Kid-Favorite Petting Farms & Zoos Near Chicago

See whales, dolphins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and more! Many exhibits are play-based, like the Polar Play Zone, where your kiddo can slip into a penguin suit and waddle around! Experience touch tanks, animal chats, dolphin and whale shows, shark feedings and behind-the-scene tours, sleepover events, youth camps, and more.

Gina I.:  Petting farm animals include pigs, chickens, sheep, geese, ducks, llamas, goats, and a mini horse and mini burro.

Open daily and always free since it was first established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best things to do in Chicago with kids for those who live here as well as those who are visiting. Parking fees do apply, though the zoo is also easily accessible via public transportation. Be sure to check out their website for a list of daily activities and educational animal experiences.

Gina I.:  The barn animals change seasonally but they often have a variety of chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, pigs, goats, cows, sheep, horses, ponies and donkeys. Farm volunteers invite the public into each animal pen and are ready to supply information about the animals to inquiring visitors.

Brookfield Zoo houses around 450 species of animals on 216 acres. Don't miss their dolphin show! After going to the zoo for years I discovered the Hamill Family Play Zoo & Wild Encounters. The Play Zoo is perfect for kids up to age 10 and is very hands-on and lots of fun. During the day you can hear a zookeeper discuss certain animals and walk around with them for kids to pet. Enter the Wild Encounters section and you will be surrounded by red pandas, llamas, alpacas, wallabies, and reindeer...and can even pet and feed some of them! Brookfield Zoo also has one of our favorite Chicago carousels, too.

Gina I.:  Lambs Farm petting zoo is the place to see horses, llamas, goats, miniature cattle, sheep, chicks, rabbits, and potbelly pigs! While you're there be sure to stop by the Discover Center to see how you "measure up" against some of the animals on the farm. Onsite there is also a mini-train, old-world themed carousel and a fun miniature golf course perfect for the entire family. Best of all, when you visit Lambs Farm, you are supporting adults with developmental disabilities and honoring the contribution they make to the community.

Gina I.:  Step back in time, and experience Schaumburg as an early German settler at Volkening Heritage Farm. Authentically dressed interpreters will show you around the 1880s farmhouse, let you help with seasonal farm chores, and teach you all about what life was like for some of Schaumburg's early residents. Visit the barn and say 'hello' to the local livestock. While you're there you may even see some chickens roaming freely throughout the grounds!

Cosley Zoo is always free for Wheaton residents and all children under 18. This local zoo showcases mostly farm animals and native Illinois wildlife, and visitors will enjoy seeing white-tailed deer, red foxes, bobcats, coyotes, llamas, horses and more in natural habitats kept by the zoo. Regular family programming, such as helping to care for the animals or observing a coyote training session, are also available for an additional fee.

The Racine Zoo is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, and cares for approximately 75 different species of animals. It is dedicated to promoting awareness of conservation issues through engaging, educational, and entertaining zoo experiences, and the easy walk makes it a great way to spend time outdoors with everyone in the family.

Kristy Pepping:  Phillips Park Zoo provides a safe environment where visitors can gain a better understanding of the animal world. The zoo is home to river otters, farmyard animals, bald eagles, reptiles and more.

Gina I.:  This 141-acre, kid-friendly farm is the place to view, pet, and feed a variety of farm animals, including: alpacas, goats, cows, mini horses, emus, chickens, pigs, rabbits, foxes, and more. They also have an impressive collection of birds ranging from red-tailed hawks and great horned owls to peacocks. Visitors can also enjoy pony rides, scenic picnic areas, and two playgrounds.

Kristy Pepping:  Miller Park Zoo offers many exhibits and animal interaction opportunities the whole family will enjoy. Some highlights include: reindeer, Sumatran tiger, greater flamingos, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagles, Pallas' cat, snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves.

Gina I.:  The Summerfield Farm & Zoo is home to mountain lions, zebra, lemurs, alligators, giant tortoises, wolves, reindeer, monkeys and much more! They also offer educational animal shows, baby goat feeding, animal encounters, and much more.

Kristy Pepping:  The Peoria Zoo is home to giraffes, lions, rhinos, zebras, tigers and more.

Kristy Pepping:  Niabi Zoo is home to over 600 animals representing 200 species from around the world, all encompassed on more than 40 acres of picturesque forest preserve.