My wife and I were looking for a place to spend 3 hours with two little children. Philips Park was a pleasant surprise with a small zoo, great playground, interesting mastadon fossils, and a tram ride, all for free! The Sunken Garden was beautiful. The trail around the lake was relaxing. We enjoyed it so much, we took our parents there the next day for a family picnic.

Looking for a place to go between lunch and the afternoon nap? Phillips Park Zoo is small, but there is enough to see to keep a toddler's attention for an hour or two. The exhibits are a bit old-fashioned, but it's free. There are also several other activities in Phillips Park to keep you busy, including a playground an a beautiful garden.

Loved this place. It's like a surprise zoo at your neighborhood park.

Be sure to stop in and make a donation. Free? Forgedaboudit. Help them keep it free.

Loved it.

What a gem! I found this to be much more appropriate for the younger crowd (4 and under) than Brookfield! We loved the crocodiles and gator! What interesting stories behind the reason for many of the animals at the park. One croc was rescued during a raid on a home where the owner had spray painted it green to make neighbors think it was a ...

This is a great place to go for a family day. The zoo is small but has recently been through a rennovation and is very cute. They have a tram to ride on giving you a tour of the park and the golf course. They is one huge park/play area to visit that has a ton of play equipment for the kids and adults too. Best of all the zoo is Free!!! What more could you ask for.

What a wonderful place this zoo is! Aurora is very lucky to have this wonderful little piece of the wild. This zoo is clean and the animals are well tended by a truly caring staff. There are a variety of animals, from elk to peacocks to wolves.
Most of the staff seem quite eager to share their knowledge of the animals and their habitats.
I ...

My daughter is still talking about seeing the otters eat catfish a week later. This is a fun place to go for free. Bring a camera because there is a beautiful garden. We are going back next weekend for sure!

With just being married, and being on a budget... this place is a perfect place to just go and spend a lazy summer, or fall, or even spring day.
There is a water park too, but that I think you have to pay for.
The part I enjoyed the most about the Zoo was watching the Elk wade in a pond.

Small zoo, however, it is perfect for a morning stroll. After the zoo, head over to the park area with the kids, and bring a picnic lunch. Enjoy the beautiful scenery near the river without having to spend alot of money.