Lords Park in Elgin is a hub of family-friendly fun in the northwest suburbs. With the Elgin Public Museum, Lords Park Zoo, Lords Park Aquatic Center, as well as sports courts and a newer playground, there’s plenty to do to fill your day. Before going, read below about all the things you’ll see, as well as hours of operation to ensure it’s all open when you’re visiting.
What You’ll Find at Lords Park in Elgin
Elgin Public Museum
At the center of Lords Park is the Elgin Public Museum, a nature museum filled with various collections. Visitors will learn about the Fox River Ecosystem, Mazon Creek Fossils, Native Americans, Natural History, and much more.
Guests will also find about 20 bison pictures scattered around the museum for a scavenger hunt. Once your activity sheet is completed, children are welcome to return it to the front desk for a small prize.
We did the scavenger hunt first, as my kids couldn’t contain their excitement, then we went back through the museum to look at the exhibits more carefully. This museum was the ideal size for children, as we had a lot to see and read, but didn’t tire out easily. There are two levels to the museum, which are accessible by stairs or elevator.
While we enjoyed the museum collections, we spent a good amount of our time in the Discovery Room. Filled with puzzles, books, and countless other hands-on activities, this space is great for the littlest learners in your group.
Visitors will pay $2 per adult, $1 per child ages 3 to 12 years old, whereas children under 3 are free. During the summer, the Elgin Public Museum is open from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, Thursdays through Sundays. Special events, many of which are run in conjunction with the Lords Park Zoo, are advertised on their Facebook page.
Lords Park Zoo
Lords Park Zoo is home to elk, white-tailed deer, and bison. There are also pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys and horses that may be available during your visit.
The animals are all close together, making it easier for young visitors to walk the space. The entire zoo is accessible by stroller or wheelchair.
Outdoor concerts, storytimes, and animal enrichment sessions are all happening throughout the summer. Keep up-to-date with their offerings on their Facebook page so you can make the most of your visit to this zoo.
Lords Park Zoo is open from 11:00am – 3:00pm on weekdays, and 12:00pm – 4:00pm on weekends. Please note: these hours are valid from June 1 through August 11, 2024, and are subject to change.
Lords Park Zoo has our favorite admission price of all: free!
Lords Park Family Aquatic Center
Northeast of the Elgin Public Museum, The Lords Park Family Aquatic Center is open for summertime fun. Water slides, tot-play areas, and lap-swim lanes are just some of the features of the aquatic center. Parents will also love the zero-depth entrance.
Guests can visit from 12:00pm – 7:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with open hours from 12:00pm – 6:00pm Sundays through Thursdays. Entrance fees vary from $5-12, depending on age and residency.
You’ll Also Find…
- There is a large, new playground with a picnic shelter located in the center of Lords Park.
- Visitors will find a variety of sports fields and courts in Lords Park including tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts and a variety of other amenities. If you plan to use any of these, make sure to bring your sports equipment from home.
- There are public restrooms in a small building next to the playground. There are also restrooms in the Elgin Public Museum, but these are reserved for paying visitors.
More Things to Know Before Going
- We used Apple Maps to navigate our way there. We selected Lords Park Zoo, which had us park behind the elk enclosure. While it wasn’t a terribly long walk, I’d recommend selecting Elgin Public Museum as your destination to get closer to the entrances of all these amenities.
- The Lords Park Zoo is nice, but very small. We’d recommend going on a day when they are offering additional enrichment programming to extend your visit.
- Lords Park is a short drive away from downtown Elgin, which is home to Gail Borden Public Library, Festival Park by the riverwalk, and countless restaurants and businesses.
Looking for more combo trips to keep the fun going all day long? We also love Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora!
