Best Petting Zoos and Wildlife Parks in Wisconsin
Zoos are well-loved destinations for families, offering both entertainment and educational opportunities for kids and adults alike. From the wonder of seeing exotic animals up close to the joy of petting furry friends, these attractions offer great opportunities for bonding and discovery.
Follow along as we explore charming petting zoos right here in Sauk County and venture further to discover other cool animal encounters across the state. We’ll also highlight some of our favorite zoos that offer unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Petting Zoos in Sauk County, WI
Ochsner Park Zoo
Located near downtown Baraboo, Ochsner Park Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience for families. Kids can enjoy up-close encounters with these friendly creatures: goats, pigs, a llama, donkey, and chickens. You can also watch other interesting wildlife like two playful otters, a set of emus, bears, an arctic fox, and more. Its cozy atmosphere and diverse range of animals make for a delightful visit, particularly for younger visitors.
While it may not be worth a long journey solely for the zoo, Ochsner Park Zoo serves as a fun pit stop for those exploring the area. Whether you’re a local resident or passing through Baraboo, this quaint zoo offers a pleasant and memorable experience for all ages.
In addition to its animal exhibits, Ochsner Park Zoo features amenities such as picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a perfect destination for a family outing or a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Ski Hi Fruit Farm
One of our favorite weekly visits during the summer is the adorable petting farm at Ski Hi Fruit Farm in the picturesque countryside of Baraboo. The petting zoo farm is open throughout the apple season and home to goats, a llama, chickens, pigs, a donkey, calf, and more! Our family always has a fantastic time while visiting here (and of course getting a treat from inside the market).
Timbavati Wildlife Park
The focus of Timbavati Wildlife Park is on providing guests with a safari-like experience where they can learn about and observe animals in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments. While it’s not classified as a traditional petting zoo, the park offers numerous opportunities for hands-on experiences. Visitors can feed giraffes, goats, and other animals using cones of animal feed available for purchase. Timbavati Wildlife Park is also home to a variety of exotic wildlife from around the world. Visitors can encounter fascinating animals such as zebras, antelopes, camels, kangaroos, lemurs, and more.
Visitors are invited to engage with animals through a variety of interactive encounters. From the delightful parakeet aviary, where you can feed and observe colorful birds up close, to the exhilarating camel rides and the unique opportunity to step into the kangaroo’s habitat, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences awaiting guests.
In addition to the captivating wildlife experiences, one thing that really stuck out about Timbavati Wildlife Park, to me, was the stunning floral displays throughout the park. They had such vibrant gardens that it felt like a rain forest!
Wisconsin Deer Park
Wisconsin Deer Park, located in Wisconsin Dells, offers visitors a unique opportunity to interact with and observe deer in a natural setting. Unlike traditional zoos, Wisconsin Deer Park allows guests to feed and pet the deer, providing a hands-on experience that is both educational and enjoyable. The park is home to a variety of deer species and other wildlife, including white-tailed deer and fallow deer, among others. Visitors can stroll along scenic walking paths and admire the majestic animals as they roam freely throughout the park.
Wisconsin Deer Park offers a memorable experience for families, nature enthusiasts, and animal lovers alike, making it a popular attraction in the Wisconsin Dells area.
Open mid-April til late October.
Other Petting Zoos in Wisconsin
Havens Petting Farm
Located in Blue Mounds, WI, Havens Petting Farm was opened to share the love of agriculture and farm life with those that otherwise don’t get to experience it. The Havens family welcomes you to host your birthday, reunion, picnic, or other event at their farm and even offers to bring the farm to you by way of their mobile petting farm.
Take a hay wagon ride tour through the sprawling farmland, pony ride that promises giggles and grins, or simply interact with the great variety of farm animals. From the sweetest, cuddly bunnies and playful farm cat to friendly donkeys, alpacas, and even a zebra, there’s no shortage of furry friends to meet and greet!
And the excitement continues as you can step right into the pen with the goats, ducks, chickens, and more! It’s a wonderful experience to get up close and personal with them.
Additionally, picnic tables and yard chairs are conveniently scattered throughout the area, perfect for enjoying a packed picnic or taking a well-deserved break.
I hear there’s plans to expand in the near future, and can’t wait to see what they add!
Concord Zoo
The Concord General Store is found at: N6485 CR-F Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066, just off I-94, and offers typical convenience items for travelers that have been sourced local. They also carry healthier, organic options as well as a cafe and kombucha on tap.
Adding to the uniqueness, there is a zoo located behind the store. Here, customers can find cows, miniature horses, alpacas, ducks, chickens, and many more different types of animals to befriend. The zoo was established in 2005 as a break for children and for their entertainment.
Open 9:00am to 8:30pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day, and 9:00am to 5:00pm after Labor Day. The zoo is free of charge, but hours may change, depending on weather conditions.
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Located at 33603 High Dr, East Troy , WI 53120, Green Meadows Petting Farm is a great place for a whole day of family fun!
Tons of animals to feed, pet, and possibly hold including:
- Alpacas, Llamas
- Bunnies, Chicks, Kittens,
- Cows, Donkeys
- Emus, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys
- Goats, Pigs, Sheep and more!
Their fun playground includes wooden wagons, a large tractor slide, and a climbing fire truck. Don’t miss out on their pony rides and hayrides. You’ll also find special fall activities including a corn maze and pumpkin picking.
The farm opens in May but check their website for daily schedules. During their season, they are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM-4PM (hayrides and pony rides ending at 2pm each day).
Mulberry Lane Farm
At Mulberry Lane Farm in Hilbert, visitors have the opportunity to interact and learn about farm animals through “hands-on” group and self-guided tours. Get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals, including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, geese, donkeys, and more!
Experience the magic of spring with the arrival of adorable baby animals, while summer invites family picnics and playground fun. Come fall, the farm transforms into a pumpkin paradise, offering FREE pumpkins for the picking from their pumpkin patch. Mulberry Lane Farm promises a fantastic experience for the whole family, any time of year.
You can even host your birthday parties, family reunions, or other corporate outings there!
Family Favorite Zoos in Wisconsin
Henry Vilas Zoo
Located in Madison, Wisconsin, Henry Vilas Zoo is a beloved destination for families seeking an up-close encounter with a variety of animals from around the world, each residing in carefully curated habitats designed to mimic their natural environments. While not a petting zoo, Henry Vilas Zoo offers numerous interactive experiences and opportunities for animal lovers to engage with zoo animals in a safe and educational environment.
The excitement doesn’t end with the animals at the zoo; located within the children’s zoo is a park with multiple slides and climbing structures. Young children can frolic and play to their heart’s content. Adding to the excitement is a charming carousel and an electric zoo train that winds its way around the perimeter of the children’s zoo, providing a whimsical experience for all ages. The carousel operates from April to October, while the train chugs along weather permitting, offering endless opportunities for joyous adventures.
If you work up an appetite, there is an indoor grille serving hot food. As you dine, the indoor restaurant overlooks the polar bear exhibit. This dining experience is a one-of-a-kind in the country! Be sure to make a pit stop at the gift shop before you leave, where you can find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your visit and cherish the memories for years to come.
Admission to the zoo is free and they are open year-round.
Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue
The Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue in Rock Springs, WI, is a sanctuary dedicated to providing lifelong care for big cats in need. It serves as a safe haven for exotic cats that have been rescued from various situations, including neglect, abuse, or abandonment. The sanctuary offers spacious enclosures and enriching environments tailored to the needs of each individual cat. Visitors have the opportunity to observe these majestic animals from a safe distance and learn about their stories and the importance of conservation efforts. The Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue also engages in educational programs to raise awareness about the challenges facing big cats in captivity and in the wild.
Open 10:00am-4:00pm everyday, May 30th thru Labor Day. View spring and fall hours here.
Menominee Park Zoo
Located in Oshkosh, WI, this charming zoo operates seasonally from the end of May through the end of September. Spanning approximately eight acres, the zoo is home to a diverse collection of 30-50 animals during the season. As the zoo strives for expansion and enhancement, plans for several significant, permanent exhibits are underway.
Conveniently nestled within Menominee Park on Oshkosh’s east side, the zoo offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. What’s more, thanks to a generous donation, admission is currently free of charge. It’s the perfect destination for a fun-filled day of exploration and discovery amidst nature’s wonders.
Shalom Wildlife Zoo
Home to over 800 animals, Shalom Zoo, in West Bend, offers a unique departure from the traditional zoo experience. With large natural habitats for many of its animal residents, the atmosphere here feels more like a park than a typical zoo.The typical visit lasts approximately 3-4 hours, To keep your energy levels high, feel free to bring your own refreshments as outside food and drink are permitted. Additionally, the Grizzly Grill is open for most days from May 1st to September 1st, offering a variety of dining options. Outdoor seating is available both at the Grizzly Grill and scattered throughout the zoo.
Known as “America’s largest petting zoo,” Shalom Zoo provides visitors with the opportunity to interact with and feed a wide variety of species. Covering four miles of gravel roads, the zoo allows for leisurely strolls, drive-thru experiences in your own vehicle, and golf cart rentals during select times of the year.
Consistently recognized for its excellence, Shalom Zoo has earned the distinction of being TripAdvisor’s #1 tourist attraction in the West Bend area for the past 15 consecutive years. Moreover, it holds the title of the highest-ranked zoo in Wisconsin and ranks in the top 10% of attractions worldwide according to TripAdvisor.
Wildwood Wildlife Park
Explore the wonders of Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari, boasting an impressive collection of over 1,700 animals, in Minocqua, WI. The entire family will enjoy the interactive experiences like hand-feeding many of the animals including goats, giraffes, sheep, deer, camels, and more. Guests also enjoy interacting with the parakeets
Additional attractions include Adventure Boats, Safari Tram Ride, and the Kiddie Train Ride. There’s also the William Gardner Education Center, a journey of exploration and learning that promises endless fascination for all who visit. It includes watching honey bees, exploring artifacts, peering through microscopes, and other cool displays.
What is a Petting Zoo?
In a petting zoo, visitors have the unique opportunity to interact directly with a variety of domesticated and sometimes even exotic animals in a controlled and supervised environment. Unlike traditional zoos where animals are often viewed from a distance, petting zoos provide a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to touch, feed, and sometimes even hold the animals. This interactive approach fosters a deeper connection between humans and animals, providing educational opportunities while also offering a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
These zoos typically feature a variety of animals known for their gentle demeanor and suitability for interaction with humans. They provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about animals up close, develop empathy and compassion for living creatures, and experience the joy of interacting with animals in a safe and supervised environment.
Examples of animals commonly found in petting zoos include:
- Goats: Perhaps the most iconic inhabitants of petting zoos, goats are friendly and sociable animals that enjoy interacting with visitors. They are often gentle and approachable, making them perfect candidates for petting and feeding.
- Sheep: With their soft woolly coats and docile nature, sheep are another popular attraction in petting zoos. Visitors can often feed them and sometimes even help with grooming or shearing demonstrations.
- Pigs: Pigs are intelligent and curious creatures that can be found in some petting zoos. Visitors may have the chance to interact with piglets or larger pigs, learning about their behavior and characteristics.
- Chickens and Ducks: Petting zoos often feature poultry such as chickens and ducks, allowing visitors to observe these birds up close and sometimes even collect freshly laid eggs.
- Rabbits and Guinea Pigs: These small, cuddly animals are often favorites among young visitors. Petting zoos may have designated areas where visitors can handle rabbits and guinea pigs under supervision.
- Alpacas and Llamas: With their gentle demeanor and unique appearance, alpacas and llamas are increasingly becoming popular attractions in petting zoos. Visitors can often feed them and learn about their wool-producing abilities.
These are just a few examples of the many animals that may be found in petting zoos. Each petting zoo offers its own unique collection of animals, providing visitors with a diverse and enriching experience.
In Wisconsin, several petting zoos offer opportunities for hands-on encounters with animals.
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