OPENING DAY!
Join us to celebrate the beginning of the 2026 season!
12 events found.
Zoo hours are MON-FRI: 11a-3p and SAT-SUN: 12p-4p
Events
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JG’s Reptile Road Show — Uncaged In The Zoo
Get up close and personal with live animals! ALL AGES. Programs made possible by a generous grant from the Bethlehem Evangelical Church.
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Underwater Archaeology (Shipwrecks) — Adventures In The Zoo
A drop-in program with a different science/nature guest. ALL AGES.
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Chipmunks — Nature In Your Neighborhood With Miss Judy
AGES 3-7. Program made possible by a generous grant from the Bethlehem Evangelical Church.
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Children’s Old Fashioned Fun and Games — Elgin Historical Society
Join the Elgin Historical Society’s staff and volunteers as they lead families in old fashioned lawn games. Children can make a toy to bring home. AGES 3-8 YRS.
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Chi-Town Exotics — Uncaged In The Zoo
Get up close and personal with live animals! ALL AGES. Programs made possible by a generous grant from the Bethlehem Evangelical Church.
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Chamber Music on the Fox
MUSIC ACTS TBD. Bring chairs, blankets and lunch to enjoy these outstanding classical outdoor concerts under the bucolic shade of Tefft Farm’s trees. All ages welcome!
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Xenarthral Animals (Sloths and related) — Adventures In The Zoo
A drop-in program with a different science/nature guest. ALL AGES.
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Stories Under the Hickory Tree — Presented by GAIL BORDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Bring your blankets, chairs, children & grandchildren to experience the energetic GBPL staff as they present animated musical and participatory animal themed programs which engage and educate all viewers (AGES 3-6 YRS).
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Scales and Tales Traveling Zoo featuring Xena the Sloth — Uncaged In The Zoo
Get up close and personal with live animals! ALL AGES.
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Poster Display of Noteworthy Black Elginites
Special thanks to the Elgin Historical Society for their extensive research and historical contributions to this display. ALL AGES.
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Crows — Nature In Your Neighborhood With Miss Judy
AGES 3-7. Program made possible by a generous grant from the Bethlehem Evangelical Church.
All programs are drop-ins and FREE! This year the Friends of Lords Park Zoo is underwriting 34 programs. Thank you to our many annual partners: Bethlehem Evangelical Church of Elgin, Chamber Music on the Fox, City of Elgin Parks & Recreation Department, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin Historical Society, Elgin Public Museum, and Side Street Art Studio and, of course, to our many generous Elgin residents who donate money and their invaluable time volunteering.