It is not news that kids love the zoo. They stick their faces right up to the glass, point and gasp, and try to touch. While petting the adult lion or hungry grizzly bear in the cage just isn't safe, there are other animals you can interact with. Petting zoos bring children of all ages closer to the animal kingdom in more ways than one.
If you've got an animal lover in your life, then you've got to check out these seven petting zoos and farms that let you get up close and personal. Keep scrolling for all the details.
1. Cosley Zoo - 1356 N Gary Avenue in Wheaton
Meet all your favorite critters at this 5.5-acre park where you'll find domestic farm animals as well as native Illinois wildlife. Learn about baby animals and see anything from goats to foxes to snakes at this cool farmhouse. Afterwards, spend time walking the grounds for a peaceful, relaxing stroll. Cost is $7 for Illinois residents, and children and members are free.
2. Lambs Farm - 14245 W Rockland Road in Libertyville
Though many may consider this place a wedding venue and farm, most don't know that there is an event here that gets you up close with barnyard animals. Namaste on the farm is a summer event you don't want to miss. Tickets are $30 and include admission to the barnyard after class where you'll get to see and touch ducks, chickens, lambs, tortoises, pigs, and more.
3. Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo - 9906 IL-15 in Nashville
Only open April through November, families love this petting zoo. There are camels, llamas, pigs, sheep, as well as over 200 other critters roaming the yards. You can even visit some weeks in December when the place is open for Christmas in the Barn. General admission is $8 though children under age one are admitted for free.
4. Lords Park Zoo - Hiawatha Drive in Elgin
While you can visit the park anytime, the farm part of this attraction is open June through August. Admission is always free, and you'll marvel at North American creatures like bison, elk, white tail deer, calves, sheep, miniature horses, and alpacas.
5. Country Yard Critters - 10413 248th Ave, Naperville
This mobile petting zoo can be rented out for parties. It is perfect for birthdays, school events, and carnivals. They even offer pony rides. Meet a slew of chicks, goats, horses, and more when this zoo comes to town.
6. Friendly Farms - 15534 Somonauk Road in Dekalb
You may have seen this petting zoo at a birthday party or community gathering. It offers pony rides and can be rented out for events. The business has been around since 1978 and is the largest of its kind in Chicagoland. Enjoy 25-30 different animals including pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and geese.
7. Randall Oaks Zoo - 1180 Randall Road in West Dundee
Situated on top of a hill, this cool farm and zoo is surrounded by a 141-acre park with shelters and picnic areas. Visitors enjoy seeing and petting emus, hawks, owls, rabbits, alpacas, and even a Clydesdale. General admission is $3.25, and children under age two are free. Pony rides cost $4.50 and a feeding costs $1.
It's hard to resist falling in love with these furry faces. If you love looking at critters, you have to visit this exotic animal sanctuary in Illinois.
Have you ever been to one of these petting zoos? Share your experiences and photos with us!
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