Henry Vilas Zoo 4.0 (reviews)

Madison, WI Zoos & Wildlife Unclaimed

henry vilas zoo madison wisconsin free entry zoo for kids

About Henry Vilas Zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo is around 30 acres of family fun with a wide range of animals, rides, activities and recreation for all ages and abilities. You know what else we love? The zoo is FREE to enter, so everyone can have an animal-tastic time.

Are you excited to explore the exhibits that you can enjoy during your time at Henry Vilas Zoo? Let's get started!

Why not start your journey in a tropical rainforest? The Tropical Rainforest Aviary gives you an immersive experience as you surround yourselves with tropical plants and fish, as well as beautiful birds all around you in a free-flight setting.

Just outside this popular exhibits, you can watch the otters swim in the waterfall!

Love big cats? Great! Henry Vilas Zoo is home to Amur tigers and African lions, with their enclosures mimicking the wild. You might be lucky and hear them having a conversation with each other!

The Discovery Center and Herpetarium offer some intriguing species from the cold-blooded family. Don't miss seeing the Anaconda - the largest snake species in the world!

Also at the Discovery Center is great hands-on learning exhibits for kids.

The family can explore the North American Prairie complete with bison and prairie dogs, or brave the cold of the Arctic Passage and see polar bears and harbor seals up close!

The Children's Zoo Barn is a 3,500 square foot ecological wonder, well worth getting the kids to stop and appreciate the solar panels, geothermal technology and rain collection system involved, before you enjoy the farm animals and feed the goats.

With a carousel and adventure play area too, it's all about giving the family an incredible day out filled with animal fun and educational experiences. Why not take a walk on your wild side and visit Henry Vilas Zoo on your next family day out.

You never know who you might just meet!

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Adults Free, but donations greatly accepted

Children Same as adult

Last Update 2022

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Henry Vilas Zoo FAQ’s

Doing our bit

Not for profit, free admission facility which depends on your expenditures and donations so put your hand in your pocket please! They also lead by example in reducing energy use and conserving natural resources through several initiatives on the zoo grounds, such as recycling waste, using recycled paper, composting animal waste, using an electric vehicle, solar power, rainwater collection, biodegradable cups at the concessions, & more!

I’m Hungry! Can I get food at Henry Vilas Zoo?

The Concessions stand is open daily, weather permitting, April through October. Zoo concessions offers a wide range of great snacks and meal choices at reasonable costs which then go toward supporting the zoo.

Does Henry Vilas Zoo have a gift shop?

There is of course a gift shop open daily from 9:30am-5:00pm (reduced hours in winter) where you can pick up all the gifts and merchandise that you want!

Teachers corner

As an admission-free, community-supported zoo, the Henry Vilas Zoo welcomes numerous groups from area schools, churches, after school programs, and more.