henry vilas zoo

fceteacher

We love zoos and to find such a quality one with no admission charge is fantastic! lots of families, kitschy little photo ops, picnic area, lots of exhibits and they are renovating to make it even better.

GabbieB1

This was a wonderful distraction. Would be great for someone with kids, I think they would get wore out pretty quick.

MP224

Granted, we went in October, so it was chilly out, but there was an orangutan with a blanket, just sitting outside, the animals all looked sad. It was empty and sparse... and sad. And sad. Really, really sad.But hey, it's free.

UPRGNBD

This is a very nice small low key zoo that is well worth your time to stop by a visit. It is located close to down town and the UW Madison campus. There is also a lake with a beach and plenty of picnic areas just outside the gates of the zoo. This is a great place to spend the day with the family.

511andyg

Fun winter visit and kept free for all through generous donations! I don't enjoy seeing caged animals but when conservation is the focus it makes it easier.

kienw2014

I live in Madison and it's great that they have a zoo that anyone can access for free year round. It's also expanding, so that's good tlnews too!

MadisonLovetotravel

A "Must Do" for any one in town for a visit. It's FREE admission and parking. Also has picnic area with a nice sand beach.

MadWIExpTraveler

Not your big overblown Zoo experience. Very accessible for children. Near Wingra Lake and Park for a bit of running around. Don't forget to search out the Old Shoe slide. Iconic piece of magic.

clariBarcelona

The Henry Vilas Zoo is a real gem: never too crowded, pleasant, and it seems genuinelly concerned about the wellbeing of the animals. It is a safe place for children to run and learn. Great family outing

331eileenc

Great place for an outing with the children. There is also a park close by to have a picnic with the family.

Michele1012013

Can't beat the price (free), fun for the whole family. Parking is often tricky, but worth it...nice to have a beach and park right there, too! I would love to see more animals return like elephants...but the giraffes, camels, seals, lions and tigers and monkeys are favorites,. Not to mention the children's play area, train and carousel.

ChadK32

If you are traveling with small children and want to knock around for an hour or two, this small local zoo always has something fun. The indoor exhibit are getting upgrades, so if you have not been there for a while it is worth another visit.

beemergal60859

This is a free zoo with some quality animal exhibits in a beautiful setting on Lake Wingra. Its a great place to spend three hours, grab a treat and enjoy the parklike setting.

kenobum

A enjoyable zoo for a for family visit. It has a petting zoo for the little ones and a variety of large animals. A great zoo that doesn't have an admission fee.

GaryB777

This zoo may not be as big or new as others in larger cities, but it is a great place to take children for an enjoyable day. There are enough animals that at least one will fascinate a child, the grounds are not so big as to be more than child can walk, and there are areas for having a picnic lunch as well as playgrounds in the adjacent park. We love to take our grand children there!