Southwick's Zoo
New England's largest zoo, offering naturalistic habitats, interactive animal encounters, and captivating seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Southwick's Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
New England's largest zoo, offering naturalistic habitats, interactive animal encounters, and captivating seasonal events.
"Hands down, one of the best zoos we’ve ever visited/especially for kids!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip lines by purchasing your Southwick's Zoo tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore New England's largest zoo!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Deer Forest Encounters
Deer Forest
Get up close and personal feeding gentle deer and other friendly farm animals. A guaranteed hit with kids!
Baby Giraffe & New Arrivals
Giraffe Exhibit
Witness the joy of new life, like the recent baby giraffe, showcasing the zoo's commitment to conservation.
World of Lights Spectacle
Various Locations (Seasonal)
Experience enchanting holiday light displays and illuminated lanterns during special seasonal events.
Spacious, Naturalistic Habitats
Throughout the Zoo
Admire animals in expansive, naturalistic enclosures that prioritize their well-being and conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online for Savings
Plan for a Full Day of Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip lines by purchasing your Southwick's Zoo tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore New England's largest zoo!
🐐 Feed the Animals
Don't miss the chance to feed the deer and baby goats in the Deer Forest!
📸 Capture the Memories
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially during special events like the Jack O Lantern Spooktacular.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money and skip lines by purchasing your Southwick's Zoo tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore New England's largest zoo!
🐐 Feed the Animals
Don't miss the chance to feed the deer and baby goats in the Deer Forest!
📸 Capture the Memories
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially during special events like the Jack O Lantern Spooktacular.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water bottles or purchase drinks to stay refreshed, especially on warm days.
🚗 Check for Discounts
Look for AAA or other potential discounts on tickets before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Southwick's Zoo for its spacious, naturalistic animal habitats and commitment to conservation. The interactive Deer Forest and engaging seasonal events are major highlights, especially for families. While some enclosures, like the lion's, are noted as being small, and food options can be limited to concession fare, the overall experience is highly positive, with many planning return visits.
"I visit Southwick’s Zoo multiple times a year and truly love this place. They are constantly updating the exhibits, making them larger and adding great enrichment, which really highlights their commitment to conservation and care for the animals. The volunteers and employees around the park are always wonderful and so knowledgeable. I was also blown away by the recent updates to the carousel. The artwork is beautifully painted, and I know the younger members of my family are going to love it.
The property is so well-spaced that it never feels crowded, and there are plenty of trees providing shade, so you aren't constantly in direct sunlight. I absolutely loved watching the baby cheetahs grow up throughout the 2025 season, and I’m already counting down the days until Southwick’s opens again for the 2026 season!"
Dianna Carney
"Buying tickets online in advance saved us money and made entry easy. This was our third visit, the last being about a decade ago. We had a great time, especially the petting zoo and close encounters with many deers. However, we felt the overall the zoo looked outdated.
We wished the lion enclosure was larger, similar to the camels’, as it was quite small. The reptile exhibit was also cramped, with only lizards, toads, and large spiders. My wife was hoping to see snakes, but there weren’t any, which was disappointing.
The staff were friendly and busy with their tasks. Oh, and those three cheetah cubs were adorable! We’d definitely go again in the future, hoping to see more animals and maybe a larger lion enclosure."
Kiho K
"Went to the Jack O Lantern Spooktacular with my kids, met up w my brother& his family there for a cousins outing. The park is decorated so adorably all throughout. Lots of opportunities for pictures. Not just inundated with a million jack o lanterns to fill space, lots of really amazing artwork. Kids had fun, we had fun, only surprise was how few vendor stations were open but hey, overall a terrific night for the family 🎃"
Samantha Salisbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Southwick's Zoo is located at 2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA 01756. Many visitors use GPS for directions to Southwick's Zoo. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is available on-site.
Public transportation options to Southwick's Zoo are limited. It is primarily a destination best reached by car. Check local transit schedules for any potential bus routes that may service the Mendon area, though this is not a common method for visitors.
The drive from Boston to Southwick's Zoo typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, Southwick's Zoo offers ample parking for visitors. It's generally included with admission or a small fee, so check their official website for the most current information.
Absolutely! A map of Southwick Zoo is highly recommended to navigate the expansive grounds and locate all the animals and attractions. You can usually pick one up at the entrance or find a digital version on their website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Southwick's Zoo ticket prices can vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for adults, children, and seniors. Purchasing tickets online in advance often offers a discount.
Yes, visitors often look for Southwick Zoo discount tickets. Keep an eye out for AAA discounts, Groupon deals, or special promotions advertised on their website or through local partnerships.
You can typically buy Southwick Zoo tickets at the gate, but buying them online in advance is recommended to save money and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons or special events.
Southwick's Zoo may offer membership options that provide unlimited visits for a year, along with other perks. Check their website for details on Southwick Zoo membership benefits and pricing.
Southwick's Zoo hours vary seasonally. It's crucial to check their official website for the most current operating hours before your visit, as they can change based on the time of year and special events.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Southwick's Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffes, lions, cheetahs, deer, goats, and many more. Visitors often rave about the spacious enclosures and the opportunity to see animals like capybaras.
Yes, Southwick's Zoo offers attractions like a carousel, and in the past, a SkyRide. The Deer Forest is a major highlight for interactive experiences. 
Southwick's Zoo is highly recommended for kids! The petting zoo, feeding opportunities, and spacious habitats make it an engaging and memorable experience for families.
Southwick's Zoo hosts popular seasonal events like the Jack O Lantern Spooktacular for Halloween and a Winter Wonderland light display for the holidays. These events are known for their impressive decorations and festive atmosphere.
Yes, feeding the deer in the Deer Forest is a popular activity at Southwick's Zoo. You can also often feed baby goats. Be sure to purchase the approved feed on-site.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Southwick's Zoo offers concession-style food, including fried options. There's also a small deli with pre-packaged sandwiches. Some visitors recommend bringing your own lunch to supplement the available choices.
Bringing your own food and drinks to Southwick's Zoo is generally allowed and recommended by some visitors, especially if you prefer options beyond typical concession fare.
While specific vegetarian or vegan options might be limited to salads or pre-packaged items, it's advisable to check with the food vendors on-site or bring your own meals to ensure dietary needs are met.
📸 📸 Photography
The Deer Forest offers great close-up photo opportunities. The animal enclosures, especially with the naturalistic backdrops, provide excellent shots. Seasonal events like the light displays also offer unique photo backdrops.
Yes, Southwick's Zoo can be good for wildlife photography, especially with its spacious habitats. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer better lighting and more active animals.
Absolutely! Visitors often share photos of adorable baby animals, like the cheetah cubs or the new giraffe calf, making it a joy for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond animal encounters, the zoo offers attractions like a carousel and is known for its engaging seasonal events, such as the Jack O Lantern Spooktacular and Winter Wonderland, which are specifically designed to delight younger visitors. Bringing snacks or planning for the available food options is advisable, and comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the expansive grounds. Purchasing tickets online in advance is also a smart move to save time and money, ensuring a smoother family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
To further manage costs, consider bringing your own lunch and snacks. While the zoo has food vendors, packing your own can significantly reduce spending. Look for free water refill stations if available, or bring reusable water bottles. Visiting on a weekday during the off-season can also mean fewer crowds and potentially more relaxed pacing, allowing you to make the most of your admission fee without feeling rushed.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Deer Forest is a prime spot for close-up photography, especially with children interacting with the animals. For those interested in wildlife photography, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and animals are often more active. The zoo's commitment to spacious enclosures means you can often capture animals in more natural poses. Don't forget to explore the opportunities during seasonal events like the light displays, which offer unique and vibrant photographic subjects.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Southwick's Zoo: A Comprehensive Guide
The zoo offers a diverse range of species, from majestic lions and graceful giraffes to playful primates and fascinating reptiles. A particular crowd-pleaser is the Deer Forest, where visitors can interact closely with and feed the resident deer, creating memorable moments for all ages. Beyond the animal encounters, Southwick's Zoo also features attractions like a carousel and seasonal events that transform the park into a magical wonderland.
+1Planning your visit to Southwick's Zoo involves considering the best time to go to avoid crowds and maximize your experience. While weekdays offer a more tranquil visit, the zoo's special events, such as the Jack O Lantern Spooktacular and the Winter Wonderland light display, draw significant crowds but offer unique, festive atmospheres. Purchasing tickets online in advance is a smart strategy to save money and expedite entry, ensuring you have more time to explore the vast grounds and enjoy all that Southwick's Zoo has to offer.
Seasonal Magic at Southwick's Zoo
As the holidays approach, the zoo unveils its Winter Wonderland & Festival of Illumination. This spectacular event features over a million holiday lights and enchanting lanterns that bring fairytales and myths to life. It's a dazzling display that draws visitors from across the region, offering a magical experience with artisan vendors and illuminated pathways.
These events are incredibly popular and tend to attract larger crowds, so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended. While the focus is on the festive displays, the zoo often maintains some animal viewing opportunities, allowing for a blend of holiday cheer and wildlife appreciation.
+1Navigating Discounts and Tickets for Southwick's Zoo
Beyond online deals, keep an eye out for specific discounts. AAA Southwick Zoo discounts are a common query, and often available for members. Other potential savings can be found through Groupon Southwick Zoo offers or special promotions advertised by the zoo itself. It's always a good practice to check the official Southwick's Zoo website or their social media pages for any current deals or Southwick Zoo coupons.
For frequent visitors, a Southwick Zoo membership might be the most cost-effective option, providing unlimited access for a year and potentially other benefits. When planning your trip, researching these ticket and discount avenues can significantly reduce the overall cost of your visit to this popular New England attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit