We’re always looking for indoor activities that feel a little different, especially ones the whole family can experience together. The new Hologram Zoo Illinois at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills combines holograms, laser effects, and interactive environments to create an immersive experience where families can walk among animals, dinosaurs, and sea creatures.
My daughter and I were invited to experience Hologram Zoo. We had no idea whether this would feel more like VR, a museum exhibit, or an interactive attraction, but my dinosaur-loving 6-year-old was immediately intrigued.
What is Hologram Zoo?
Instead of using bulky VR headsets, Hologram Zoo uses lightweight glasses that allow you to see holographic animals and environments around you while still interacting with the people you came with.
The experience includes different themed worlds where guests may encounter:
- elephants
- dinosaurs
- underwater creatures
- outer space environments
- other holographic scenes
The attraction was recently recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s “Best Inventions” and has also been featured by Forbes for its immersive entertainment technology.
What the Experience Was Actually Like
My 6-year-old was very excited when we arrived to check out the dinosaurs near the entrance, (they may roar) and to explore the play area to the right of the check-in counter. Once we were checked in and received our glasses, we were ready to begin.
Immersive Tunnel Experience
The different themes we were able to select from were Asia, Space, and Dinosaurs. Each experience consists of five laps through the rooms and lasts about 30 minutes.
The immersive tunnel experiences felt more like walking through giant 3D projections. We walked alongside the images as they were displayed, as if we were walking through the actual space showing on the screen.
Hologram Experience
The next part we did was the Hologram Experience and we chose the dinosaur theme. During this time, we took turns feeding the dinosaurs, protecting dinosaur eggs and watching them hatch. The hologram experience felt more interactive and game-like.
We enjoyed both experiences, but definitely felt closer to reality in the Hologram Experience. One thing to note is that only one guest can fully experience the hologram display at a time using the tracked glasses. You will be prompted when it is time to switch glasses with the next participant. While the other guests wait, they can still see what is being displayed, although it does look a bit wavy or blurry without the glasses.
What Parents Should Know Before You Go
The Hologram Zoo is ideal for kids who love to learn about the natural sciences as well as those who are interested in museums. We found the experience both entertaining and educational, and my daughter talked about the dinosaur facts she learned the whole way home.
Most of the scenes are very realistic, and there were a few surprises that may make you jump! There were a couple of unexpected moments where the dinosaurs would roar or glass would break and she found that funny. As soon as you step into each room, you’ll be swept into an immersive and captivating environment.
My daughter loves dinosaurs, so she especially loved the dinosaur hologram area. She loved taking pictures with the dinosaurs and feeding them the most.
Age Recommendations
The Hologram Zoo is accessible to kids of all ages and abilities. However, we believe it is best suited for kids 4 years old and older who can keep the specialized glasses on for the duration of the experience. Older elementary kids would be interested in this if they appreciate learning about science in a unique way.
For those with sensory sensitivities you can step out at any time to take a break or the experience can also be paused upon request. The entire experience is mostly in the dark so the images appear brighter on the screen, so keep that in mind for little ones who may be fearful of little to no light as you move from room to room. It is not necessarily scary, but there are some surprise elements and animals that may “jump” through the screen.
Glasses and Accessibility
The experience uses lightweight tracked glasses instead of bulky VR headsets. My daughter did not mind them, they fit her well, and she liked that they weren’t heavy. Neither one of us experienced any dizziness or motion sickness. At times it was a bit difficult to follow along with the motion tracking light that guides you throughout the display, so would take them off from time to time to be sure we were in the correct spot for the best viewing.
Time
Each themed experience is 30 minutes long. You could potentially spend up to an hour and a half just doing the three options of the immersive tunnels. The Hologram Experience is also 30 minutes long. We were able to experience two of the immersive tunnels as well as one the hologram experiences. My daughter could have stayed in the hologram experience forever if she could. She enjoyed the activities that were provided throughout the viewing, as well as the facts that were shared.
Location + Parking
Hologram Zoo Illinois is located on the lower level of Hawthorn Mall across from H&M. We parked at the Macy’s entrance and it was very easily accessible from there. It was stroller friendly as well as wheelchair accessible. There was a bit of walking/ standing involved for each round and you would have to wait in a standing zone in the dark for a few seconds before the next round would begin.
Summer Workshops with The Painted Penguin
Hologram Zoo Illinois is also partnering with The Painted Penguin at Hawthorn Mall for a summer workshop program that combines the hologram experience with hands-on art activities like canvas painting and crafts. Kids can participate in a holographic experience and then continue the fun with creative activities at The Painted Penguin studio. This is for ages 5 – 12 and is a three hour session. Each guest will receive a take-home STEM Kit.
Birthday Parties
The hologram Zoo also hosts birthday parties. They have a large size private party space and a number of packages to select from.
Is Hologram Zoo Worth Visiting?
This would definitely make a great rainy day activity and is very different from a typical indoor play space. This will be something your little science lovers will enjoy and talk about for days after. I appreciated the educational component and the opportunity to engage with science in a unique way. I also enjoyed that we could experience the Hologram Zoo together and it’s great for a family outing or group of friends to enjoy.
Hours, Pricing, and Information
Hologram Zoo
318 Hawthorn Center
Hawthorn Mall
Vernon Hills, 60061
- General Admission: $24.95, Military and Seniors: $21.95, Children (3-15 years): $19.95
- Open 11:00am – 6:00pm
- Book reservations online in advance
