Henry Vilas Zoo
Zoo
Vilas, Madison
"It's the best, free zoo I've ever visited."(14 Tips)
"We loved eating in the Glacier Cafe & watching the Polar Bears."(6 Tips)
"Free admission and never really crowded."(4 Tips)
"Great zoo, can't wait until the new bear exhibit is done!"(3 Tips)
74 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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IshmaelDecember 28, 2015Don't be scared to go during the winter. Bears, red pandas, tiger, and penguins are all active. Warm up in the herpetarium and aviary.
It's free! Sometimes it seems like half of the place is empty but it's still worth coming to. Lots of activities for kids. Plus the different buildings have a lot to offer. I love the flamingos!
Tricia RaeSeptember 17, 2012Great experience for a free zoo (better than several we've paid to visit); had ages 3 to 12 with us and all loved it. Recommend to anyone site-seeing in Madison with kids.- Ashley CSeptember 13, 2015Considering that this zoo is free, it's fantastic. My 18 mth old daughter enjoyed it thoroughly. We loved eating in the Glacier Cafe & watching the Polar Bears. Bathrooms could use some TLC though.
Kyle LabowskiApril 1, 2017Excellent so, especially for the cost. Parking is hard to come by in the summer. The otters are almost never out, but the polar bears are great fun to watch!
Catador CavernarioAugust 3, 2021Cool thing: you will be able to see many animals like 🦁, 🐯, 🐻, 🦒, 🦭, etc. The bad: those animals are caged anyway, apart of their habitat, living in another ecosystem in a short space 😔
Danielle BrockmanApril 25, 2012Go early in the morning, like before 11 AM, when the animals are all awake. This zoo is free and is way better than any of the zoos I've paid admission for. Lots of different animals!
Free zoo! The new polar and grizzly bear exhibit is awesome. Visiting in the winter is fun too. Lots of indoor exhibits.
Lauren SigfussonAugust 25, 2015A great free zoo. If you get a snow cone ask for extra flavor, otherwise you'll pretty much just get ice.
Joanna MerrillMarch 9, 2015Nice place for families, and summer outings. Great location with plenty of room for picnics and exploring.
Zara QuamNovember 1, 2015The family friendly areas to strip never people being mean and or inappropriate when I go with my family
Samantha Nerison-RolingAugust 8, 2014Small parking lot, but a great zoo and conveniently located next to a park for the kids to enjoy!
Amy RobertsonSeptember 19, 2017Small but free. Also with a large playground. A good place to kill a couple hours
Awesome free zoo! The new arctic section in the back is great
madison.comJune 1, 2011Henry Vilas Zoo receives over 500,000 visitors annually & is one of a few free zoos in the world. For news, sports & entertainment on your mobile phone, including zoo news, download our free app! Read more
Christy SmithMay 31, 2010The tapir's name is Snorkle and is so cute! And prepare to smell like goat food all day if you feed them... But totally worth it.
Jason SymesAugust 18, 2013Visit the tapirs. I think they've been bullied into submission by the natural predator and neighbor the tiger. They could use some love.
Any proceeds from concession and gift shop sales go directly to the zoo!
Lisa MatsonApril 25, 2010Free admission and parking! This is a nice zoo, lots of animals and you MUST check out the Prarie dogs!
KC YoumJune 28, 2012don't go on a hot day during the summer! polar bear will not come out of its cave.
Kristin HarrisJuly 14, 2012FREE! Great place to take the whole family while pinching pennies. The food is good and not expensive.
- Just saw the ostrich lay an egg and make a nest. Awesome!
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"An institution in the neighborhood! Lots of indoor and covered outdoor seating options for pre/post/or during your Zoo adventures"
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