Cosley Zoo — Attraction in Wheaton

Perfect little zoo for littles! So glad I discovered this gem of a zoo after having my second child with a toddler to entertain. Even though we live in Naperville it’s worth the trek because my toddler is obsessed with farm animals and it’s a very manageable outing with an infant and toddler. It’s a very manageable size for an hour or two visit (my son wanted to see each animal 3x!). Best of all, everything is pretty well fenced in and safe so it’s easy to keep a toddler in sight. There’s not really much place to run off. Some might say it’s a little small but I felt this was an advantage compared to a large more traditional zoo especially for toddlers. You’re not going to see large exotic animals but my son is more into farm animals anyway. There’s an iconic looking red barn and windmill that he got so excited about! The zoo has farm animals, birds, ducks, etc. and you can get right up close which is great for little kids. We visited in the spring and there were baby lambs and baby cows. So cute! The grounds are nice and pleasant to walk around or have a little snack or lunch. There are plenty of picnic tables. Hasn’t been too crowded during the week when we’ve gone. We will definitely be going...

Cosley Zoo is a great place to spend an hour or so enjoying the outdoors and the company of friendly animals! There is an opportunity to feed the ducks at the duck pond and there are sheep and donkeys, cows and goats in the farmyard.

Admission is free for children and $9 for adults and they have senior rates as well. At this point in 2021 they still have timed tickets, so order yours online ahead of time.

The donkey and the cow came up to the fence and wanted to be petted by the visitors! There are some big black pigs and some chickens that are entertaining to watch and listen to the noises that they make. There are a lot of birds as well as rabbits, a bobcat, coyotes, turkey vultures and deer.

Many of the animals that come to the Cosley Zoo are ones that were injured or did not have parents and needed to be rehabilitated and we're not fit to go back in the wild.

Visiting the Cosley Zoo is a great way to find out about local animals and how they play a role in our world and in the environment. You can enjoy ice cream, hot dogs, mac and cheese, PBJ, and pizza at the concession stand.

They offer reasonable cost annual membership ~ only $39 for one adult and $59...

• Updated 2020 *still One of the best little zoos and kids outdoor areas. - also they offer a great spot to go view the lights and stay socially distant or grab a great fresh tree locally. Admission must be reserved online ahead of time and is free through the New Year.

** Lots of small farm animals and awesome programs offered for educational and celebratory events. The price is right at $7 for non-residents and kids free for all. Inclusion is built in, a rare and spectacular find in more affluent communities and suburbs around the city, we have found the western burbs quite inviting. Lots of great things around the area to do and eat just a few min.’s away you can make it a day. Grab a bite and hop over to one of Wheaton’s a DuPage county’s awesome nature preservation parks. The near by Lincoln Marsh is a new fav of ours, read more and see all our links here at:...