Timbavati Wildlife Park – Zoos in Wisconsin Dells
If you’re looking for a zoo in Wisconsin Dells that’s genuinely fun for both kids and adults, Timbavati Wildlife Park has become one of our family’s favorite places to visit.
We’ve had season passes for the past three years, and during the spring and early summer especially, we’re there constantly. My son never gets tired of feeding the giraffes, checking on the baby animals in the nursery, or running to see what’s new around the park each week.
Timbavati Wildlife Park is located on Wisconsin Dells Parkway, right across from Wisconsin Deer Park, so it’s an easy stop if your family loves animals and interactive experiences. What I personally love most is that it feels very doable with younger kids. There’s a lot to see, but it’s not overwhelming, and the hands-on experiences make it feel much more exciting than a typical zoo visit.
If you’re planning a Wisconsin Dells family trip and searching for animal attractions in Wisconsin Dells, this is one we recommend again and again.
Timbavati Wildlife Park in Wisconsin Dells
Timbavati Wildlife Park is home to a huge variety of animals and interactive experiences for kids and adults.
Unlike some zoos where you mostly observe from a distance, Timbavati is much more hands-on and engaging.
For our family, the biggest highlight every single visit is feeding the giraffes. My son never gets tired of handing carrots to them and watching their giant tongues grab the food.
We also love:
- walking through the kangaroo enclosure
- visiting the nursery to see the baby animals growing
- seeing the sloths
- laughing at the goats
- watching the penguins
- looking for excavators and construction projects happening around the park (IYKYK)
A Wisconsin Zoo That Works Really Well for Young Kids
One thing I really appreciate about Timbavati Wildlife Park is that it feels manageable with small children.
There’s a lot to see, but it’s not so overwhelming that you feel exhausted halfway through. The walking paths are easy, there’s shade throughout the park, and there are plenty of places to stop and take breaks.
There’s also a playground inside the zoo, which is such a great addition for kids (or parents) who need a quick break.
The overall layout makes it easy to spend anywhere from 2–4 hours there without feeling rushed.
The Giraffe Feeding Experience
If you visit Timbavati Wildlife Park, feeding the giraffes is absolutely something I would recommend budgeting for. It’s around $4 for a cup of carrots, but it’s one of the coolest animal experiences for kids in Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area.
Being able to get that close to the giraffes creates such a memorable experience for children of all ages. Honestly, adults get just as excited about it too.
The Kangaroo Walk-Through Area
Another family favorite is the walk-through kangaroo enclosure. It’s a unique opportunity and honestly one of the coolest things to do in Wisconsin Dells with kids.
Kids love being able to see the kangaroos up close and, if you’re really lucky, you might see a joey hopping around or peeking out of it’s mama’s pouch.
It’s definitely one of those core-memory type experiences.
The Old Riverview Waterpark Tower
One fun detail for locals is the tower inside the park. If you grew up visiting Wisconsin Dells in the 90s or early 2000s, you may remember the area as the old Riverview Waterpark.
Now the tower gives families a great overlook of the zoo and surrounding area, and climbing to the top has become part of our routine every time we visit.
Food, Picnic Areas, and What to Bring
Timbavati Wildlife Park does have a snack shack where you can purchase food and drinks, but one thing we personally love is that you can also bring your own lunch and snacks.
That makes such a difference for families, especially with younger kids who seem to need snacks often or families trying to keep the visit a little more budget-friendly.
There are plenty of picnic tables and shaded spots throughout the park, so packing your own lunch actually works really well. And bring a large water bottle for all the walking around! (Or stop at Bella Goose Coffee on the way)
Is the Train Ride Worth It?
The train ride is cute, especially for train-loving toddlers, but personally, I don’t think it’s necessary if you’re already planning to walk through the zoo. It’s fairly pricey, and you can easily see the animals on foot.
That said, we usually buy train tickets once each summer season because my son loves trains and it’s basically impossible to walk past it repeatedly without eventually giving in.
Why We Keep Getting Season Passes
Timbavati has become one of our go-to summer activities because:
- it just feels easy
- there’s enough variety to keep visits interesting
- I genuinely enjoy it too
- it gets us outside doing something different
The park really does feel more like an experience than just a quick zoo visit. Between the woodlands area, animal habitats, flowers and perennials throughout the property, a waterfalls area, and more it’s just a really enjoyable place to spend time.
Other Zoos and Animal Experiences Near Wisconsin Dells
If your family enjoys animal attractions, you may also want to check out:
We’ve shared guides on those experiences as well if you’re an animal lover planning more family adventures around Wisconsin.
Final Thoughts on Zoos in Wisconsin Dells
If you’re looking for the best zoo in Wisconsin Dells for families, Timbavati Wildlife Park is absolutely worth adding to your list.
Between giraffe feedings, kangaroos, penguins, playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and interactive experiences throughout the park, it’s one of the most enjoyable family attractions in Wisconsin Dells for both kids and adults.
Whether you’re on a Wisconsin Dells vacation or you’re local like us and looking for something enjoyable for the entire family, Timbavati Wildlife Park is one we continue recommending again and again.
