Henry Vilas Zoo

The Henry Vilas Zoo is a Madison favorite and one of the few major zoos in the country that does not charge admission. Opened in the early twentieth century on the shore of Lake Wingra, it holds a collection of animals from around the world, including polar bears in the Arctic Passage, big cats, great apes, gorillas, giraffes, penguins, reptiles, birds and a lively children's zoo. The grounds are compact and shaded, which makes them easy to cover in a few hours, and they are set in a lakeside park with picnic areas and playgrounds. Because admission is free, the zoo is a popular spot for locals to drop in for an hour, and families can come back repeatedly without spending much. The collection is smaller than at big-city zoos, but the habitats are well planned, animals are often easy to see and the atmosphere is friendly rather than overwhelming.

To plan a visit, start at the front gate and follow the loop clockwise, hitting the big attractions early. Polar bears and the Arctic Passage are usually the showpiece, with underwater viewing that gets very close to the animals. The primate building and outdoor habitats let you watch apes and monkeys in lively groups, and the big cats can be active in the morning and late afternoon.

Younger children will head straight to the children's zoo, the carousel and the train when they are operating, and the playground fills quickly on warm days. Many attractions, rides and food stands charge a small fee, and parking may carry a charge even though entry is free, so bring a little cash or a card. Hours vary by season, with longer days in summer, and animals may be off view in extreme weather.

The zoo supports conservation programs and community education, and donation boxes are placed around the grounds if you want to contribute to the animals' care. Because it is free, it also works well as a flexible rainy-day backup or as a stop between other plans. If you are traveling with grandparents, accessible paths and benches make for a relaxed visit.

Seasonal timing shapes the experience. On hot summer afternoons, many animals retreat to the shade, so mornings are more rewarding, while crisp autumn days bring out the big cats and the bears. Winter visits can be surprisingly good for the polar bears and other cold-loving animals, and the crowds are thin.

Special events, such as holiday lights or themed days, appear on a calendar that changes from year to year, so check before you go. The surrounding park on Lake Wingra is a lovely place for a picnic before or after, and the playground gives children a place to burn off leftover energy.