Why Families Love This Small Zoo Experience in Northern Illinois

As you start to plan your family's spring and summer fun to-do list, don't forget to add a visit to Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere!

Outdoor Fun in Northern Illinois

Whenever the weather starts to warm up in Northern Illinois, my mind is all about finding fun, outdoor things my family can do this spring and summer.

The Rockford area is full of beautiful parks where we can go walking or fishing, but what else can we do that is budget friendly and just a short drive from home? Go see some cool animals at Summerfield Farm and Zoo in Belvidere!

What Makes Summerfield Zoo Unique

Summerfield Farm and Zoo is one of my kids' favorite local places to visit, primarily because it’s smaller and more interactive than big-city zoos.  At Summerfield, kids can actually get close to the animals, and you don't have to spend half the day walking to get from one exhibit to the other.

Summerfield Zoo has an impressive variety of animals, but my kids' favorites are the lemurs, sloth, wolves, reindeer, and mountain lions. They also love feeding the baby goats bottles and going to animal shows where they learn fun facts about animals, but they are going to lose their minds when they see one of the zoo's newest residents: Daisy the Mini Cow.

When Does Summerfield Zoo Open for the Season?

Summerfield Zoo is getting ready to kick off its 2026 season on Saturday, April 18, and will then be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning May 13, the zoo will be open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in addition to its weekend hours.

Summer Camp at Summerfield Zoo

If you have an animal-loving kid and need more ideas on ways to keep them entertained over summer break, send them to one of Summerfield Zoo's summer camps!

Zookeeper Summer Camps are for kids ages 6–12 who get hands-on experience feeding animals, making enrichment toys, going on scavenger hunts, and even doing safe, age-appropriate “zookeeper chores.”

Ready to start planning your next trip to Summerfield Farm and Zoo? Get all the information you need here.