PETTING ZOOS WISCONSIN

Havens Petting Farm is an interactive petting zoo and event venue located in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, in Dane County, offering hands-on animal encounters in a warm, family-friendly setting. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the farm features a variety of farm animals that guests of all ages can meet and engage with up close. In addition to on-site visits, the farm operates a mobile petting zoo that travels to events throughout the region. Special programming includes goat yoga classes, themed events, birthday parties, corporate outings, and community gatherings. Discounts are available for seniors, veterans, and first responders, making the farm an accessible and welcoming destination for a wide range of visitors seeking a genuine farm animal experience.

FAWN-DOE-ROSA Wildlife Educational Park is a family-owned wildlife rehabilitation and educational park in Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin, in operation since 1963. The park shelters a diverse collection of animals including deer, goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, pigs, llamas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, geese, peacocks, and miniature ponies, alongside native wildlife such as wolves, lynx, Arctic foxes, river otters, porcupines, skunks, raccoons, turtles, and badgers. Many of the animals are rescues raised by the Hansen family in cooperation with wildlife conservationists, rehabilitators, and state agricultural authorities. Guided educational tours are available for school groups and summer programs, and visitors are encouraged to pet and hand-feed many of the friendly residents, creating a memorable learning experience for all ages.

Shamba Safari is a drive-through wildlife park located in Neshkoro, Marquette County, Wisconsin. Visitors travel a three-mile route through the park at a leisurely pace in their own vehicles, with opportunities to stop and feed the animals along the way. The park is home to an impressive array of species including Indian rhinos, zebras, prairie dogs, ostriches, elands, and various antelope. Open seasonally from May through Labor Day, Wednesday through Sunday, Shamba Safari offers an adventurous and up-close wildlife experience in the heart of rural Wisconsin.

The Farm is a family-oriented living museum of rural America established in 1965 near Sturgeon Bay in Door County, Wisconsin. Visitors step back in time through interactive experiences with farm animals including goats, lambs, piglets, and calves, with hands-on activities such as bottle-feeding young animals, milking goats, and watching chicks hatch. The attraction also showcases pioneer-era log buildings, vintage farm tools and implements, heritage gardens, field crops, and nature trails that offer a rich glimpse into traditional agricultural life. Rather than focusing on exotic species or conservation programming, The Farm emphasizes rural heritage education and the simple joy of connecting with domestic animals in a historic setting. Open seasonally from Memorial Day through the fall, The Farm is a cherished destination for families, school groups, and history enthusiasts seeking an authentic and charming taste of Door County farming heritage.

Green Meadows Petting Farm is a beloved family-owned agricultural attraction established in 1964 in East Troy, Wisconsin. Open Tuesday through Sunday, the farm offers visitors warm, close-contact experiences with a variety of animals in a relaxed countryside setting. Guests can enjoy hayrides and pony rides in addition to exploring the petting zoo, creating a classic rural outing for families with young children. The farm prides itself on its locally owned atmosphere emphasizing fun, relaxation, and accessible outdoor entertainment. Its long history as a Wisconsin tradition makes it a cherished destination for families and school groups seeking a wholesome, hands-on connection with farm animals just outside East Troy, a scenic community in Walworth County.

Rigden Ranch is a privately funded exotic animal facility established in 2021 in Franksville, Wisconsin, offering guests an intimate wildlife experience with more than 20 species of exotic animals. The ranch is known for its immersive hands-on encounters, including capybara meet-and-greets and popular camel caravan tours that wind through the property. Camel rental services are also available for off-site events. Each visit is conducted as a personalized guided tour, giving groups a close-up look at remarkable creatures in a welcoming rural setting. Rigden Ranch positions itself as a one-of-a-kind destination for those seeking a more personal and interactive animal experience beyond what a traditional zoo can offer.

Safari Lake Geneva is a family-owned, seasonal drive-through wildlife conservation park located just five miles from downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Founded by exotic animal expert Jay Christie, the park features a diverse collection of freely roaming animals including giraffes, llamas, buffalo, zebras, camels, yaks, and ostriches, with guests enjoying hand-feeding opportunities directly from their vehicles. VIP tours and group options are also available. The park operates from May 1 through October 31 and requires online reservations, offering a relaxed and intimate wildlife experience in the scenic Wisconsin countryside.

Wisconsin Deer Park is a beloved family attraction in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, with more than 50 years of history welcoming visitors to hand-feed and interact with over 100 deer and other wildlife. Guests explore scenic wooded trails and encounter animals at various stages of life, from playful newborn fawns to fully grown adults, all in a relaxed and accessible setting. The park emphasizes direct, hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to feed, pet, and photograph the animals up close, making it a memorable outing for children and adults alike. Handicap accessible and open seasonally from mid-April through late October, the park maintains extended summer hours from 9 AM to 7 PM. A gift shop offers souvenirs for visitors to take home. Located at 2183 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, it remains a cherished stop for families exploring the Wisconsin Dells area.

Timbavati Wildlife Park is a family-friendly zoological park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, home to over 400 animals representing more than 75 species. The park is organized into immersive themed areas including the Waterfalls, Grasslands, and Woodlands zones, and features big cats, primates, giraffes, rhinoceroses, red pandas, sloths, kangaroos, and a wide variety of exotic birds. Visitors enjoy hands-on experiences such as the historic Safari Train Ride, giraffe feeding encounters, and up-close animal interactions. The park also hosts birthday parties, school field trips, and special seasonal events. Operating from May through October each year, Timbavati is a ZAA-member facility committed to professional standards of animal care and welfare. Its combination of diverse species, interactive experiences, and engaging exhibits makes it a popular destination for families visiting the Wisconsin Dells area.

Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Safari is Wisconsin's second-largest zoo, located in the Northwoods near Minocqua in Oneida County, and home to over 1,700 animals representing 229 species. The park features a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including snow leopards, African penguins, giraffes, zebras, gibbons, siamangs, kudu, wildebeest, oryx, and many more exotic and domestic species. Visitors can experience the Giraffe Serengeti feeding station, the Safari Tram for guided tours of the open savanna areas, the Parakeet Encounter for a colorful hands-on bird interaction, and a petting area with goats, sheep, camels, and kangaroos. The park's safari grounds showcase animals from across Africa and around the globe in beautifully maintained habitats. Set amid the lakes and forests of northern Wisconsin, Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Safari is a premier family destination offering an exceptional wildlife adventure in the heart of the Northwoods.

Mulberry Lane Farm is a USDA-licensed seasonal petting zoo and agricultural attraction located in Hilbert, Wisconsin, open from May through October. The farm invites visitors to meet and interact with a wide array of animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, geese, donkeys, and kittens, offering hands-on experiences such as milking a cow, catching a chicken, kissing a pig, cuddling a kitten, and hand-feeding goats. Guests can also enjoy hayrides and pick pumpkins from the farm's autumn patch. Mulberry Lane Farm hosts school field trips, birthday parties, corporate outings, church gatherings, family reunions, and barn weddings, making it a versatile agritourism destination in Calumet County. Spring brings a special focus on baby farm animals, while fall features harvest celebrations and Halloween-themed events.

Glacier Rock Farms is a family-operated petting zoo and event venue located in Ixonia, Wisconsin, conveniently situated between Milwaukee and Madison. Founded in 2000 by Bob and Lori Schilling and their family, the farm offers interactive animal encounters and hands-on farm activities for guests of all ages. The venue is especially popular for educational school field trips, described by the farm as offering unforgettable classroom adventures, as well as private birthday parties, scout meetings, and family gatherings held year-round. Glacier Rock Farms operates seasonally, with spring Sunday hours, summer Thursday through Saturday availability, and special seasonal events including an Enchanted Christmas experience, making it a warm and welcoming destination for families looking to connect with farm animals in the heart of southern Wisconsin.

Plamann Park Children's Farm is a beloved free-admission seasonal farm attraction located within Plamann Park in Appleton, Wisconsin, managed by Outagamie County Parks. Open each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Children's Farm has welcomed families since 1989 and hosts over 10,000 children and adults annually. Young animals on loan from local farms each summer include calves, kid goats, lambs, piglets, bunnies, a donkey, and llamas, giving visitors an up-close look at baby farm animals in a gentle, educational setting. Animals are outdoors daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting. The Children's Farm is part of the broader Plamann Park complex, which also offers disc golf, hiking trails, and a swimming beach, making it an ideal all-day family destination in the Fox Cities region of Wisconsin.

Bear Den Zoo and Petting Farm is a licensed family petting zoo located in Waterford, Wisconsin, open on weekends from Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The farm is home to a friendly assortment of animals including kittens, chicks, bunnies, calves, llamas, and goats, along with seasonal special guests that rotate throughout the year. Bear Den Zoo prioritizes the health and comfort of its animals, closing during rain or extreme heat to ensure their wellbeing. The facility is federally and state licensed and inspected, and holds membership in the Wisconsin Zoo Association, reflecting its commitment to responsible animal care. Visitors pay cash on-site and enjoy hands-on interaction with the resident animals in a relaxed, countryside setting in southeastern Wisconsin.

Animal Haven Farm Zoo is a sprawling 30-acre walk-through zoo located in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, home to more than 100 animal species from around the world. Visitors can stroll through mature trees and open pastures to encounter lions, tigers, bears, camels, zebras, wallabies, wolves, buffalo, emus, ostriches, llamas, deer, and a wide assortment of barnyard animals. One of the highlights is the opportunity to hand-feed many of the animals, with corn, granola, and carrots available for purchase on-site. The zoo also features a concession stand, gift shop, game room, picnic area, and playground, making it a well-rounded outing for families. Educational displays throughout the grounds highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and responsible animal care.

Racine Zoo is an AZA-accredited family-oriented zoological park located at 2131 North Main Street in Racine, Wisconsin, featuring a diverse collection of amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo is deeply committed to conservation, supporting the 96 Elephants Campaign, giraffe and orangutan protection initiatives, and participating in the AZA SAFE program. Family programming is a highlight, with Wild Birthday Parties, zoo camps, Slumber Safari overnights, educational field trips, and themed Saturday activities offering crafts and games. Seasonal events such as Boo at the Zoo and Christmas in July draw community members throughout the year. Members benefit from reciprocal access to other zoos nationwide. With its blend of wildlife education, conservation commitment, and community spirit, Racine Zoo is a treasured destination on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Wilderness Walk Zoo is a family-friendly wildlife attraction nestled in the Northwoods of Hayward, Wisconsin, billing itself as a beloved regional tradition. Visitors can interact with a variety of animals including lemurs, goats, and fawns, with hands-on encounters like petting goat kids making it especially popular with younger guests. The zoo offers educational programming, guided experiences, and animal encounters designed to connect families with wildlife in a natural, forested setting. Season passes and online ticketing make it easy to return throughout the season, and its scenic Northwoods location adds to the charm of a visit.

NEW Zoo and Adventure Park is a dynamic wildlife and outdoor recreation destination located on 43 acres within the Brown County Reforestation Camp near Green Bay, Wisconsin. The zoo is home to an impressive collection of animals including red pandas, lions, giraffes, African penguins, snow leopards, Japanese macaques, moose, river otters, and bald eagles, with interactive feeding experiences available for giraffes, penguins, and otters. Beyond the animal exhibits, the Adventure Park offers ziplines, a ropes course, a climbing wall, a kids course, and the Neil Anderson Canopy Tour, a treetop walk that bridges the park and zoo over animal habitats. Open year-round and offering gemstone mining, picnic areas, and a gift shop, NEW Zoo and Adventure Park combines wildlife appreciation with outdoor adventure for visitors of all ages.

Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo is a charming, free-admission zoo located in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, offering families a delightful encounter with both domestic and exotic animals in a beautifully landscaped setting. The zoo is home to zebras, ostriches, lemurs, red kangaroos, coatis, Arctic foxes, and a variety of birds, as well as a popular petting zoo area where children can hand-feed goats, sheep, llamas, and a cow. Visitors enjoy well-maintained grounds featuring picnic areas, a play area, and shelter facilities. Open seasonally, the zoo provides a peaceful and accessible outing for residents of central Wisconsin, blending education and recreation in a family-friendly environment. Its welcoming atmosphere and diverse resident animals make it a treasured community institution.

Animal Gardens Petting Zoo is a 40-acre family entertainment venue situated between Delavan and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The attraction is home to 16 species of exotic animals and over 40 hay-eating animals that guests can pet, hold, and feed directly. Highlights include a scenic train ride through wildlife exhibits featuring both Wisconsin-native and exotic species, a pond area, manicured walking trails, and complimentary pony rides for children aged 12 and under weighing 80 pounds or less. Operating seasonally from May through October, Tuesday through Sunday, the venue offers two ticket packages to suit different interests. Animal Gardens is part of the Dancing Horses Theatre complex, adding to the variety of entertainment available on the grounds, and has earned recognition as a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice attraction.