The Best Places to See Animals Up Close in Champaign-Urbana

The top places to see animals up close in Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities

Where to go in the Champaign-Urbana area to find family friendly animal experiences

Whether they are furry or feathered, scaly or slimy, animals are beloved by kids both small and big. Looking at — and maybe even feeding — some new animal friends makes for a great family outing. There are numerous places where Champaign-Urbana families can get close to animals and we round them all up right here.

Here are some of the top places in the Champaign-Urbana area that will give you the opportunity to see a variety of creatures and critters up close.

Prairie Farm

Open a longer season than usual in 2026, this “farm” includes a variety of animals for kids to see and some they can touch. Cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, llamas, donkeys, peacocks, rabbits, turtles, goats and turkeys are all featured at the farm. There’s also a nice koi pond to watch the fish swim. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon with little ones and a sweet family summer tradition. Bring closed-toe shoes and arrive between 3 and 5 p.m. for the goat petting zoo area, and 1-3 p.m. for the rabbits. FREE.

Curtis Orchard

The orchard, open July 20 through Dec. 23, features goats, chickens and more. Enjoy the kittens during the warmer months. FREE. (Attractions, like pony rides during the fall, have a cost.)

TM Horse Haven

TM Horse Haven is a local nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe space for people to rest, restore, and renew. Families can book a session to do barn chores, like collecting farm-fresh eggs, feeding their chickens, goats and horses and cleaning up the horse’s stalls. You can also have a party, book club, play date or other gathering in its beautiful space. Find its available experiences and fill out a waiver here.

Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery

It’s goats galore at Prairie Fruits Farm in Champaign, as well as a few chickens. Kids will love the adorable four-legged kids at this working goat farm that’s known for its delicious goat cheese products, wines and other drinks and occasional farm-to-table dinners. Special events offer the best chance to get up close to the animals, like Saturday morning and Tuesday happy hour goat hikes. Hours vary by the season, so check the website. (Special events have a cost or suggested donation.)

Anita Purves Nature Center

The different types of snakes, box turtles and Eastern Screech Owls at this nature center are used to getting visitors, as many people stop in during a typical year. FREE.

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch

Open seasonally in the fall through Christmas, this unique family-owned attraction includes a herd of Alaskan reindeer to get up close and personal with. FREE. (Reindeer tours and other activities have a cost).

Aikman Wildlife Adventure

This unique drive-through animal park in Arcola (at the former Rockome Gardens location) features zebras, camels, peacocks, llamas and more. Read our review. About 45 minutes from Champaign-Urbana. Admission rates vary by type of experience. Typically open five days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Open only on weekends between Labor Day and Memorial Day.

Aikman Wildlife Zebras — Feed the zebras at Aikman Wildlife Adventure.

Rural King

If the delicious free popcorn doesn’t lure you in, the fuzzy chicks and fluffy bunnies will do the trick. “Chick days” start in early spring.

South Farms

Don’t worry, nobody will think you’re weird if you pull over and park to look at the cows and horses at the South Farms. If they do, just tell them it’s a local tradition. It’s located on St. Mary’s Road between Lincoln and Fourth Street.

Special note – Homer Lake Interpretive Center is currently closed and undergoing renovations. We will update once it is open again.

Local Pet Stores

Whether shopping for a guinea pig or just admiring the tropical fish, Sailfin, Pet Smart, and Pet Supplies Plus are local pet stores that will allow a child to see a variety of different animals up close. Beware though, when your child finds out these animals are actually for sale, they may want to bring one of them home.

Special Animal Events

U of I Vet Med Open House, typically each fall
This annual event attracting thousands of visitors is an amazing opportunity for animal-lovers of all ages to get a behind-the-scenes look at the only veterinary school in Illinois. See dozens of exhibits, demonstrations and large and small animals at the open house (be sure to check our calendar).
Sundance Alpacas, Bement
Sundance Alpaca farm in Bement may have special events throughout the year open to the public. Follow it on Facebook for that info.
Harden Ranch, Fairmount
Harden Bison Ranch has special events throughout the year open to the public. Follow it on Facebook for that info.

Zoos

If you’ve got more time, we have a number of zoos within a few hours from Champaign-Urbana. Here are some of our favorites:

Scovill Zoo in Decatur, FREE on Thursdays all summer
Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington
Peoria Zoo in Peoria
Wildlife Prairie Park in Peoria
Indianapolis Zoo
Brookfield Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago
St. Louis Zoo, always FREE
Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wis.