Have a question? You're not alone! Below are answers to the questions we're asked most often about our traveling reptile and bug shows. If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact Crosstown Exotics—we're always happy to help.
Our standard 60-minute Traveling Reptile & Bug Show is $300. A $50 or $100 travel fee may apply depending on your location. Educational programs, public events, festivals, and programs within the City of Chicago may have different pricing based on travel and logistics.
Our standard program includes approximately 10–12 live animal ambassadors, including reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Guests will enjoy an educational presentation, fascinating animal facts, and supervised hands-on interactions with many of the animals.
Our animal ambassadors include rescued and surrendered animals, as well as animals acquired through reputable institutions and facilities. We do not collect animals from the wild for our programs.
Because we work with live animals, the exact lineup may vary based on the animals' health, behavior, and availability.
Our programs last approximately 60 minutes.
We also offer shorter presentations for younger audiences and longer display-style experiences for festivals, libraries, schools, and community events.
Our programs are customized for audiences of nearly every age, including:
Birthday Parties
Preschools
Daycares
Elementary Schools
Middle Schools
High Schools
Libraries
Scout Groups
Summer Camps
Senior Communities
Corporate Events
Community Festivals
Each presentation is tailored to the age and experience of the audience.
Yes! Hands-on interaction is one of the highlights of our programs.
Many of our animals may be touched or held under the supervision of our experienced handlers. Some animals are presented for viewing only to ensure both guest and animal safety.
Yes. Some animals may be presented for viewing only. Our handlers will explain which animals may be touched or held during the program.
Our collection includes a variety of fascinating animals, including:
Snakes
Lizards
Tortoises
Turtles
Frogs
Toads
Invertebrates
The exact animal lineup varies with each program.
Absolutely! We love accommodating special requests whenever possible.
Since animal health and welfare always come first, we cannot guarantee any specific animal, but we'll do our best to include your favorites.
Our alligator is only permitted at qualifying educational programs under Illinois regulations and does not attend private birthday parties or non-educational events.
Our shows work well for both small gatherings and large audiences.
We've presented programs for intimate birthday parties as well as audiences of several hundred guests.
For larger groups, we may recommend multiple presentations or our setup-and-display experience.
Crosstown Exotics proudly serves Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
We also travel throughout Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana for schools, libraries, corporate events, and other educational programs.
Contact us with your event address to check availability.
A $50 travel fee applies to cities outside our 15-mile travel radius from ZIP code 60448.
A $100 travel fee applies to cities outside our 40-mile travel radius from ZIP code 60448.
Please contact us for locations beyond the 40-mile radius. We'll always provide a complete quote before confirming your reservation.
Yes.
We offer programs throughout the Chicago area. Availability depends on scheduling, travel time, parking, and the type of event.
Yes, weather permitting.
Outdoor events must provide adequate shade to protect our animals from direct sunlight.
If severe weather occurs, an indoor backup location is recommended.
We attend events rain or shine whenever travel is safe.
Clients are responsible for providing an indoor location or suitable covered area if weather becomes an issue.
Because our vehicles are filled with animal habitats and equipment, we do not provide tents or canopies.
If your plans change, please contact us as soon as possible so we can discuss your options.
No.
Most birthday parties and standard events do not require a deposit. Payment is collected on the day of your event unless other arrangements have been made.
We accept:
Cash
Check
Zelle
Credit Cards (3% processing fee applies)
Your event is officially reserved once you receive and accept your Google Calendar confirmation from Crosstown Exotics.
To reserve your event, we'll need:
Contact name
Email address
Phone number
Event address
Event date
Start time
Type of event
Indoor or outdoor location
We typically arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled start time to unload and prepare the animals.
For many programs, no.
Larger educational events or display programs may require one or two six-foot tables, which we'll discuss before your event.
Yes.
Convenient parking near the event entrance is greatly appreciated because we transport multiple live animals and heavy equipment.
Yes!
Educational programs are one of our specialties. We work with public schools, private schools, homeschool groups, and educational organizations throughout the Chicagoland area.
Absolutely.
Libraries are among our most popular venues, and our interactive educational programs are designed to encourage curiosity and learning.
Yes.
We offer age-appropriate programs specifically designed for younger children.
Yes.
We regularly visit Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Girl Scouts, and other youth organizations.
Yes.
Our animals are a fantastic addition to company picnics, family days, appreciation events, grand openings, holiday parties, and employee celebrations.
Yes.
Our setup-and-display experience allows guests to meet animals throughout your event rather than attending a scheduled presentation.
Safety is our highest priority.
Every interaction is supervised by experienced handlers, and guests are always instructed on the safest way to interact with the animals.
Absolutely.
The health and welfare of our animals always comes first. Every animal receives routine veterinary care, species-appropriate housing, enrichment, and individualized attention.
Our animal ambassadors come from a variety of responsible sources, including rescues, surrenders, and reputable institutions and facilities. We carefully evaluate each animal to determine whether it is suited for educational programming, and no animal participates unless it is healthy, comfortable, and able to handle the experience safely.
Yes.
Anyone who touches the animals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after the program.
Yes.
Crosstown Exotics carries liability insurance and can provide certificates of insurance for schools, libraries, municipalities, and other organizations when requested.
Yes.
We're happy to provide invoices, receipts, W-9 forms, certificates of insurance, and other documentation required by schools, libraries, park districts, municipalities, and businesses.
Yes.
Organizations booking multiple presentations on the same day or at the same location may qualify for discounted pricing.
Contact us for a customized quote.
The earlier, the better.
Spring, summer, weekends, and school break dates often fill quickly. Booking early gives you the best chance of reserving your preferred date and time.
Please prepare a clear, safe area for the presentation and make sure guests can sit or stand where they can easily see the animals.
For outdoor events, provide shade and an indoor backup location in case of severe weather. Please also let us know in advance about allergies, fears, accessibility needs, or other special considerations.
Yes.
Our programs combine live animal encounters with age-appropriate information about animal behavior, habitats, adaptations, conservation, and responsible care.
Schools and organizations may request programs tailored to specific age groups, themes, or educational goals.
Yes, as long as photography does not interfere with the presentation or animal handling.
Please avoid flash photography unless our handler confirms that it is appropriate for the animals being presented. We also encourage you to tag Crosstown Exotics in your photos and videos on all social media platforms so we can see and share your experience!
We do our best to accommodate guests with mobility, sensory, or other accessibility needs.
Please share any specific requirements when booking so we can plan the safest and most comfortable experience possible.
Booking is easy!
Simply contact us with your event details, including the date, time, location, and type of event. We'll check availability, answer any questions, and send your Google Calendar confirmation once your reservation is approved.
We look forward to bringing an unforgettable reptile experience to your next event!