In the northern suburbs, kids can feel the softness of a rabbit’s fur, hold a chick and buddy up to goats at this activity-filled farm and petting zoo. While you’re there, check out the mini golf course, bouncy house, mini train and carousel. And don't forget the important mission of this non-profit: It provides a safe and caring living environment for people with disabilities. Reservations required.

Covering just over 3-acres, Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Wild Encounters features unforgettable hands-on experiences that include opportunities to touch and feed animals. Purchase seed sticks and play feeder to hundreds of colorful parakeets that happily land on your hand, watch the kids giggle as goats nibble on their shoelaces and experience the friendliness of wallabies as they welcome you into their enclosure. The Hamill Family Play Zoo is currently closed but goat feeding is available.

City kids get a little bit country at this rural pocket of Lincoln Park Zoo. It isn't your typical petting zoo; most of the animals can't be touched by the public. But there are daily facilitated chats with zookeepers and some animal interactions through scheduled programs like Meet a Chicken, Greet the Goats and the Cow Milking Demonstration. The Lincoln Park Zoo is open but the Farm in the Zoo is temporarily closed.

Baby goats, llamas and ducks. . . oh my! This horse farm and petting zoo in the south suburbs is worth the trip. Small children get a kick out of the pony rides, wagon jaunts and barn tours. Older children and adults go for the horseback riding lessons. Note: The petting zoo is open May-November.

See a peacock flaunt its feathers. Go face to face with an alpaca. Giggle at the "oink" of a pig. The fun is unending at this cute little petting zoo that has a vibrant menagerie that includes ponies that you can ride. Save time to romp around at one of the park’s three toddler-friendly playgrounds. Typically opens for the season in early April. Reservations required.

Family farm tours, hay rides and pony rides are just a few of the extras you get at Palos Park's petting zoo. Your Old MacDonald-in-training will learn all about the animals with the help of friendly guides and the seasonal Junior Farmer program gives kids a chance to experience what it’s like to take care of chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, goats and other creatures. The farm is currently open with limited hours.