Henry Vilas Zoo Tours

Photo by Kimberly DeVenero


This wildlife attraction is located in Madison, a destination that has so much going for it! University of Wisconsin-Madison, Camp Randall Stadium, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens are other worthwhile attractions close by when you're all done at Henry Vilas Zoo.

Plan a trip to see Henry Vilas Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Madison South
Graduate by Hilton Madison
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

Reviews of Henry Vilas Zoo

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
118
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
51
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

For a low cost fun day, we packed a picnic lunch, let the kids play on the playground equipment, then had a wonderful time a the zoo which has free admission.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A great place for kids, with park and plenty of room for a picnic lunch. This is a fantastic way to have fun and not break the bank!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Have went there many times. It’s FREE, it’s impressive. Great family outing!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

took grandkids, they had alot of fun

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Henry Vilas Zoo

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club

3.5 out of 5
1 W Dayton St, Madison, WI
The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown

4 out of 5
525 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI
DoubleTree by Hilton Madison Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown

3 out of 5
770 Regent Street, Madison, WI
Hilton Garden Inn Madison Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown

2.5 out of 5
440 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI
Hampton Inn & Suites Madison / Downtown
Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison

Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison

3 out of 5
2424 University Avenue, Madison, WI
Best Western Plus InnTowner Madison
Best Western Premier Park Hotel

Best Western Premier Park Hotel

4 out of 5
22 S Carroll Street, Madison, WI
Best Western Premier Park Hotel
Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Madison

Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Madison

2.5 out of 5
2810 Coho Street, Madison, WI
Baymont Inn & Suites by Wyndham Madison
Hyatt Place Madison Downtown

Hyatt Place Madison Downtown

3 out of 5
333 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI
Hyatt Place Madison Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Madison

Graduate by Hilton Madison

4 out of 5
601 Langdon Street, Madison, WI
Graduate by Hilton Madison
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Henry Vilas Zoo

During your visit to Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, enjoy a variety of activities including exploring the zoo's diverse animal habitats and nearby city attractions. Don't miss the chance to relax at local wellness centers or cycle along scenic bike trails. Additionally, the area offers vibrant live music, sports events, and artistic experiences to enrich your trip.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Henry Vilas Zoo, visit the Dane County Farmers Market, only 0.3 miles away, offering local goods and city vibes. Hilldale Shopping Center, 2 miles away, features entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out additional malls beyond 10 miles.

Recreation

At Camp Randall Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of college sports just 0.8 miles from Henry Vilas Zoo. For a tranquil escape, visit Vilas Park, only 0.1 miles away, where you can enjoy nature and relaxation. Reddan Soccer Park, 7 miles away, also offers serene recreational opportunities.

Adventure

Experience the scenic beauty of Lake Monona Shoreline Run, located 1 mile from Henry Vilas Zoo, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For adrenaline junkies, Angell Park Speedway, 13 miles away, offers thrilling motor racing. Additionally, challenge yourself at Nielsen Tennis Stadium, a mere 2 miles from the zoo, for a fun adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Henry Vilas Zoo by visiting the Overture Center for the Arts for a captivating theater performance, or enjoy a drink at Memorial Union Terrace with a romantic ambiance. For a unique experience, gaze at the stars at Washburn Observatory.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Henry Vilas Zoo

When visiting Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including modern colleges, entertainment arenas, and civic buildings. This area offers a family-friendly environment with rich cultural experiences and plenty of outdoor activities. Make sure to check out the zoo itself, as well as nearby points of interest that cater to both relaxation and adventure.

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison: Immerse yourself in the vibrant campus atmosphere of this prestigious university. With beautiful architecture and lush green spaces, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic while enjoying the lively student culture.
  • Alliant Energy Center: Experience a hub of family-friendly entertainment at this versatile arena. From concerts to sporting events, the Alliant Energy Center offers a dynamic atmosphere that caters to all ages, making it a great place for fun-filled activities.
  • Wisconsin State Capitol: Explore the stunning architecture and rich history of this iconic building. Its impressive dome and beautifully landscaped grounds provide a perfect backdrop for photos, while the interior showcases the state's artistic heritage.

Best time to go to Henry Vilas Zoo

The best time to visit Henry Vilas Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Henry Vilas Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Henry Vilas Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January18.7°F (-7.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February20.7°F (-6.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March34.7°F (1.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December26.6°F (-3.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Henry Vilas Zoo

To save money on your visit to Henry Vilas Zoo, plan your trip between December and February when hotel prices are typically lower. Consider booking your stay for a Monday, the cheapest day, and use Expedia's search tool to find the best deals by filtering prices. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities to save more with an Expedia package and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the zoo and take advantage of affordable public transport options to get around Madison.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Henry Vilas Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Henry Vilas Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Henry Vilas Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near Henry Vilas Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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