Photo of Farm in the Zoo in Illinois1 / 2
Zoos

Farm in the Zoo

📍 Lincoln Park, IL

★4.5(805 Google reviews)💰FreeđŸ‘ļAll ages

Three barns with cows, goats, pigs, ponies, chickens, and rabbits. Main Barn has play-based learning stations for toddlers. Seasonal feeding programs run throughout the year. Free admission, outdoor setting.

✓ Free admission✓ Toddler favourite✓ Interactive animals✓ Educational✓ Long walk from parking✓ City farm experience
“
★★★★★Featured review by Zach W (Zz)

Nice place special in the early morning if you have toddlers I'm going to enjoy it the animals are active they do have some decent restaurants but unfortunately the rabbits but nowhere to be found looks like it was too cold for them but all in all it's worth it especially the pony and the pigs are not smelling as bad as they should that's a bonus point

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with toddlers and young kids wanting a genuine farm encounter in the city. Animals are most active in the morning and respond well to extended visits. Parking requires payment and involves a long walk to the entrance — build that into your plan. Cold days may limit which animals are visible outdoors.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Arrive early morning when animals are most active, especially with toddlers
⏰Paid parking is required — the walk from the lot to the farm is substantial, so wear comfortable shoes
đŸŽŸī¸Some animals retreat indoors during cold weather — visit in mild seasons for the fullest experience
🚗Let kids linger with the animals rather than rushing through — staff note animals enjoy longer interactions

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.5
★★★★★

805 Google reviews

Interactive and educational45%
Great for young kids30%
Parking challenges15%
Animal-friendly atmosphere10%
Z

Zach W (Zz)

4 months ago

★★★★★

“Nice place special in the early morning if you have toddlers I'm going to enjoy it the animals are active they do have some decent restaurants but unfortunately the rabbits but nowhere to be found looks like it was too cold for them but all in all it's worth it especially the pony and the pigs are not smelling as bad as they should that's a bonus point”

L

Lisa Ferry

6 years ago

★★★★★

“We had a fantastic time. It's very nice for the kids, and free!!! We did however have to park REALLY far away. And paid $19.00 for 3hrs of parking. (So come prepared with parking money, and good walking shoes!) Lmao other than the parking and extraordinary heat we would recommend this place!”

J

Jerry The Pigeon And Mike L

3 years ago

★★★★★

“Well everyone else shares pics of the adorable animals so I thought I would show some other areas of the property. This is such a fun experience for both kids & adults. Who would love to watch & learn about goats, pigs, cows & chickens!? 🐐🐷🐄🐓 I give this place 5â­ī¸ Jerry gives this 5 â­ī¸â€

C

Christopher Charbonneau

a month ago

★★★★★

“The animals are very friendly. The animals want you to sit there with them all day but most people just spend a couple minutes with them. I look at the animals everyday because they understand a lot more than people think.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Farm-in-the-Zoo sits inside Lincoln Park Zoo with three working barns housing livestock in outdoor yards. The Main Barn features hands-on learning stations built for toddlers. Seasonal programs let children feed animals directly. Originally opened in 1964 and renovated in 2002, the farm engages all senses — animals are active and interactive, especially with visitors who linger.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 15:00
Tuesday10:00 – 15:00
Wednesday10:00 – 15:00
Thursday10:00 – 15:00
Friday10:00 – 15:00
Saturday10:00 – 15:00
Sunday10:00 – 15:00

📍 Other Zoos in Lincoln Park

View all →

📍 Similar Activities Nearby

View more in Illinois →