Randall Oaks Park and Barnyard Zoo in West Dundee is 141 acres of park, playground, barnyard, zoo, outdoor recreation area and open space.

There were no shortages of sounds or smells, while strolling through a big red barn that lead to the outdoor living quarters of the many animals who call Randall Oaks home. The animals took refuge in the shade or slept away the afternoon hours to bypass the blistering august heat. Horses, ponies, a cow, deer, birds of many a-feather, chickens, emus, roosters, pigs, butterflies, bugs, snakes and goats rounded out the list of animals on display.

Children enjoyed feeding the animals and petting the ones that allowed them to get close enough.

But the zoo isn't the only attraction, Randall Oaks offers.

There are four picnic shelters that make great open-air dining locations for families, business events, birthday parties and school field trips. The facilities can accomodate anywhere from 50 to 200 people and each have a grill.

The zoo is open for petting and feeding 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 6 through Sept. 6 and is open on Labor Day. The zoo is only open on weekends beginning Sept. 7 through Oct. 11, and closes for the season Oct. 12.

Coming up

Friday through Sunday, beginning Sept. 10 to Nov. 7, Randall Oaks offers autumn hay-rides where passengers can enjoy the great outdoors, turning leaves and woodlands, followed by an outdoor bonfire to cozy up to. Rides last 30 minutes and the bonfire lasts for an hour and a half. Reservations can be made by calling 847-551-4310.

Ongoing programs

Randall Oaks also offers a traveling zoo program generally utilized by schools and Scout groups, where the animals are brought to events to help illustrate different program topics such as Animal Encounters, Cold-Blooded Capers and Mammal Mayhem. For example, in Cold-Blooded Capers, participants learn about the unusual lives and survival techniques of reptiles and amphibians, and Esmeralda, a non-venomous snake is brought along to demonstrate.

Contact info

For more information, go to dtpd.org or call the parks services office at 847-551-4310.