Keep a safe distance from other people, and, of course, the animals! As a family, we’ve now visited 54 different zoos, and continue to visit many more.Most days, the kids are extremely excited to see a new zoo – new animals, new layout, and of course a new gift shop – but other days I’ll admit that the adults in our house are just as entertained. All rights reserved. While the gift shop is one way to incorporate the zoo into your gift giving, it’s not the only way…but let’s start there. Bookstore. Restrictions are strictly enforced, and zoo parking lots have a three-hour parking limit. The zoo relies on support from the community to remain open and admission-free. That can be frustrating, however, most zoos can still take orders and mail gifts to you. Found in Janesville, this holiday light show is a great option from … And in some ways, it's not so bad. Farmers Market. One of the few FREE zoos in the country! If you forget to bring your mask, you will be given a paper mask and asked to wear it. Winter Weather Advisory . 10% discount at the Glacier Grille and in the Gift Shop. It typically takes between 45 minutes to one hour to get through the whole zoo. American Restaurant. i loved the elephants, but i'm glad to see them go as opposed to unchaining them and letting them live free and prosper. 185 reviews of Henry Vilas Park Zoo "its free. Fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, our beautiful zoo features exhibits and attractions for the whole family. Been going since I was little, and still enjoy it today! Tricia Pawelski December 2, 2012. Their all-new Zoo Lights experience will be brighter than ever before. $35 ADVOCATE – Great for students and young professionals, this individual membership gets you a 10% discount in the Glacier Grille and the gift shop, an invitation to our members-only events, and discounted admission to over 150 AZA-accredited zoos & aquariums across the U.S. $75 FAMILY – Enjoy benefits for your whole family. 702 S. Randall Avenue Madison, WI 53715. or. Education Contact:[email protected], Volunteer Contact:[email protected]. Hours: Weather permitting, the carousel and train open in March or April and run through the end of October from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily. The Glacier Grille is open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily beginning in April. The gift shop also conveniently offers disposable cameras, umbrellas, and rain coverlets to make your visit to the zoo as enjoyable as possible. Become a Member Learn more about our member perks! We are a free zoo, but donations are greatly appreciated. Not Now. Our selection ranges from fun and affordable keepsakes, toys, and crafts to fine, handcrafted gifts from around the globe. My favorites to watch … 249,798 check-ins. There are two entrances to the zoo, each with their own parking lot. Buses are prohibited from parking in single-vehicle parking areas within Vilas Park. Madison Metro has several routes that will bring you within five to six blocks of the zoo. Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. Great zoo amd free! 2021 Zoo School Learn more about our Zoo School program! Gift Shop. Everly. Been here 5+ times. 702 S. Randall Avenue … The Zoo is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all year round except some holidays. All visitors ages 5 and up are required to wear a face mask. All rights reserved. Closed Now. Follow the designated one-way path through the zoo. Art … 4. As an accredited AZA (Association of Zoos ... Our zoo employs a staff of zookeepers, gift shop cashiers, restaurant waitstaff, train and carousel attendees, and more! Current Henry Vilas Zoo Printable Coupons and Savings for the 2020 Season. Fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, our beautiful zoo features exhibits and attractions for the whole family! Yes, the gift shop has set up an outdoor shop for guests to visit. You can also find wild apparel for zoo fans of all ages! The Henry Vilas Zoo has gibbons, orangutans, colobus monkeys, and chimpanzees. American Restaurant . No, only service animals are allowed in the Zoo. Henry Vilas Zoo. Rotary Botanical Gardens Holiday Light Show. Winter Weather Advisory ... the zoo also offers discounts at their gift shop and Glacier Grille to guests who have a Bicycle Benefits sticker on their helmet in order to encourage guests who travel to the zoo via bicycle. 702 S Randall Ave (1,476.31 mi) Madison, WI, WI 53715. If you’d like help, please leave a donation in the donation tubes located throughout the zoo or donate online. The zoo features animals such as the Orangutan, white-handed Gibbon, Grizzly Bears, lions and alligators just to name a few. Cost: $2.00 per ride per passenger. See Alerts. Dine with the bears! Restroom doors are propped open to reduce touch points, and we are are reducing the risk for exposure by enhancing our already-stringent cleaning protocols. The Henry Vilas Zoo staff and volunteers will remove anyone who violates these guidelines. Learn More. In general, you will be able to see 80% of the animals you normally would be able to see including tiger, porcupine, giraffe, rhino, camels, flamingo, tortoise, bison, badger, seals, polar bears, grizzly bears, otters, capybara, and penguins. Stroller & Wheelchair Rental. The zoo is wheelchair and stroller accessible and both are available to rent in spring, fall and summer at the zoo’s gift shop near the main entrance on Drake St. and Randall Ave. Beer Bar. The electric train travels through a tunnel and around the perimeter of the Children’s Zoo animal exhibits and the Red Barn. For example, this Fall I ordered my wife a hoody reading: “This is My Zoo, These are my monkeys” from the Lincoln … Henry Vilas Zoo Membership Membership Benefits: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice . We encourage you to use the bus as an easy, environmentally-friendly alternative. Going to the zoo is a family event for us – and actually it’s become even greater than that. We stopped at just about every exhibit. New polar bear exhibit. We started at the primate house. Log In. Henry Vilas Zoo Employee Commuting. Forgot account? What animals can I see? 1 to 2 hours. Also two concrete lions that the kids love to take their picture with. Large selection of animals throughout the zoo. How long does it take to get through the whole zoo? Goat feeding is offered at the Children’s Zoo for a suggested donation when volunteers are available. Yes. Closed for the winter. It’s been a long year for everyone, but our client Henry Vilas Zoo is ending 2020 with their best Zoo Lights ever! Henry Vilas Zoo will host Zoo Lights on a walking tour through the Zoo this year. If necessary, masks are available for purchase in our gift shop. Community See All. © 2021 Henry Vilas Zoo. It managed and owned by the government of Madison, therefore, entrance and parking fees are free. The Henry Vilas Zoo is one of ten remaining free zoos in North America. PLAN YOUR VISIT Open daily from 9:30am – 5:00pm! Parking is free at the Henry Vilas Zoo, and visitors can take advantage of three parking lots. Thanks to generous contributions from members of the community, there is no charge for admission or parking, but donations are greatly appreciated! 608 266 4732 Date of experience : July 2017. It is closed on Monday – Friday. Find the perfect gift for the wildlife enthusiast or zoo fan in your life. For current availability, visit madison.bcycle.com. The indoor exhibits (Aviary, Herpetarium, Discovery Center, and Primate Building) and Children’s Zoo are open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. All parking regulations are enforced and citations may be issued without warning. May close early in winter due to weather. The primate house is the best animal housing at the zoo. Create New Account. Henry Vilas Zoo Gift Shop Find the perfect gift for the wildlife enthusiast or zoo fan in your life. All of our animals are given access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, so the animals on exhibit may change from day to day. Candy Store. It was time to come back to the Henry Vilas Zoo, and this time explore the ENTIRE zoo. The Henry Vilas Zoological Society, which has worked with the zoo and raised money for it since 1914 — and with the county since it took over ownership of the zoo from the city of Madison in the mid-1980s — will have to leave the zoo’s grounds when its contract expires March 31. Henry Vilas Zoo is a public zoo located in Madison, Wisconsin. Zoo School. 91,673 people follow this. NOTE: The carousel is currently closed due to COVID-19 precautions. © 2021 Henry Vilas Zoo. Gift & Speciality Shops in Madison ; Spas & Wellness in Madison ... cute, since it's a state symbol. If necessary, masks are available for purchase in the gift shop. Shopping District. Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant. Farmers Market. A punch-card for 24 FREE rides on the train or carousel. A beloved attraction in the Children’s Zoo, the Conservation Carousel began spinning in 2006. Mark Taylor April 5, 2014. The Zoo entrance, gift shop and concessions area have all been tastefully replaced. Parking is limited due to the zoo’s location and can be challenging on weekends and busy summer days. Those with electric vehicles can take advantage of a charging station on the south side of the zoo in the parking lot across from Vilas Park Beach. Henry Vilas Zoo, Savings and Zoo Park Description for 2020. Yes. Museums, Free. We didn't go into the bird house. Madison Chocolate Company. Is the gift shop open? Learn … The Glacier Grille is currently operating on winter hours and is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Education Contact:[email protected], Volunteer Contact:[email protected]. Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison: Hours, Address, Henry Vilas Zoo Reviews: 4.5/5 Click below to view and apply for open positions. Yes, you may bring in strollers or wagons. Also two concrete lions that the kids love to take their picture with. The two entities have now severed all ties and the zoo is moving on. Now for a real lion, today he was sunning himself in full view, looking regal. Yes, the gift shop has set up an outdoor shop for guests to visit. Invitation to member-only events including a members only Zoo Lights preview. The Heights Kitchen. Reopens in March. Well done, Henry Vilas Zoo! SUPPORT HENRY VILAS ZOO Help Keep The Zoo Free For Everyone! Henry Vilas Zoo Susan Herbert Dan Herman Kenneth Herrera Mr Myles Heskett Susan Hill Alice Hill Kenneth and Carole Hinchcliff Emily, Jason, Tom & Gemma Hinds Wendy Hitchener Dana Hlavacek and Stephen Creese Edward Hochman N Hodges & H Gleeson Curtis Hoffman Laura Hogan Tina Horewood Horse Vet Dentist Yeh Hseau-Fang Hudson Institute of Medical … You must also leave a driver’s license, which will be returned to you when you bring back the stroller. There is a restaurant inside otherwise that you can buy food at & watch a bear through huge windows while eating. Visitors are allowed in on a first come, first serve basis. The Zoo Train and Conservation Carousel are open daily during the summer with reduced hours in the spring and fall. VIRTUAL ZOO PROGRAMS Check out our virtual program options! The animals are all asleep but their backsides are cute enough to photograph. No glass bottles are allowed. Zoo Lights is open from 5:30pm – 8:30pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between November 27 – December 27, with bonus dates the week of Christmas. Priority registration and member discounts for zoo camps and classes. Our Grille is the only indoor restaurant in the country to look out onto a polar bear exhibit! 4.4 out of 5 stars. Henry Vilas Zoo 702 South Randall Avenue: Madison: 12p 4t : 03/27/19: Madison Children’s Museum 100 N. Hamilton Street: Madison: 4p : 09/06/20: Olbrich Botanical Gardens 3330 Atwood Ave : Madison: 4p : 05/26/18: Wisconsin Historical Museum 30 North Carroll Street: Madison: 4p : 05/21/19: Lincoln Park Zoo 1215 N 8th St. Manitowoc: 1p : 07/27/19: Seguins Cheese and GIfts … Please use the Wingra Dr. entrance to drop off passengers near the Herpetarium, Exit Vilas Park via Wingra Dr. and follow Wingra Dr. southeast. If you forgot to bring your mask, … Henry Vilas Zoo, Savings and Zoo Park Description for 2020.Henry Vilas Zoo is a public zoo located in Madison, Wisconsin. This event will be held from 5:30pm to 8:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from November 27th to December 27th. Thank Amy P . Bloom Bake Shop. 1 talking about this. Yes, you may bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages. Next to the lion is the Primate House, the outdoor exhibits are also … The zoo is pleased to offer strollers for rent in the zoo gift shop on a first-come, first-served basis in the fall, spring, and summer seasons. During the winter, the Grille is only open weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by the zoo Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream and coffee kiosk! But it gets "Very Good" from me because gosh-darnit it's absolutely FREE. they don't have any elephants because the people of this fair city deemed it cruel to chain an elephant to anything. You can purchase tokens and multi-ride punch cards in the carousel building or at the main gift shop. It was time to come back to the Henry Vilas Zoo, and this time explore the ENTIRE ... We began at the main entrance where we find the gift shop and ice cream shop. When the lots are full, visitors can usually find a space within a block or two of the zoo. The zoo is surrounded by Vilas Park, which features lush, open space for active play, as well as two playgrounds for children to explore. Downtown Madison. Mingled with the calls of the zoo’s white-handed gibbons, visitors may hear the call of our Zoo Train. Get Directions +60 82-664 732. henryvilaszoo.gov. Discounted admission to over 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums throughout the U.S. Dane County Farmers' Market. Monroe Street Farmers Market. NOTE: Indoor spaces are currently closed due to COVID-19 precautions. The cost is a $10 deposit (you will get $5 back upon returning the stroller to the gift shop). There is a great playground inside & outside the zoo, along with lots of picnic tables to eat at. Please note: Parking is owned and managed by the City of Madison. Each enclosure has a large … Next to the lion is the Primate House, the outdoor … The Henry Vilas Zoo has been embroiled in conflict since its disputes with its fundraising partner became public in March. 608.266.4732 zoo@henryvilaszoo… Guests with medical conditions that preventing them from wearing a mask are exempt. In addition to being an integral part of the Vilas Zoo in Madison, Brent also is a longstanding member of the Zoo & Aquarium Buyer’s Group (ZAG) and its treasurer. Kate O'Connor September 8, 2015. Garth's Brew Bar. See more of Henry Vilas Zoo on Facebook. Apply. Henry Vilas Zoo 702 S Randall Ave Madison WI 53715 USA . ... We began at the main entrance where we find the gift shop and ice cream shop. The Chocolate Shoppe is closed for the winter and will reopen again next spring. Our selection ranges from fun and affordable keepsakes, toys, and crafts to fine, handcrafted gifts from around the globe. If you would like to avoid crowds, please plan on visiting during our off-peak hours after 2pm. i live by the zoo and safety is a key. The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI is one of only a handful of admission-free, community-supported zoos in the country. Any proceeds from concession and gift shop sales go directly to the zoo! Use our new hand sanitizer dispensers placed throughout the zoo. As bus schedules are subject to vary by day, please visit Madison Metro to view the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Ask Amy P about Henry Vilas Zoo. Now for a real lion, today he was sunning himself in full view, looking regal. Make a right on Fish Hatchery Rd. We reserve the right to inspect anything that is brought into the zoo. The gift shop has a great selection of educational toys and gifts for everyone. Masks must cover your nose and mouth. Clare July 29, 2011. No. TIME TO SPEND. Admittedly, many zoos do not have online gift shops. During the winter, the train is closed, and the carousel is open on weekends  from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. About See All. Peer Perspective: Brent Walter, Vilas Zoo By Zeke Jennings Brent Walter’s father was a zookeeper, and Brent followed in his dad’s footsteps from an early age. All of our animals are given access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, so the animals on exhibit may change from day to day. NOTE: The bridge entrance is currently closed due to COVID-19 precautions. The zoo’s Glacier Grille combines healthy, tasty food with a one-of-a-kind setting. 4.4. so this zoo is both free and safe. Bus drivers are encouraged to drop passengers off and relocate to the rear parking lot at Bowman Park where there is no fee to park. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of … Donate Today. The last phase of ReZOOvenation was the Tropical Rain Forest Aviary, which opened to the public in June of 2003. Become a Member. Situated on the University of Wisconsin … We have a limited number of strollers guests can borrow, but during peak hours they may not be immediately available. You can also find wild apparel for zoo fans of all ages! The park boasts a ball diamond, a beach, and a lagoon maintained for ice skating in the winter. The main entrance is on the north side at the intersection of Drake St. and Randall Ave. It managed and owned by the government of Madison, therefore, entrance and parking fees are free. The alternative “bridge entrance” is on the southeast side on Vilas Park Dr. across from the beach. The zoo is closed at noon on the following days: The Henry Vilas Zoo is located at 702 South Randall Ave., Madison, WI 53715, just down the street from the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium. Strollers require … The walk takes about an hour to complete. All visitors (5+) are required to wear masks. and a quick left onto Plaenert Dr. Take the first right into Bowman Park (after Wright Middle School), Park in the rear lot, leaving ample room for other buses, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily from March through September, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily from October through February. At the corner of Mills St. and Wingra Dr. is a Madison B-Cycle station for renting and returning bicycles. Mystery to Me. 91,324 people like this. It's really cool! The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI is one of only a handful of admission-free, community-supported zoos in the country. I met her and another student in front of the gift shop. Bear exhibit shop and ice cream shop set up an outdoor shop for guests to visit in our shop. Handcrafted gifts from around the globe alternative “ bridge entrance is on the North at... Zoo Lights preview the carousel is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m Grille... 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