Free-roaming deer will walk right up and eat from your hand at this zoo. That alone made me stop and read twice.
The animal list keeps going from there. Giraffes, a snow leopard, camels you can actually ride, and more than 100 species share the grounds.
Plenty of trees shade the paths, so it feels more like a wooded park than a city zoo.
I like that there’s more to do here than just walk around looking at animals. You can take the train past the elk, see everything from the sky ride, or try the zip line if you’re feeling adventurous.
I’d probably head straight for the animals and tell myself I’ll try the rides later. Whether I’d actually make it to them is another story.
Some animals are just too entertaining to walk away from!
Hand-Feeding Deer Is The Moment Everyone Remembers
Few zoos let you share snacks with the residents, but Southwick’s Zoo makes it a highlight. The Deer Forest is a wooded area where deer roam freely around visitors.
You can buy feed and offer it right from your palm. The deer are calm, curious, and happy to stroll over for a treat.
Some of the deer are white, which looks almost magical against the green trees. Kids tend to treat that sight like something out of a storybook, and honestly, adults do too.
A little patience goes a long way here. Quiet visitors usually get the closest visits, so speaking softly is a smart move.
Try finding a calmer corner of the forest if one area feels busy. The deer often wander toward spots with less noise and movement.
Bring your sense of humor along with the feed. These deer are bold eaters, and they may nudge you for seconds the moment your hand is empty.
Wash or wipe your hands after the feeding fun. Then snap a photo, because this memory will likely become the story your family tells on the drive home.
You Will Want To Look Up For The Giraffes
Long necks, long lashes, and very long tongues make giraffes some of the most fun animals to watch. At Southwick’s Zoo, they often stand close to the viewing areas.
That closeness changes everything. Seeing a giraffe a few feet away shows just how huge and graceful these animals really are.
Giraffe feeding encounters are generally offered on weekends and select holidays during the warmer months. The 2026 feeding season has ended, so check the zoo’s announcements for future encounter dates before planning around one.
Feeding a giraffe is an experience that sticks with you. That purple tongue stretching toward your hand is equal parts silly and amazing.
Even without feeding, the giraffe area is worth a long stop. Watch how they bend their legs to reach low spots, or how they move their heads to snag leaves.
Kids usually come away full of questions. How tall are they?
Why are their tongues dark? Those questions are a great chance to learn together.
Bring a camera with a good zoom. A giraffe’s face up close makes one of the best photos you’ll take all day.
A Rare Big Cat Steals The Spotlight
Snow leopards are famous for being hard to spot in the wild. Here in Massachusetts, you get a real chance to see one with your own eyes.
The snow leopard exhibit is one of the standouts at the zoo. That thick, smoky fur and huge fluffy tail make this cat look built for mountain cold.
Fun fact: snow leopards use their long tails for balance on steep rocks. They also wrap them around their bodies like a cozy scarf.
Patience pays off at big cat exhibits. Cats nap a lot, so give it a few minutes and you may catch a stretch, a yawn, or a slow prowl.
The zoo is also known for cheetahs, and cheetah cubs grew up there during the 2025 season. Watching the fastest land animal relax in the sun is a fun contrast to its racing reputation.
Visit earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler. Many cats tend to be more active then.
Read the signs near each exhibit too. They share helpful facts about where these animals live and why protecting them matters.
Climb Aboard A Camel For A Ride Kids Brag About
How many friends can say they rode a camel in New England? Southwick’s Zoo offers camel rides on weekends, weather permitting, and they’re a big hit with families.
Sitting up on a camel gives you a whole new view. The swaying walk feels different from a horse, and that’s half the fun.
Camels are amazing desert animals. Their humps store fat, not water, which surprises many people the first time they hear it.
Rides are an extra add-on beyond regular admission. Plan for that ahead of time so nobody gets surprised at the gate.
The zoo sells ride options separately and in packages. A bundle can make sense if your crew wants to try several attractions in one day.
Little riders may feel nervous at first. Talking about the camel’s long eyelashes or big padded feet can help turn nerves into excitement.
Grab a photo during the ride if you can. Years later, that picture of your kid perched on a camel in Mendon will still make everyone smile.
Float Over The Whole Zoo On The Skyfari
Tired feet meet their best friend on the Skyfari. This chairlift-style ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the zoo and is currently available on weekends only, weather permitting.
As you glide overhead, the animal exhibits and treetops spread out beneath you. It’s a great way to see how the whole park fits together.
Families often save it for later in the day. After hours of walking, a breezy ride overhead feels like a well-earned break.
It also helps with planning. Spot an exhibit you missed, then head there once you’re back on the ground.
Is the Skyfari scary? For most people, it’s more relaxing than thrilling, with smooth movement and lots of scenery.
Hold onto hats and phones while riding. Dropping something into an animal area would make for a very awkward request at the front desk.
Like other rides, the Skyfari costs extra beyond admission. Package deals can include it along with other attractions, so compare options before buying.
Go on a clear day if you can. The view across the leafy Massachusetts landscape makes the ride feel even more special.
Pygmy Goats And Feathered Friends Love A Little Company
Small, bouncy, and very social, pygmy goats rule the petting zoo. The farm area at Southwick’s Zoo is perfect for younger kids who want hands-on fun.
Goats love attention and snacks. Feed is available from machines, so bringing a few quarters is a smart idea.
Kids can gently pet the goats and watch them hop around. It’s a sweet way to help young children feel comfortable around animals.
Birds bring their own kind of charm here too. The parakeet area lets visitors get close to a flutter of colorful little birds.
Parakeets chatter, flap, and land nearby, which feels like stepping into a cheerful cartoon. Holding still usually helps them feel brave enough to visit.
Remember to wash hands after touching animals. It keeps everyone healthy, both you and the critters.
Watch little fingers around feed cups too. Goats are polite, mostly, but they do get excited when snacks appear.
This area is a favorite for toddlers. Short attention spans fit perfectly with friendly goats and fast-moving birds.
Owls Swooping Overhead Make Showtime Unforgettable
An owl gliding just above your head is a moment you won’t forget. The zoo’s seasonal bird shows give visitors a chance to see trained birds demonstrate their natural abilities, although the 2026 performances have concluded.
During the seasonal performances, trained birds fly, perch, and demonstrate natural behaviors while trainers explain how they hunt, see, and survive.
One crowd favorite has had a pun-worthy name, Russell Crow. Crows are clever birds, and watching their problem-solving is surprisingly fun.
Shows are educational without feeling like school. Kids learn real facts while laughing at funny moments.
When the shows return, arriving a few minutes early will help you grab a good seat. Front rows can get very close to the action.
Check the zoo’s entertainment schedule before visiting. Although the bird shows won’t return until spring 2027, other educational presentations and keeper talks may still be available.
Owls have special feathers that help them fly almost silently. You may notice how quiet their wings are as they pass.
When the shows return, don’t forget to visit the bird exhibits afterward. It’s even more fun seeing those animals once you’ve learned a little about them.
Bring curious questions too. Trainers often love to share fun details.
Trains, Zip Lines, And A Carousel Keep The Energy Up
Animals are the stars, but the rides add serious bonus fun. A train ride rolls through part of the grounds, including areas where elk and deer live.
Keep your eyes open on the train. Elk can be hard to spot sometimes, so seeing one feels like winning a tiny prize.
Ready for more adrenaline? The zoo has a zip line for brave visitors who want to fly a little.
The carousel is another favorite, especially for younger kids. Its artwork was recently refreshed, with beautifully painted details.
Most rides cost extra beyond admission. The carousel has accepted cash, while other attractions are often bought ahead.
Packages can bundle several rides together. That can be a good deal for families who want the full experience.
There’s also a playground for kids who need to burn off energy. Parents can rest nearby while little ones run and climb.
Plan rides between exhibits to break up walking. Mixing animals and attractions keeps everyone happy from morning until closing time.
Plan Smart For A Full Day In Mendon
Comfortable shoes are your best friend at Southwick’s Zoo. The grounds are spread out, and there’s a lot to see.
You’ll find the zoo at 2 Southwick St, Mendon, MA 01756. It’s an easy drive from many parts of Massachusetts and nearby states.
Southwick’s Zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM through November 1, 2026. Because the zoo operates seasonally, check its current hours and reopening dates before planning a visit.
Plenty of shade trees line the paths. That makes hot summer days much more comfortable for people and animals.
Full packed lunches and coolers aren’t permitted inside the zoo, but small snacks, drinks, baby supplies, and medically necessary food are allowed. Dining options are available throughout the grounds.
Parking is free, which is always nice. Kids under a certain age get in free too, so check ticket rules.
Give yourself at least several hours. Many families stay most of the day and still miss a few corners.
The zoo is privately funded, so your visit helps support animal care. Pretty great reason to plan another trip soon, right?
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