Zoos

Walter Family Arctic Tundra

Name: Walter Family Arctic Tundra
Address: 2262-2332 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, Chicago, IL, US
Telephone: (312) 742-2000
Rating: 4.4

★★★★☆ 4.4 (28 reviews)

📍 2262-2332 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

📞 (312) 742-2000

🌐 www.lpzoo.org/exhibits/walter-family-arctic-tundra

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	6 AM–6 PM
Tuesday	6 AM–6 PM
Wednesday	6 AM–6 PM
Thursday	6 AM–6 PM
Friday	6 AM–6 PM
Saturday	6 AM–6 PM
Sunday	6 AM–6 PM

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About Walter Family Arctic Tundra

Walter Family Arctic Tundra is a zoo in Chicago, IL. The Walter Family Arctic Tundra features a unique split-view habitat design allowing visitors to observe polar bears and grizzly bears in both their underwater and terrestrial environments simultaneously. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 28 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Main Exhibit: Walter Family Arctic Tundra with polar bears and grizzly bears
Interactive Features: Tactile ice wall, training wall, squishy shoreline flooring
Best For: All ages
Focus: Climate change awareness and animal conservation

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The Walter Family Arctic Tundra features a unique split-view habitat design allowing visitors to observe polar bears and grizzly bears in both their underwater and terrestrial environments simultaneously
⭐The exhibit includes an interactive 10 square-foot training wall that provides visitors with insight into positive reinforcement training methods used by Animal Care staff
⭐The habitat prioritizes animal welfare by providing animals with the choice to spend time in areas out of public view, which may result in animals not being visible to visitors at any given time
⭐The exhibit features interactive tactile elements including squishy flooring that mimics damp shoreline soil and a tactile ice wall for visitor engagement

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Plan your visit during warmer months (May-September) when polar bears are more active and visible. Winter visits may result in not seeing the bears despite nice weather, as animals choose when to be in public view areas.
💬This zoo offers free admission with just a reservation required—an exceptional value, especially for international visitors and families on a budget. Check the website for reservation availability.
💬Be prepared that polar bears may not be visible during your visit due to animal welfare policies allowing them to retreat to private areas. The enclosure has multiple viewing windows and tiers across three levels to maximize your chances, but seeing the bears is not guaranteed.
💡Don't miss the interactive tactile ice wall and 10 square-foot training wall exhibits, which offer hands-on learning about positive reinforcement training methods used by the Animal Care staff—unique educational features beyond traditional viewing.
🕐Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed experience exploring the multiple viewing areas and interactive exhibits at the Arctic Tundra habitat.