Visiting Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo: A Sauk County Family Favorite
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Baraboo, it’s hard to beat a visit to Ochsner Park Zoo. This small but charming zoo is tucked right inside Ochsner Park and perfect for younger kids who don’t need a full-day zoo experience.
My son and I honestly end up here almost once a week when the weather is nice (that includes the fall and warmer winter days). It’s easy, it’s local, and there’s always something fun for kids to see or do.
Ochsner Park Zoo Quick Info
- ⏱️ Time Needed: 30 minutes – 2 hours
- 📍 Location: Baraboo, WI
- 💲 Cost: Free
- 🐐 Animals: Goats, donkeys, bears, otters, birds & more
- 🛝 Playground: Yes
- 🚻 Bathrooms: Yes (usually clean and well kept)
- 🧺 Picnic Areas: Yes
- 👶 Best for Ages: Toddlers through elementary
What the Zoo Is Like (Setting Expectations)
The Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo, WI isn’t a destination zoo and that’s actually why a lot of families love it.
It first opened in 1926 with just two bear cubs and two deer fawns. Today it has 30+ animal species and is a USDA licensed facility and member of the Wisconsin Municipal Zoo Associates.
But overall, it’s still a small, simple zoo. You can walk through the whole thing pretty quickly, and there aren’t huge exhibits like you’d see in Milwaukee or Madison.
It’s best thought of as:
- a quick animal stop
- something to pair with the park
- an easy weekday outing
Feeding the Animals (Our Favorite Part)
This is the highlight for a lot of kids.
You can feed the goats and the donkey, and my son would do this until I ran out of quarters if I let him. You can also throw food pebbles in to the prairie dogs and it’s so cute watching them pick up the food with their little paws.
Mom Tip: Bring Quarters
There are pellet machines to buy food but they take quarters.
And a little insider tip:
The machine by the donkey usually gives out more pellets. Not sure why, but it does.
The Playground, Picnic Areas, and Bathrooms
Right next to the zoo is a great playground, which is honestly just as big of a draw as the animals.
There are also:
- picnic tables and shelters
- plenty of space to sit and relax
- actual bathrooms (and they’re usually pretty clean)
It’s really easy to pack snacks or lunch and stay awhile.
Trails, Splash Pad & Exploring Nearby
Another great aspect to Ochsner Park Zoo is everything around it.
There’s a walking trail that takes you down to Lower Ochsner Park, and you can cross Manchester Stree Bridge to Attridge Park, where the splash pad is located.
It’s a great area if your kids like to explore or if you just want to walk a bit after being at the playground.
Walkable to Downtown Baraboo
You can park right at the park, but it’s also walkable to downtown Baraboo, which makes it easy to turn into a bigger outing.
We’ve done a morning at the zoo and then walked downtown to the farmer’s market for a treat or coffee which makes for a sweet Saturday morning.
Events at Ochsner Park
They also host a few family-friendly events throughout the year, like:
- Zoo Crew
- Party Like an Animal (annual birthday celebration for the animals)
- A Halloween trick-or-treat event
- and more!
What to Know Before You Go
A few things that are helpful to know:
- Bring quarters for feeding the animals
- It’s a small zoo so plan to pair it with the park or nearby spots
- The playground is a big part of the visit
- Easy to combine with downtown Baraboo
- Great for a quick outing or a slower morning
More Things to Do with Kids in Sauk County
Looking for more ideas? Check out:
- Best Sledding Hills in Sauk County
- Local Libraries in Sauk County for Kids
- Cheap & Free Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells
- Summer Parades in Sauk County
Have You Been to Ochsner Park Zoo?
If you’ve been, what do your kids love most?
I’m always updating this guide with local recommendations!
