Ten Bucket List Things To See And Do In Brookfield, Illinois

Located just 13 miles from downtown Chicago, Brookfield is a cozy suburban community offering residents the great schools and wide streets of a suburban neighborhood along with all the best of what Chicago has to offer. Check out our top ten bucket list things to see and do in Brookfield, Illinois.

1. Brookfield Zoo

First opened in 1934, the Brookfield Zoo is a world-class facility set inside a 216-acre nature park. It serves as the headquarters for the Chicago Zoological society and boasts over 2,000 animals, including polar bears, dolphins, a meerkat exhibit, an African habitat, and a tropic world featuring large primates. The Brookfield Zoo is Chicagoland's largest and most diverse zoo, and welcomes travelers from all over the world. The zoo also hosts a number of engaging seasonal events, including a winter Holiday Magic light festival, beer tasting events, and an annual two-mile "Reindeer Run" for charity. For younger zoo visitors, the zoo offers family play zoo classes, where young adventurers can learn more about their favorite animals.

If you're interested in some fascinating Chicagoland arcana, be sure to wander up to the zoo's wooded northwest corner to see a very different kind of animal. Mostly hidden in the woods you'll find a 32-foot-tall fiberglass sculpture of a duck-billed dinosaur built for the 1964 New York World's Fair. The statue was originally designed by legendary wildlife sculptor Louis Paul Jonas, who also created the famous African Elephant exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Although many of the sculptures have been lost to history, this duck-billed behemoth has called Brookfield Zoo home since 1970. 

2. Salt Creek Trail

If outdoor adventuring is more your speed, be sure to check out Brookfield's Salt Creek Trail system. This system of paved and unpaved trails runs along the Des Plaines River, Salt Creek and Brookfield Zoo. The trails give visitors the opportunity to explore a number of unique features, including a glacial valley, gravelly moraine and Salt Creek's unique pool and riffle environment. The trail system offers a number of different hikes for adventurers of all skill sets, ranging from a short introductory hike along Bemis Woods to a more challenging 14 mile hike from Brookfield Woods all the way to the DuPage county border.

The trail system also boasts opportunities for bicycling during the warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

3. Galloping Ghost Arcade

Step back in time to the era of pinball machines and old-school classic arcade games at America's largest arcade, the Galloping Ghost. Boasting a truly unfathomable 800 arcade machines, this is a nostalgic gamer's paradise. Enjoy classic titles like Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and Pac-Man, or test your skills against obscure titles that can't be found anywhere else like Primal Rage II, Hammer Away, and Godzilla. With the large inventory of classics, you'll never be bored.

The Galloping Ghost does away with the need for tokens or quarters — your $20 admission fee covers unlimited gaming, and on weekends, gamers can play until 2 a.m. if the mood strikes. At the nearby Galloping Ghost pinball, visitors can test their flipper skills at such titles as Elvira and the Party Monsters, Led Zeppelin, and Space Invaders. Welcoming visitors of all ages, this Brookfield hidden gem is not to be missed.

4. Brookfield Farmers Market

Running Saturdays from June through October, Brookfield's farmers market is a local treasure. Visitors can peruse locally-grown fruits and vegetables, honey, eggs, and other farmed products, as well as artisanally produced baked goods and one-of-a-kind, handmade soaps and gifts. The market's offerings are always changing, so repeat visitors can expect a unique experience on every visit.

5. Check Out Brookfield's Watering Holes

Brookfield is home to a surprisingly eclectic array of nightlife options, from the traditional bar fare of Sebastian's Ale and Whiskey House to the fun and whimsical martini offerings at Blue Water Lounge. Visitors and residents alike should be sure to check out as many of the fun, welcoming establishments that dot the Brookfield landscape.

6. Check Out The Library

It might seem odd to recommend a local library in these pages, but Brookfield's new Linda Sokol Francis Library is a great way for the bookishly-inclined to spend a cozy afternoon. With a brand new facility and a constantly-updated calendar of events for youngsters, teens, and adults, this community resource is a great way to check out what's happening in the community and learn more about a new subject.

7. Enjoy A Fantastic Breakfast Or Lunch At Mary's Morning Mixup

Conveniently located near the Brookfield Zoo, Mary's Morning Mixup offers an eclectic variety of unique dishes and classic favorites. Whether you're looking for a slice of pie and a cup of coffee or a hearty breakfast of steak and eggs (the owners caution that they're "not responsible for well-done steaks), this is the spot. With a warm, homey atmosphere and a tradition of outstanding service, it's no wonder this local gem enjoys an ever-expanding reputation.

8. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth At Zoo City Treats

People who love sweets are said to be more agreeable, friendly, and compassionate, so why not indulge your sweet tooth with some of the delicious confections at Brookfield's Zoo City Treats? Offering a variety of ice creams, candies, specialty chocolate items, and baked goods, Zoo City has something for everyone. 

9. Shop For Unique Gifts

Brookfield's unique shopping experiences have something for everyone. Visitors to Northern Ivy Knits and Goods offers unique hand-knit, crocheted, and woven sweaters, scarves, and other accessories for men and women. The shop's one-of-a-kind items make for great gifts, although they're so cozy you may not want to give them away! Nearby Laura Atwood Studio Beads and Trading Co. is a funky, bohemian boutique with unique jewelry, accessories, home decor, and irresistible gifts that will appeal to all tastes. 

10. Stella's Baseball Batting Range

If you're in and around Chicago, baseball has to be on the menu. Stella's Baseball Batting Range offers visitors a combination batting cage and ballpark-centric street food restaurant. Fun for a date night or a visit with the whole family, Stella's offers visitors a chance to sharpen their hand-eye coordination and enjoy ballpark classics, all in a fun, inviting atmosphere.

Want to Explore Brookfield Even Further?To discover even more about what makes Brookfield so special, please visit our official guide to the area's real estate market, available here.