☀️ We’re finally headed into warmer temps, and what better time to explore the outdoors (and some indoors) with your kids at a local petting zoo or animal sanctuary! The options below will delight and some will even surprise you! Covid restrictions are still in place and all establishments do require face coverings as well as advance reservations or tickets. Please do reach out to us via email if you know of one we missed! Enjoy!
River Nature Trail Center in Northbrook
3120 Milwaukee Ave
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-824-8360
Mar – Oct: 9am – 5pm, closed Fridays and Nov – Feb: 9am – 4pm, closed Fridays
No Dogs
FREE
The trails are beautiful here and there is a small animal sanctuary of wild animals in need of rehab – large bird species like hawks and you can even view a coyote up close!
With 150 acres of ecologically diverse land preserved and maintained by the Glenview Park District, The Grove is one of the Glenview Park District’s busiest attractions.
Kamins Farm Sanctuary in Grayslake
Check their Facebook or Instagram page for up-to-date events information – This is not a drop-in space but registered events only.
Goat cuddles, goat yoga and so much more! Seven acres of over 50 rescued farm friends, big and small.
1356 N. Gary Ave.
Wheaton, IL 60187
630-665-5534
Open 9am – 5pm advanced tickets required
Vistor Prices:
- Wheaton Park District Residents: Free! with a Wheaton Park District Universal Resident ID*
- Nonresident Adults (ages 18-54): $8 + processing fee
- Nonresident Adults (ages 55 and over): $7 + processing fee
- Cosley Zoo Members: Free! (Please show your Cosley Zoo membership card and a photo ID.)
- All Children (birth to age 17): Free!
Wildlife Discovery Center through the Lake Forest Parks Department
1401 Middlefork Dr
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: 847-810-3663
The WDC’s Outdoor Trails are open Tues/Fri/Sat/Sun 10-4.
Our indoor exhibits have re-opened! The WDC’s Indoor Exhibits are open Tues/Fri/Sat/Sun. Admission is free, but you must register for a time slot.
FREE
2400 Chestnut Avenue
Glenview, IL 60026
847-724-5670
The Wagner Farm Heritage Center Museum and Main Exhibits are closed, except for registered programming. The grounds remain open for visitation. The gift shop and restrooms inside the Heritage Center are open Tuesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
14245 W. Rockland Road
Libertyville, IL 60048
Phone Number: 847.362.4636
The Farmyard opens April 3, 2021: Tuesday-Friday 10am to 4pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am to 5pm CLOSED MONDAYS.
$5 per person, Mini Golf Included. Military Discount: Enter MILITARY as the coupon code during checkout. Children under 2 are FREE.
Randall Oaks Zoo @ The Randall Oaks Recreation Center
500 N. Randall Road
West Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 428-7131 ext. 4260
March 27-October 31 (Daily): 9:00 am-5:00 pm
$4.00 Resident | $4.75 Nonresident
Children ages one and under are FREE & United States Military with ID.