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Wisconsin Deer Park — Petting Zoos in Madison

Wisconsin Deer Park

4.6(2,929)4.6 out of 5 stars, 2929 reviews Madison, WI

About Wisconsin Deer Park

Wisconsin Deer Park offers a unique hands-on experience with friendly deer and other animals, making it an engaging outing for families with young children. The opportunity to feed and pet the animals creates memorable interactions that are both educational and enjoyable.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Family outings looking for interactive experiencesEducational trips for young childrenBirthday parties or special occasionsToddlers (2-4 years): Enjoys petting and feeding animalsPreschoolers (4-6 years): Engaged by animal interactions and feeding

Why families love it

  • Close encounters with gentle and inquisitive deer
  • Ability to feed animals directly from hands
  • Variety of animals including goats, horses, and more
  • Friendly and helpful staff enhancing the experience
  • Opportunity to revisit the park multiple times in one day
  • Interactive feeding experience with deer

Insider tips

  • Purchase multiple packs of animal food for easier handling with kids
  • Visit early in the day for the most active animal interactions
  • Take advantage of the option to return later in the day

Good to know before you go

  • Visiting during peak hours on weekends when it may be crowded
  • Late afternoon visits when deer may be less active
  • Potential for deer activity to decrease later in the day
  • Some visitors may not be aware of the park's re-entry policy
Crowds
Less crowded during weekdays
Value
Entry fee includes access to all animals and feeding opportunities; animal food costs $1 for cones or can be purchased from quarter feeders. Overall, the experience offers good value for the price compared to other attractions.
Food
Food for animals must be purchased on-site
Accessibility
Paths are generally stroller-friendly
Safety
Well-maintained facilities ensuring safe interactions with animals

What parents say

Breana Wendel
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"Must do for all ages. We went during the week in Oct. The deer were curious and hungry. Buy 2 packs of food when you get tickets - trust me! You can buy corn/pellet feed at various quarter feeders in the park but the food is easier to handle with kids."

6 months ago

Jana Haverty
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"This place is amazing! So sweet to get up close with these amazing animals. They are gentle and inquisitive. You will want to get some of the wafers and/or corn to feed them. They will follow you anywhere. 🥰 worth the trip and the price. We went early. I don't know if the deer are as active later in the day or not. The pictures don't give good representation of the deer that are not behind fences; there are plenty out and about."

7 months ago

Timothy Kirby
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"You & your family will treasure this little petting & feeding zoo. Plenty of friendly deer & goats & many other delightful creatures. The nice lady at the counter told us we could come back any time during the rest of the day & that most people don't know that. This attraction has been around for 52 years & for good reason. The gift shop is very nice as well. Come, make some new four-legged friends at The Dells."

8 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.