Kid-Favorite Petting Farms & Zoos Near Milwaukee
Milwaukee has no shortage of zoos, petting farms and animal sanctuaries to observe wildlife and interact with exotic animals, making for a fun day out for the whole family. Use our interactive map to find one near you!
If we've missed your favorite place to visit with animals, add it to the list! We count on these personal recommendations from real parents in our community to help us improve our parent-to-parent resource for all families.
For more outdoor family fun, check out our recommendations for the best gardens and nature centers around Milwaukee, and hiking games you can all play while you explore!
Racine Zoo
The Racine Zoo is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, and cares for approximately 75 different species of animals. It is dedicated to promoting awareness of conservation issues through engaging, educational, and entertaining zoo experiences, and the easy walk makes it a great way to spend time outdoors with everyone in the family.
Discovery World
Discovery World is a science and technology center located on Milwaukee's lakefront, with interactive exhibits & learning labs focusing on the Great Lakes, sound, physics, innovation, energy and machines. There is also the Kohl's Design It lab, where kids can see their idea come to life in 3D!
The Reiman Aquarium, which is part of the museum, features weird, wild, and colorful freshwater species from around the world, including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the rivers of the Amazon Basin, African Rift Lakes, and right here in the Great Lakes. Kids will especially love the touch tank.
Milwaukee County Zoo
Visit over 2,000 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles in specialized habitats spanning 200 wooded acres. Explore educational wildlife shows and fun attractions such as: Feed a Giraffe Experience, Seal & Sea Lion Show, Safari Train, Playground, Carousel & more! Swing by the Family Farm area of the Milwaukee County Zoo for an up close and interactive experience with native Wisconsin wildlife and farm animals.
Bear Den Zoo & Petting Farm
The Bear Den Zoo has a unique blend of exotic animals in addition to traditional farm animals and native wildlife. They also offer petting and feeding areas, a play area for kids, and a hayride.
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Come and meet all the furry (and feathered) friends at Green Meadows Petting Farm. From goats to chicks to horses (and more), their petting farm is full of animals that love to interact with visitors.
GEE Funny Farm
At GEE Funny Farm, anyone can become an animal trainer. This caring environment specializes in teaching children about how to interact with animals in fun educational programs on and off the farm. Open by appointment only.
Shalom Wildlife
At Shalom Wildlife, three miles of trails that allow for walking, driving-thru in your own car or renting a golf cart at different times of the year take you through multiple habitats housing Wisconsin natives such as bison, deer, wild sheep, elk, bear and more. Exotic animals, such as zebras, are even on display. They have a children's play area and picnic area. Special winter decorations are on display around Christmas.
Concord General Store & Zoo
This quirky little general store off Interstate 94 has a little bit of everything, including a zoo with farm animals that you can feed. Come for the zoo, stay for the organic snacks, high end coffee, and friendly service in the store.
Primary photo: Milwaukee County Zoo
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
