southwick's zoo

I've been to the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts a number of times because it's only about 1/2 hour from my home. Wanting to try something different, my wife did some searching and discovered this Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts. We went there last year and thoroughly enjoyed it, and we went back this year, and stayed even longer.This zoo really blows the Stone Zoo out of the water. All the animals have much more room in a far more natural setting than at the Stone Zoo. I firmly believe this leads to much happier animals and a far better experience for us. The variety of animals they have is the best I've seen in New England, rivaled only by the Roger Williams Zoo in Rhode Island. The shows are fascinating and are well done (some are a bit short, time wise, but still good). The bird show is very interesting, although I would like to see it last maybe 15 minutes longer (it was only about 20-25 minutes in duration). We also got to meet a rescued bald eagle up close and personal! After the show, you can interact with some of the parrots and other smaller birds. Another "kid must" attraction!My favorite spot is the deer park, where most of them come right up to you, especially if you have food (you can buy it from dispenser’s right there). So totally cool! I know we'll be going back this year. You've got to try this place. Your kids will be thrilled with the up close and personal experience. You don't get that at other local zoos, as the animals, for the most part, are much further away from the guests. The petting zoo is also a lot a fun. You'll be inundated with little goats wanting some love - and oh yea, food! Compared to, say, the National Zoo, in Washington, DC (another must visit, by the way), this isn't an enormous zoo, but it is still very large and spacious nonetheless. That said, I'd allow at least three hours to visit, but really you'll need around four to really enjoy everything at a leisurely pace. Take your time and relax at the many places to sit, eat, and enjoy the natural surroundings.There are plenty of places to eat for lunch, dinner, snacks, ice cream, etc. There is also more than abundant parking available. From Boston, it takes just under an hour to reach, so it’s not all that far away from most people around the Commonwealth, and it quite close to Connecticut and Rhode Island folks!

This is an amazing zoo! So much to do you need more than one day to take it all in! The zoo is very clean! Bring lots of quarters to buy food to feed the deer! You walk through the deer forest and many of them will follow you or come right up to you. There are also picnic tables in deer country and throughout the park. Bring you own food or buy it there. Great enclosure for the giraffes. You feel like you are right in there with them. There is an area for private birthday parties. Camel rides, pony rides, train rides and so much more! Even a skyfari to ride to get a great overview of everything as you glide along in a chairlift. Plan to spend a full day there! Most rides are in the $5.00 range so it can be a bit pricey. Food, too is overpriced, but you can bring your own. They do have strollers to rent as well as wheelchairs. It's a great family outing!

Forget Disney this is the happiest place on Earth.This Zoo is magic.Every animal has tons of space in their enclosures and the personal are completely involved in making these animals well cared for and enriched.The staff was informative and super friendly cheerfully answering any and all questions.Heck even the food was decentThe best part of the zoo is the deer forest at the far end.they enclosed a large amount of wild deer made them tame enough ot eat food out of your hand.They are still skittish and do not want to be touched and many get full and go to the far end but the hungry ones know if they come up front they will be fed by adoring awestruck kids. Bring a lot of quarters or be sure to hit the machines outside the entry gates..Lots of different type of monkeys, The Giraffes were amazing, lions, tigers camels and other large animals to keep it interesting.This is the best small zoo I have ever been too. If you time your trip for foliage season and a sunny day the trip form Connecticut is pretty too and taking scenic roads was still only 3 hours.Highly recommended..

There are a few bigger zoos but none have the charm of Southwick. You will never get closer to the animals and you will do most of your tour in the shade under some very old trees. The deer park is not to be missed. Pet and hand feed the deer, while sometimes scary being surrounded by deer looking for corn, the chance to interact is priceless. Membership is cheap (about the cost of 2 visits) and adds evening member only times. There is nothing like southwick "after hours" where it feels like just you and the animals

We visited for the first time this past summer. Easy to park, no lines, clean, friendly staff. The animal exhibits were nice and clean, everyone looked healthy and happy. My only complaints: the rides and the concessions, although pretty tasty, were a bit pricey and I (personally) had an issue with the elephant rides. It was a bit sad, and just screamed of trying to get every last penny out of the visitors. But, all in all, we'd definitely return.

Staff are very friendly. Large variety of zoo animals. Wonderful place for a picnic. Clean and fun. Price does not include everything however it was all worth the money. It was a lovely experience to walk around their grounds at a leisurely pace and enjoy the exhibits and beautiful grounds.

This zoo is not worth the large amount of money it costs to get in. The animals are often in cages to small for them and without many toys, felt bad for them

Southwick 's zoo, What a wonderful Zoo not to busy new ride , clean.Enjoyable day, love the new cheetahs , just had a new Member baby zebra so cute , I go again

I was at a loose end whilst in Milford and someone recommended I visit the Zoo nearby. They have a wide range of animals and attractions here for both adults and children, I spent an enjoyable few hours here and would return again with my family.

What a hidden treasure. Fairly small but well laid out. Set up with families in mind. Lots (and lots of monkeys) . Enjoyed the opportunities to feed the deer and goats.

I was here on Saturday and it was a fun trip. Great selection of animals for a local zoo. They had plenty of room. Lots of updates since I had been here last. Its worth a few hours to walk around in a hidden location.

Nice little zoo with a great price. Don't expect anything too fancy. Lots of dirt paths, its a zoo in the middle of a forest. For $22/adult we found it very reasonable. Its a great spot for CT residents coming back from the Cape - 1.5hrs back to Hartford. A ton of monkeys to see. If you plan to feed the Giraffes than you better pay prior - we got there right at opening and they were already sold out for the day.

We love going here. We spend the whole day here as there is so much to see and do. You can see the animals up close and the kids love the deer exhibit. Make sure you do the train ride. There is plenty of shade and adults can have a break from all the walking while the kids play in the play area.

Southwick's is a good size - not too big and spread out - but has plenty in terms of variety of animals - from monkeys and large cats to rhinos and kangaroos to hyenas and lemurs. It has a good amount of trees, providing shade on hot days, and even has rides for the kids. My family and I really enjoy Southwicks the most, and we've been to several zoos in New England.

This zoo is the best for people who like to take a leisure walk. Very large and so much fun. They have quite a variety of animals, I love the walk thru with the deer, and the Giraffes are great you are so close it seems like you can reach out and touch them. I love this place.