the stronger source for the current schedule. ### What will visitors actually see on the trail? Brookfield Zoo Chicago says visitors can “come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs throughout the Zoo” and move through a “massive rib-cage tunnel” as part of the experience. (brookfieldzoo.org) The zoo also lists a giant fossil to climb on, places to dig for ancient discoveries and dinosaur-themed photo opportunities along what it calls the Dino Trail. Thirty-five life-size dinosaurs are part of the installation, according to promotional coverage that matches the zoo’s broader description of the exhibit. (brookfieldzoo.org) Those reports say the lineup includes familiar species such as Tyrannosaurus rex and flying reptiles. ### Is this a separate ticket or part of zoo admission? Brookfield Zoo Chicago says “Dinos!” is free with zoo admission or membership. (brookfieldzoo.org) Choose Chicago repeats that pricing detail in its event listing for the opening date. Brookfield Zoo Chicago lists the attraction as suitable for all ages. The exhibit is staged zoo-wide rather than inside a single building, which means visitors encounter the installations during a standard zoo visit. (timeout.com) ### Are there extra dinosaur activities beyond the main walk-through? Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s summer events material says the dinosaur program also includes related offerings such as a dinosaur virtual reality adventure and themed food and souvenir items. (brookfieldzoo.org) The zoo’s media materials also point visitors to separate event information for “Dino Dash” and “Dinos After Dark.” Chicago Parent, citing Brookfield Zoo Chicago materials, reported additional programming tied to the exhibit, including live shows, a roaming dinosaur character and after-hours activities. (brookfieldzoo.org) Those items appear to be separate from the base trail and may vary by date. ### Where can families check dates and plan a visit? Choose Chicago posts individual event-date pages for “Dinos!” at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, including the zoo’s address at 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield. (brookfieldzoo.org) Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s own event page carries the most complete current description of the attraction and its run dates. Brookfield Zoo Chicago says the exhibit continues through October 25, 2026, during zoo hours, with admission-based entry rather than a separate exhibit ticket. (chicagoparent.com) Choose Chicago and the zoo both direct visitors to their event pages for upcoming dates and planning details. (brookfieldzoo.org)