A Popular, Free Cedar Rapids Petting Zoo Has Opened for the Summer

This summer, take the kids for some fun at a Cedar Rapids landmark that's more than 100-years-old! Old MacDonald's Farm at Bever Park in Cedar Rapids has started welcoming guests for the season.

When is Old MacDonald's Farm Open?

Old MacDonald's Farm opened for the season on May 5th. It will open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through September 28th.

What Kinds of Animals Do They Have?

The animals at the farm can vary from season to season, but these are the critters you can typically find there, according to the Cedar Rapids city website:

• Chickens
• Cows
• Ducks
• Goats
• Lambs
• Pigs
• Rabbits

Can I Host a Party There?

Absolutely! If you'd like to host a birthday party at the farm, you can call 319-286-5763 and make a reservation any day through the end of the season between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and cost $175, which is non-refundable.

Birthday parties at Old MacDonald's Farm last two hours, with the first hour spent on a guided farm tour. The city website reads:

"In this hour, you will have hands-on contact with the animals and will be able to feed them, as well. The second hour will be free time at the pavilion near the duck exhibit."

You will be required to bring any food or beverages to the party, including the cake. The birthday child will also receive a gift from the farm.

Old MacDonald's Farm also offers GOAT YOGA parties! You can book one of these "unusual" yoga classes for ages 13 and up any time from June through August. The fee is $150 for the one-hour experience, and guests will need to bring their own mats. Just like the birthday parties, you must make your reservation at least two weeks in advance of your desired date.

What Else is There to Do at Old MacDonald's Farm?

The farm hosts a number of different recurring events throughout the season, including story time with the animals, goat yoga classes for both adults (ages 13+) and adults with children (ages 6+), and a weekly farmers market. Here's a look at some of the FREE events and activities on the 2025 schedule:

• Story Time With Animals
  • Every other Friday from May 16th through September 19th at 10:30 a.m.
  • Bring your own chair or blanket
  • For ages 0 to 5 - parent must be present
• Old MacDonald's Farmers Market
  • Wednesdays from June 4th through September 24th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Bubble Mania
  • Friday, June 20th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Iowa Children's Museum Visits the Farm
  • Tuesday, July 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • "ICM Playologists are bringing some familiar museum favorites to Old MacDonald's Farm. Build with LEGO's, experiment with forces while engineering ramps to move balls, and much more!"
• Happy Birthday America
  • Wednesday, July 2nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Independence Day celebration with snacks, games, and other activities
• Movie Night at the Farm
  • Friday, September 5th at 8 p.m.
  • Showing The Wild Robot
• County Fair
  • Saturday, September 27th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Featuring hayrack rides, a scavenger hunt, a pie eating contest, and more

Admission to Old MacDonald's Farm is free, but a donation of at least $1 is much appreciated. To check out a full list of 2025 events at Old MacDonald's Farm in the Play CR brochure HERE.

READ MORE: Your Unofficial Guide to Summer 2025 in the Corridor [LIST]

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