Lords Park Zoo - Elgin, Illinois

06/05/2026

Postponed: Old Fashioned Fun & Games is Moving to June 15th!
Mother Nature decided to throw a bit of a wet blanket on our outdoor plans today. Because we want everyone to enjoy Elgin History Museum's Old Fashioned Fun & Games program without getting soaked, the event has been rescheduled to Monday, June 15th at 1:00pm.

Send a message to learn more

06/02/2026

Here's what's happening in Lords Park Zoo/Tefft Farm this week...

On Tuesday, June 2 - Elgin Public Museum presents Adventures in the Zoo: Underwater Archaeology - Shipwrecks! 11am-12:30pm
This is a free drop-in program for all ages made possible by a generous grant from Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

On Friday, June 5 - EPM presents Nature In Your Neighborhood - Chipmunks! 11:30 to 12:30 Ages 3-7 yrs.
Program made possible by a generous grant from Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Also on Friday, June 5 1 to 3pm 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.
Program made possible by a generous grant from the Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Saturday, June 6 Uncaged in the Zoo presents Chi-town Exotics
Get up close and personal with live animals! 12:30 to 1:30pm
All ages!

See you there!

Send a message to learn more

05/31/2026

What an incredible opening day at Lords Park Zoo!
The gates opened, the sun came out, and you all showed up in droves to kick off the season with us. It was officially a full house, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see our community back and exploring the park.
A massive shoutout to JG's Reptile Road Show, who stole the spotlight today! From curious kids to brave adults, everyone loved getting an up-close look at some truly fascinating creatures. Thank you, JG, for bringing so much excitement, education, and crowd-pleasing energy to our opening day.
To everyone who came out, searched for animals, marvelled at the dinosaurs, or learned something new today: THANK YOU.
We are officially open for the season, and if today was any indication, it’s going to be an unforgettable year.

05/29/2026

We are just a day away from the opening of Lords Park Zoo - Elgin, Illinois for the summer season! This year, Dinos are mingling with the farm animals, elk, deer, and bison. AND, you don't want to miss JG's Reptile Road Show, which starts at 12:30 pm inside the zoo -- FREE!!

Meanwhile, the museum opens at noon, but we'll admit, we hope you go see JG and his pals first, and THEN come visit the museum! We do have a small admission fee of $3 adults, $2 kids 3-12 and Seniors 60+, but free for under 3, Museum Members, Elgin Twp Senior Access passes, and U-46 teachers with district ID. We, too have a few Dino summer visitors, and a scavenger hunt. Come on out to Lords Park tomorrow for a great family-friendly time!

05/28/2026

The new season is just around the corner, and Lords Park Zoo/Tefft Farm is looking absolutely fantastic! We want to extend a massive thank you to Mike Adams and the summer city workers for all of their hard work and dedication in getting the grounds beautifully prepared for visitors.

Recently, the Friends of Lords Park Zoo volunteer greeters spent a pleasant afternoon at Tefft Farm. It was the perfect opportunity to refresh our routines, meet the summer team, and get a sneak peek at the summer farm animals. Mike Adams introduced the summer city workers to our volunteers, kicking off what is sure to be a fantastic collaborative season. We are so grateful for everyone who showed up, shared their time, and helped us prep for another unforgettable summer.

Lords Park Zoo officially opens to the public on Saturday, May 30 at 12 noon. Don't miss this opportunity to view and touch live animals from JG's Reptile Road Show at 12:30.

05/20/2026

Everyone is @ the zoo…..little piggies, shy lambs, cows, ponies, donkey and alpaca! Takoda, Buffy, Spike, his ladies and the deer are waiting to welcome you! See you May 30 🦬!

05/19/2026

Count down to opening day! There are so many exciting events happening at the zoo this summer it’s hard to know where to begin……..yesterday’s arrivals!

05/18/2026

Check out FLPZ.ORG for a list of program dates and times! All program are FREE and held in the ZOO area! Looking forward to seeing you soon 🦬

Friends of Lords Park Zoo is Committed to the Preservation and Enhancement of Tefft Farm Zoo through events and activities.