
A charming 5-acre zoo in Wheaton, IL, featuring domestic farm animals and native North American wildlife. Perfect for families seeking close encounter...

Must-see attractions
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Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Fewer crowds, more animal activity

Must-see attractions
A charming 5-acre zoo in Wheaton, IL, featuring domestic farm animals and native North American wildlife. Perfect for families seeking close encounters and educational fun.
"A perfect pint-sized zoo for kids to get up close to farm animals and native wildlife without getting overwhelmed. "

Bring $2 for duck feed (weather permitting) – a must-do!
Wheaton Park District residents get in free! Non-residents pay $10.

4.4 · 647 reviews
Zoo
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Barnyard Area
Get up close with friendly farm animals like cows, goats, and sheep. A delight for little ones!

Various Habitats
Discover North American wildlife including foxes, owls, deer, and turtles in naturalistic settings.

Pond Area
A visitor favorite! Purchase feed for $2 (weather permitting) and enjoy interacting with the ducks.

Near Entrance
Enjoy charming carousel rides, a lovely seasonal touch that kids adore. Extra tickets required.
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring $2 for duck feed (weather permitting) – a must-do!
Wheaton Park District residents get in free! Non-residents pay $10.
Sensory bags & trained staff available. Great for all needs!
Mostly accessible paths make it easy to navigate with strollers.
from all over the internet
Bring $2 for duck feed (weather permitting) – a must-do!
Wheaton Park District residents get in free! Non-residents pay $10.
Sensory bags & trained staff available. Great for all needs!
Mostly accessible paths make it easy to navigate with strollers.
Look for special events like Pumpkin Fest!
Visitors rave about Cosley Zoo's charm, family-friendly atmosphere, and manageable size. It's a beloved local spot for close encounters with farm animals and native wildlife, with many appreciating its accessibility and sensory-inclusive features. Some wish for a wider variety of animals or more extensive exhibits, but overall, it's highly recommended for a delightful, low-key outing.
"For families with toddlers and young children, this zoo is perfect. We visited on a Saturday as soon as they opened and it was not too crowded. They have a variety of wildlife, as well as farm animals. The different species of owls and the lynx were especially cool to see. The zoo is small, and we spent about 1 hour there with our 19-month old, so it was the perfect size for us."
Paige Roppo
"I took my kids this weekend and it was fantastic. We loved the chance to see native Illinois wildlife up close—especially the coyotes, red foxes, and Blanding’s turtles—and the petting farm where the children fed goats and sheep. The zoo’s Discovery Stations and clean picnic areas made the day relaxing and educational. A wonderful family outing—highly recommend for anyone looking for nature and animal fun close to home."
Boris Zinovskyi
"Cute and fun! A smaller zoo with wholesome exhibits. My favorite animals were the lynx, donkeys, and the cows! All exhibits looked clean and the animals were well taken care of. A great place for families and kids."
Amelia Bradford
Cosley Zoo is located at 1356 N. Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may also be available via the Pace bus system; check their routes for specific details.
Yes, there is parking available at Cosley Zoo. It's generally ample, especially during off-peak hours.
While specific routes can vary, checking with Pace bus services for routes serving the Wheaton area near N. Gary Ave is recommended for public transport users.
The zoo is located on N. Gary Avenue in Wheaton, a well-known street. Its address is 1356 N. Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187.
For families, driving is often the most convenient option, allowing you to bring strollers and bags easily.
Admission is free for Wheaton Park District residents. For non-residents, adult admission is $10. Senior and child pricing may vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most current rates.
Typically, advance ticket purchase is not required for general admission, especially for walk-in visitors. However, for special events, it's always a good idea to check their website for any specific ticketing requirements.
Cosley Zoo's hours vary by season. Generally, from April to October, they are open 9 am to 5 pm, and from November to March, they are open 9 am to 4 pm. Last admission is usually 30-45 minutes before closing.
No, Cosley Zoo is free for Wheaton Park District residents. Non-residents have an admission fee, typically $10 for adults.
The primary 'discount' is free admission for Wheaton Park District residents. For others, the stated admission fees apply. Keep an eye on their website for any special promotions or event pricing.
Cosley Zoo features a variety of domestic farm animals like cows, goats, and sheep, as well as native North American wildlife such as foxes, owls, deer, and turtles.
Yes, you can feed the ducks for $2 per feeding (weather permitting). Specific feed is available for purchase. Feeding other animals is generally not permitted to ensure their health and well-being.
Absolutely! Cosley Zoo is very family-friendly and a perfect size for toddlers. The close encounters with animals and manageable layout make it ideal for little ones.
Yes, Cosley Zoo has mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible paths, making it easy to navigate with young children or mobility aids.
Cosley Zoo is certified as a Sensory Inclusive Venue. They offer sensory bags with items like headphones and fidgets, and their staff are trained to support visitors with sensory needs. The @kulturecity app can also be utilized.
The duck pond area offers charming shots, especially when feeding. The barnyard with farm animals provides classic, heartwarming photo opportunities. Wildlife exhibits also offer chances for unique wildlife photography.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. For professional photo shoots (e.g., engagement, family portraits), it's advisable to contact the zoo administration to inquire about any specific policies or permits that might be required.
While personal photography is usually allowed, flash photography might be discouraged in certain animal enclosures to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Always be mindful of your surroundings and other visitors.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a lens with good zoom capabilities for wildlife shots and a wider aperture for portraits in the barnyard.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light. These times can also coincide with higher animal activity, leading to more engaging photos.
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