Crosstown Exotics

Crosstown Exotics Crosstown Exotics is a reptile show and bug show that travels throughout Chicagoland providing hands-on education entertainment.

Crosstown Exotics is a reptile and bug show that travels throughout Chicagoland providing hands-on education entertainment. Our lineup of prehistoric creatures consists of a mixture of reptiles, amphibians, and bugs. From African giant bullfrogs and hissing cockroaches to a 16ft Burmese python and giant tortoises. Everyone gets to interact with the animals for an experience unlike anything you’d r

eceive at your local zoo. We take pride in providing memorable encounters with our extensive collection cold blooded ambassadors. Mission
Our mission is to promote conservation through presentation. We believe in “hands-on so the species lives on”. If someone can interact with an animal, they are more likely to want to save it. Our presentations are interactive, entertaining and create an impactful educational experience. We are fully insured and pride ourselves on the safety and handling of our animals. Crosstown Exotics has performed for communions celebrations, scouting events, birthday parties, block parties, conventions, festivals and holiday parties. Crosstown Exotics has also preformed for school assemblies, park districts and libraries all over the Chicagoland area. Colin Langenderfer
Hi my name is Colin Langenderfer co-owner of Crosstown Exotics. I have worked in many animal related positions over the years such as exotic pet stores, animal control, forest persevere restoration teams, professional animal handlers, wildlife rehabilitation centers and animal outreach programs. Animals have always been a part of my life. My passion started at a young age. Exploring the creeks and forests searching all types of wildlife. Animals have also been a stepping stone into my love for the environment and how important it is to preserve it for future generations. Mike Levins
Hi my name is Mike Levins co-owner of Crosstown Exotics. I've been keeping reptiles and other exotics for 15 years. Animals have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I worked in the retail pet world for 7 years and I have been doing educational wildlife programs for close to 9 years. I received my Bachelors in biology from Governors State University in 2013. I get a real sense pride and joy sharing my love of animals with others and look forward to sharing them with you.

Happy National Trivia Day! Let’s test your knowledge with some WILD facts from Crosstown Exotics:🐍 Did you know? Snakes ...
01/04/2025

Happy National Trivia Day! Let’s test your knowledge with some WILD facts from Crosstown Exotics:

🐍 Did you know? Snakes typically have four rows of teeth on the upper jaw and two rows on the lower jaw, for a total of six rows.

🦎 True or False? Can Axolotls regenerate limbs (Hint: It’s TRUE!)

🐜 Fun Fact: An African giant millipede typically has around 256 to 400 legs, depending on its size and age. Despite their name, they don't have a thousand legs, but they sure come close to living up to their "many-legged" reputation! 🐛

Celebrate the joy of learning today by sharing your favorite trivia in the comments below! And if you want more fun facts and hands-on learning, book one of our shows for your next event. 🦎🐛🐢

🦎🐍 Reptile Uproar is Here! 🐢🐜Join Crosstown Exotics and the Midlothian Park District for an exciting, hands-on reptile a...
01/03/2025

🦎🐍 Reptile Uproar is Here! 🐢🐜

Join Crosstown Exotics and the Midlothian Park District for an exciting, hands-on reptile and bug experience! 🌟

📅 When: Sunday, March 23
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Admission ends at 1:30 PM)
📍 Where: The Athletic & Recreation Center

🐊 What’s Happening:

Get up close with amazing reptiles, bugs, and amphibians on display.
Experience interactive mini shows at 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
Perfect for families, kids, and anyone curious about the world of exotic animals!
💲 Tickets:

$10 per person if you register by March 19.
$15 per person at the door.
Children 11 months & under are FREE with a paying adult!
📢 Note: For everyone’s safety, only our animals will be allowed at this event—please leave pets at home.

Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/3qVauUbA7MSNP9cs/

🎟️ Don’t wait—secure your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

Today is National Motivation and Inspiration Day—a perfect moment to reflect, recharge, and reignite your passions!At Cr...
01/03/2025

Today is National Motivation and Inspiration Day—a perfect moment to reflect, recharge, and reignite your passions!

At Crosstown Exotics, we’re inspired every day by the creatures we work with and the curiosity they spark in others. 🐍🐢🐜

From scaly reptiles to fascinating bugs, the natural world teaches us resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of diversity.

Let’s use today to set goals, embrace challenges, and find motivation in the world around us. Whether it’s chasing your dreams or learning something new, the first step is always the most important.

What inspires you to stay motivated? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇

January Critter Class at Oak Forest Park District! Get ready for an up-close-and-personal encounter with some of the wor...
12/30/2024

January Critter Class at Oak Forest Park District!

Get ready for an up-close-and-personal encounter with some of the world’s most misunderstood creatures! Join Crosstown Exotics for an unforgettable Critter Class this January.

🌎 Learn why reptiles, amphibians, and bugs are essential to our planet.
📚 Discover their natural history and how to care for them as pets.
🦎 Meet real live critters in every class!

📅 Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Where: Oak Forest Park District
💻 Sign Up Online: oakforestparks.org

This hands-on experience is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Don’t miss this chance to explore the scaly, slimy, and crawly world of critters!

🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Crosstown Exotics! 🎄As we celebrate this festive season, we want to thank all of...
12/25/2024

🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Crosstown Exotics! 🎄

As we celebrate this festive season, we want to thank all of you for your incredible support throughout the year. From classroom visits to birthday parties and community events, it’s been a joy sharing our passion for reptiles and bugs with you.

May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and maybe even a little wild excitement! 🐍🦎🕷

We’re looking forward to bringing more hands-on adventures your way in the New Year. Until then, stay curious and stay adventurous!

• The Crosstown Exotics Team

12/23/2024

In this video I tour Animal Island Pet Store. This store is loaded with tons of different and rare fish from oddballs, rare fish, nano fish species, turtles,...

12/23/2024

Please, think of the commitment

12/21/2024

Red eye tree frogs
Whites tree frogs
Mossy tree frogs
All available
PM FOR INFO!!

We're thrilled to share this 5-star review from one of our amazing customers:"Crosstown Exotics put on an unforgettable ...
12/19/2024

We're thrilled to share this 5-star review from one of our amazing customers:

"Crosstown Exotics put on an unforgettable show! The kids loved getting up close with the reptiles and bugs, and the team was so knowledgeable and entertaining. Perfect for parties or events—highly recommend!" 🐍🕷️

Your feedback means the world to us! If you’ve had a great experience with Crosstown Exotics, we’d love to hear from you. 📝 Leave us a review and help us spread the word about our wild, hands-on educational entertainment!

👉 Click here to share your thoughts: http://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJ_VFUS_JrDogRLVDrg5fokzE

Thank you for supporting us and our critters! 🦎🐢

Big thanks to the Matteson Fire Department for having Crosstown Exotics at your Christmas party! We had an amazing time ...
12/18/2024

Big thanks to the Matteson Fire Department for having Crosstown Exotics at your Christmas party! We had an amazing time sharing our reptiles and bugs with your team and their families. 🦎🐍🐛

Looking to add a unique and unforgettable experience to your next event? Whether it’s a birthday party, school, library, or corporate event, Crosstown Exotics brings hands-on educational entertainment to all of Chicagoland!

Book your show today and make your event one to remember!

🌐 Visit our website at www.crosstownexotics.com

Let’s bring the wild to YOU!

Meet the Incredible Caiman Lizard! 🦎Did you know that the caiman lizard is one of the most fascinating reptiles in the w...
12/17/2024

Meet the Incredible Caiman Lizard! 🦎

Did you know that the caiman lizard is one of the most fascinating reptiles in the world? These semi-aquatic lizards, native to South America, thrive in swampy regions where they spend much of their time swimming and hunting for their favorite snack—snails!

What’s even more remarkable? The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago was the first facility in the world to successfully breed caiman lizards in captivity! This groundbreaking achievement highlights just how important places like the Shedd are for conservation and education about these unique animals.

At Crosstown Exotics, we love showcasing reptiles like the caiman lizard to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. These colorful, armored reptiles aren’t just beautiful—they’re also a perfect example of nature’s ingenuity and adaptability.

Have you ever seen a caiman lizard up close? Share your reptile stories with us! 🦎

12/16/2024
🎅🐾 Who Brings Their Pets to See Santa? 🐾🎄We want to know—do you include your scaly, furry, or feathery family members in...
12/15/2024

🎅🐾 Who Brings Their Pets to See Santa? 🐾🎄

We want to know—do you include your scaly, furry, or feathery family members in the holiday fun? Whether it’s dogs in festive sweaters, cats (maybe reluctantly!) posing with the big guy, or even your reptiles chilling on Santa’s lap, we’d love to hear about it! 🦎🐶🐱

Drop a pic or share your story in the comments below. Bonus points for anyone who takes their exotic pets to see Santa—we’re looking at you, reptile lovers! 🐍📸

Let’s see those adorable holiday photos! 🎁✨

🎄🐍 Bring the Wild to Your Holiday Party! 🕷️🎅Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to make your holiday or Christmas...
12/14/2024

🎄🐍 Bring the Wild to Your Holiday Party! 🕷️🎅

Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to make your holiday or Christmas party a hit? Crosstown Exotics has you covered! 🦎✨ This past weekend, we had an absolute blast bringing exotic reptiles and fascinating bugs to the Christmas parties of some of Chicagoland's finest fire departments! 🚒❤️

🔥 Special shoutout to Bedford Park Fire Department, Evergreen Park Fire Department, and Wood Dale Fire Department for hosting us—your teams were incredible, and the smiles on everyone’s faces said it all!

From slithery snakes to colorful lizards and creepy-cool crawlers, we deliver hands-on educational entertainment that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you're hosting a family-friendly get-together, a work event, or just want something truly memorable, Crosstown Exotics will make it a party to remember! 🎁🐢

📅 Dates are filling up fast, so don’t wait—contact us now to book your wild holiday experience! www.crosstownexotics.com

Sign up for our next class at the Frankfort Park District Thursday, February 27, 2025⋅6:00 – 7:00pm Here are some photos...
12/13/2024

Sign up for our next class at the Frankfort Park District Thursday, February 27, 2025⋅6:00 – 7:00pm

Here are some photos from last week's Frankfort Critter Class!
Park District

12/12/2024

Crested geckos on super sale!!
PM FOR INFO!!

Address

Mokena, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 9pm
Tuesday 12pm - 9pm
Wednesday 12pm - 9pm
Thursday 12pm - 9pm
Friday 12pm - 9pm
Saturday 12pm - 9pm
Sunday 12pm - 9pm

Telephone

+18157154815

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Crosstown Exotics posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Crosstown Exotics:

Videos

Part 2 of the reptile facility update! The driveway has been installed, all of the vision cages have been cleaned and now it’s time to create the layout for the enclosures. Like to see more updates 🐢 #behindthescenes #reptilezoo #reptileeducation #update #homerenovation #reptilefacility

🌍🐢 Celebrate World Wildlife Day with Mr. Buttsworth! 🐢🌍This World Wildlife Day, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our most unique and beloved animal ambassadors—Mr. Buttsworth, the Pancake Tortoise! 🥞🐢Unlike most tortoises, Mr. Buttsworth doesn’t have a heavy, domed shell. Instead, he has a flat, flexible shell that lets him squeeze into tight crevices among the rocky outcrops of his East African homeland. This incredible adaptation keeps him safe from predators—but sadly, Pancake Tortoises like Mr. Buttsworth face serious challenges in the wild.🔴 Did You Know? • Pancake Tortoises are listed as Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal collection for the pet trade. • They’re native to Kenya and Tanzania, where their populations are shrinking rapidly. • Each female lays only 1–2 eggs at a time, making it difficult for wild populations to recover.At Crosstown Exotics, we’re passionate about spreading awareness and inspiring action for animals like Mr. Buttsworth. By learning about his story, we hope to encourage everyone to appreciate wildlife and support conservation efforts.How Can You Help?🌱 Support organizations working to protect wildlife and their habitats.📚 Learn about endangered species and share their stories.🚫 Say no to the illegal wildlife trade.This World Wildlife Day, let’s honor incredible creatures like Mr. Buttsworth and commit to protecting them for future generations!Book a show with Crosstown Exotics to meet Mr. Buttsworth and other amazing animal ambassadors. Together, we can make a difference! #WorldWildlifeDay #WildlifeConservation #CrosstownExotics #PancakeTortoise #EndangeredSpecies

It's taken several months, but our new facility is coming along great! Here's a look at what we've accomplished so far! Thanks again to our friends and family for their time and help! Like to see more updates 🐢 #behindthescenes #reptilezoo #reptileeducation #update #homerenovation

Did you know the weight of the world's insect population is about 70 times that of the current human population! Crosstown Exotics bug shows provides educational hands-on experinces with earth's creepy crawlies. If you would like more about our bug shows, Check out www.crosstownexotics.com #insects #animalovers #arachnid #bugparty #birthdayparty #bugwrangler #bugshow

Everyone gets a turn!

Cute moments with Mikey

Don't be salty, it's World Croc Day! 🐊 • • • #WorldCrocDay #crocodile #reptiles #animals #exotics #crosstownexotics

Swipe right, Swipe right! 🐸😂 #swiperight #toad #spring #toads #nature

Wanda our female Caiman Lizard #caimanlizard #lizards

Bring the outdoors indoors & learn up close about the critters that make this world incredible! 🦎 Sign up for our Critter Classes with your local park district!

Trick or Treat event at Hellsgate Haunted House #drafts #hellsgatehauntedhouse #hauntedhouse #halloween #reptiles #tortoise #sulcata

Happy New Year!!! Looking forward to all the excitement coming in 2024! 🐢🐊🦎🐍 #2023recap #happynewyear #2023 #rewind #reptiles #crosstownexotics #reptileshow

Shortcuts

Share

Category