Have kids who love animals? If you're looking for animals near you in Bloomington, IL and Normal, IL we have the list! From zoo animals to farm animals, and from the furry to the scaly, we have all the animals you'll need to please your little animal lover.
Here's where to find animals in Bloomington - Normal:
Culver's
901 Hershey Rd, Bloomington, IL
Culvers on Hershey Rd. is home to a beautiful saltwater aquarium. Grab some lunch and see if you can spot "Nemo" and "Dory".
Humane Society of Central Illinois
421 N Kay Drive, Normal
Looking for a new four-legged family member? Adoptable dogs, cats, and a few small animals are waiting for you at the local Humane Society. Call ahead for visiting hours.
Miller Park Zoo
1020 S Morris Avenue, Bloomington, IL
Miller Park Zoo offers many exhibits and Zookeeper interaction opportunities that are enjoyed by the whole family. Some highlights include: Sumatran tiger, greater flamingos, American Alligator, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagles, Pallas' cat, snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves. The Zoo features many large indoor and outdoor exhibits such as a Tropical America Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer Animal Building, Wallaby WalkAbout, Children's Zoo, and Animals of Asia.
Petco
1700 E College Avenue, Suite 1, Normal, IL
Stock up on supplies for your pets and also see fish, lizards, hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, ferrets, parakeets, and maybe some adoptable cats at our local Petco. You might find a new pet!
PetSmart
1606 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL
PetSmart has everything you need to care for your pet, along with fish, hamsters, lizards, parakeets, and more!
Premium Pet Supply
1500 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL
Dedicated to your pet's good health, this local pet store has answers to all of your questions. They also are home to a "cave" of fish tanks. It's just as cool as it sounds. You might also see some adoptable small pets in the store that would love to join your family.
Radar Family Farms
1312 Ropp Road, Normal, IL
Radar Family Farms is open seasonally each fall with special events throughout the year. The farm is home to goats, chickens, rabbits, horses, and donkeys.
Ropp Jersey Cheese
2776 Ropp Road, Normal, IL
Plan a visit to the cheese farm where you can buy ... you guessed it -- delicious cheese, spreads, ice cream, local honey and more. While there learn about the cheese-making process and visit the cow barn and its residents.
Shepard Dog Park
701 Hershey Rd, Normal, IL
Big dogs, little dogs, red dogs, blue dogs... it's basically a dog party! Kids will love watching the dogs run and play. A second dog park is located at Maxwell Park (1850 Gregory St in Bloomington) but it is currently closed for updates through Spring 2022.
Worth the drive from Bloomington - Normal, IL
If you're up for a little road trip, here are additional spots worth the drive from Bloomington - Normal to see animals:
Houchin Family Alpacas
16708 E 400 North Rd, Heyworth, IL
Houchin Family Alpacas is a family business, raising quality Huacaya Alpacas. Give them a call to inquire about meeting their wonderful animals. Also keep an eye out for their annual Alpaca Farm Day event!
Sugar Grove Nature Center
4532 N 725 East Rd, McLean, IL
The Nature Center Building is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Here you can see and learn about native fish, turtles, and more. Have a seat in the bird viewing room before you leave. With a bit of luck and good weather, you may catch a glimpse of the beautiful local birds that visit the Nature Center.
Aikman Wildlife Adventure
125 N Country Road 425 East, Arcola, IL
Aikman Wildlife Adventure is the only drive-thru zoo in Illinois. Stay in your car to see over 100 exotic free-roaming animals. Stroll through the Walk-thru/Petting Zoo to see 100 more! Zebras, Camels, Aoudads, Servals, Bison, Wildebeest, Parrots are some you'll enjoy at the park.
Peoria Zoo
2320 N Prospect Road, Peoria, IL
Take some good walking shoes to explore Peoria Zoo. Our favorite exhibit is the Africa Exhibit - home to rhinos, giraffes, lions, and more!
Wildlife Prairie Park
3826 N Taylor Rd Hanna City, IL
Located just outside of Peoria, IL, this 1800-acre zoological park is home to 60 different species and over 150 animals that are or were all native to the area. Guests can learn about and see wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bears, elk, otters, badgers, snakes, bobcats and more!
 John Natoli via Canva |
