If you’re an animal lover living in the Milwaukee area, then you’re in for a treat!
Petting zoos are a wonderful way to get up close and personal with a variety of adorable creatures, and lucky for us, there are plenty of great options to choose from in the area.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or just a chance to hang out with some furry friends, we’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the best zoos & petting zoos in and around Milwaukee and what makes them so special.
1. Shalom Wildlife Zoo
1901 Shalom Dr., West Bend, WI 53090
Shalom Wildlife Zoo features three miles of looping trail through which you can walk or drive a golf cart. You’ll observe deer, elk, bison, wolves, and more in an expansive natural environment. (In the Springtime, be on the lookout for new baby animals!)
2. Green Meadows Petting Farm
33603 High Dr. (Hwy 20), East Troy, WI 53120
(262) 534-2891
greenmeadowsfarmwi.com
Green Meadows offers a hands-on, interactive learning experience that can last the whole day. Kids can pet, feed, and in some cases even hold the farm animals, including baby chicks, bunnies, and goats. They can also milk a cow if they’re up for it! Don’t miss the kitten barn, filled with sweet, soft kittens for petting and cuddling. There are also pony, wagon, and hay rides.
Don’t miss the playground that includes a fire truck the kids can climb, wooden wagons, and a John Deere tractor with a slide.
The farm typically opens for the season in early May.
3. Bear Den Zoo & Petting Farm
6831 Big Bend Rd., Waterford, WI 53185
beardenzoo.com
This family-owned zoo houses traditional farm animals like baby chicks, goats, and cows. They are also the perfect blend of local wildlife and more exotic animals like lemurs, kangaroos, and llamas. Kids can pet and interact with almost all of the animals.
4. Concord General Store and Zoo (FREE!)
N6485 County Rd. F, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
concordgeneralstore.com
Concord General Store is a gas station, but it’s so much more than that. You’ll find organic snacks, local coffee, and a petting zoo. There is no admission fee, and you can pet and feed the ponies, goats, and pigs. It’s the perfect pit stop on the way to Madison, or as it’s own destination for a fun-filled morning or afternoon.
This small, charming zoo is home to a hundred different species of animals, and it’s perfect for young children who are having a first-time zoo experience. It’s located right along the shores of Lake Michigan, so you can make it a full day trip with a stop at nearby North Beach.
Bring the whole family on a Zoorific Saturday to enjoy themed crafts, exciting games, and other activities all day long (FREE with regular zoo admission). Stop by stations with Conservation Education Specialists for educational programming.
6. Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
The Milwaukee County Zoo is home to over 200 wooded acres and more than 2,000 animals. You’ll come face to face with giant elephants, looming giraffes, roaring lions, bears resting in hammocks, swinging monkeys, a sweet red panda, Happy the Hippo, and more.
Visit the Family Farm and petting zoo, feed a giraffe, go on a virtual reality Gorilla Trek, ride the old-fashioned carousel, and take a charming ride on the Safari Train.
Related: Wisconsin Humane Society
Milwaukee Campus – 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208, (414) 264-6257
Ozaukee Campus – 630 W. Dekora St., Saukville, WI 53080, (262) 377-7580
wihumane.org
The Wisconsin Humane Society hosts events for kids to learn about their organization and meet the animals. Read about the Wisconsin Humane Society’s youth programs here.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
