Old MacDonald’s Farm Opens for the Season May 4 with “Chalk the Farm” Celebration

Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation invites the community to celebrate the opening of Old MacDonald's Farm for the 2026 season on Monday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located in Bever Park on the southeast side of Cedar Rapids, the free petting farm will kick off the season with "Chalk the Farm," a fun, all-ages event that invites visitors to help cover the farm sidewalks with colorful chalk art. Guests are encouraged to draw farm animals, flowers, hopscotch boards, or create their own imaginative designs throughout the day. Chalk will be provided.

Located in Bever Park, Old MacDonald's Farm is a longtime Cedar Rapids favorite where visitors can meet farm animals and North American waterfowl while enjoying a hands-on farm experience in the heart of the city. The farm has welcomed generations of families and continues to be a place where children and adults can explore, learn, and connect with animals and nature. Admission is free, and a minimum $1 donation per person is appreciated to help support the farm and animal care.

Visitors this season will also notice a new handwashing station made possible through support from Google. The project included donated materials and labor for installation of water and electric connections. The new station provides a safer, accessible way for visitors, especially children, to wash their hands after touring the farm and interacting with animals.

Old MacDonald's Farm will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through September 27. The farm also offers seasonal programs and events, including story times, goat yoga, birthday parties, group tours, and a weekly farmers market held Wednesdays, June-September from 4-6 p.m. near the farm entrance. Vendors interested in being part of the farmers market can learn how to apply at CityOfCR.com/OMFFarmersMarket.

Additional information about programs and events can be found in the Play CR guide or online at CityOfCR.com/Play. For more information, visit CityOfCR.com/OldMacDonaldsFarm.