Reviews of Racine Zoo (Zoo)

Tamara Dowhower

Really a nice little zoo. Animals & grounds seem well-cared for and they seem to have new exhibits fairly often. People are always surprised when I tell them Racine has a zoo.

Lydia Alberti

We loved coming to this zoo. It was very beautiful and right off the lake. It is set on 28 acres and hosts a diverse variety of animals that we did not expect to see. It is fairly handicap accessible, but there were a few obstacles and places that someone in a wheelchair would not be able to see. Overall it was a beautiful campus with well maintained walkways. You can pet giraffes, go for a "train" ride, and pet goats!

Bailey Batronis

This was such a fantastic deal for the price. While the zoo was on the smaller side, it offered very intimate interactions with the animals that you won't find at a larger zoo. Their reptiles were especially friendly, which I have yet to see in other public observatories, and I was also thrilled that we were able to not only get so close to the lions but also that they were so interactive. For $4 military admission, this is just such an excellent experience. To top it off, their gift shop was not outrageously priced either. We will definitely be returning.

nathan lewis

Nice place. $16 entry. Separate for parking

Laura Gilkay

Beautiful place. Great venue for a jazz concert!

Robert Sloma

Not bad for an older zoo

Worthy IsTheLamb

Nice and small, nearby and next to other recreational areas.

Gloria H.

Always clean, nice staff, mammal building is sometimes hot/smelly, but they're animals what do you expect, febreeze? A small and easy family outing to support the zoo that supports animals that need a home.

Mitch Buenger

Racine zoo is the perfect family spot. Affordable for the experience. Great animals and playground for the kids!

Carlos Ponce

Good place to take a walk and see the animals. It's not busy on the Sunday that we came. It's a good inexpensive place to take the family. Adult $8 and Child (Until 15) $6.

jose lopez

Nice, smaller zoo. Good for quick visits or bring a lunch and spend the afternoon. The cafe had surprisingly good food

Debbie Rehorst

Had a great time! Would definitely do again!

Trysten Van

Not many animals, kind of boring

Natalie S

Could use a little more space for some animals but it was a nice walk around zoo. Very informative in the reptile building and was glad to have someone there to talk about the reptiles!

Savion Edwards

The animals were tierd and didint move at all. There were dead birds everywhere. Dont. Go to this zoo

angelica ibarra

Even tho the zoo is like less then a football field long. Its still nice to get out. Its just very expensive.

Andrew B

Being a visitor of the milwaukee zoo for years. This zoo doesn't compare. However it is still awesome. I really enjoyed the penguins, bear, lion, mountain goat among others.

Jennifer King

Small and quaint. My kids love the petting area and playground. Great place, right by the lake. Friendly and super helpful staff.

Chase Werner

Great family fun. They did stop me when I tried to bring my own animal treats from home. I thought kangaroos in the wild smoked meth and I just wanted to give them a taste of home. The worker smoked with me in the ice cream shop though.

Mike Gell

Best little zoo I've been to really great

Calvin Stevens

Nice, cozy small zoo. It was very enjoyable to go there and would visit again.

Franco Gibson

The Racine Zoo is one of those not-so-hidden gems on the lake. I'm always amazed how many of my friends who live in Racine say that it's been years since they've even been to the lake. Often when we go down to the beach I always try to take a stroll through the zoo and we love it.

Thomas Friedman

A great local zoo with some extraordinary animals. Inexpensive to get in. A great follow up to a day at the beach.

sexyandthecity3

Penguins were so cute! And the little train and the meercats!

Tee Rain

The zoo has definitely went down from how it use to be and the cost has went up. Its not worth paying $8.00. Sorry.

Naomi & Wendy

Went here for the CNH employee/retiree picnic. Stayed to see the animals and the gift shop. Haven't been here since I was a kid - they've improved it a lot, I'm glad to see that they're cleaning up more regularly than they did when I came as a kid. It doesn't stink anymore.

mike cichosnki

Would of had 5 stars but the grill was closed. Perfect little zoo for little ones.

Amy Hickey

We went on a cool day so not many animals were out but it was fun

David Marin

My family and I just loved

Jacky Chen

Always good clean family time

Matthew Wilen

Nice zoo for our small kids. I'm giving a lowering rating because the last time we went, it was closed for Brew Fest without warning. We live an hour away so I checked online to be sure it was open long enough to go in the afternoon. Everything said open until 6. After our hour long drive with excited toddlers, it was closed. Updating events and hours online would be nice...

Alexis Miller

My little guy loved it. Hes only 8 months old and I loved that it wasn't overwhelming. Easy to get around and the walk through area where you can be close to the animals was so much fun.

Jeff Huff

Easy walking. Not crowded. Very kid and granparent friendly.

Curtis Jones

Very nice selection of animals and a lot to see at this beautiful underrated zoo!

Katie Abbott

What a change from the Racine Zoo I knew as a kid! There are certainly the same main features, like the Big Cat area and the Orangutans. But the Aviary, Walkway, Barnyard Safari, and the Giraffe Experience remake this zoo. For a steal of a price, you get both new and old in this beautiful experience.

Scott Heyob

Smaller then Milwaukee but that's what makes it special tons to see an do great afternoon get away petting zoo was a big hit with my little man. Love this place.

Lanette O

Great zoo for families especially if kids are 10 or younger. Small & easy to get through in a few hours.

Bill Anderson

Great price not crowded fun for my family

Linda Peterson

The free summer band concerts are a big draw for folks who enjoy the simple pleasures of yesteryear.

BRIAN WILLIAMS

Great place to visit especially with children. The bird exhibit was really fun with baby Dylan. He loved feeding the birds! Bring a lunch though the food and drinks are very expensive but the $8 adult cost to get in is definitely worth it. We'll be back!

Chris Kalfa

It's a very pleasant experience, especially when looking for something to do with little ones off of school. Wonderful collection of animals to see, both big and small. There are even playgrounds on both ends of the park, for parental break time

Kali Berlik

Awesome zoo at an awesome price! Love that they're on the ball in different ways to cut down on plastic! Adorable animals. Fun playground for the kids and a beautiful setting! Must go!

Donna Roddy-Petersen

My husband and I had a great time strolling through the zoo. There was so much to see for a reasonable price. If I lived there, I'd have to get the pass so I could visit all the time.

Samantha Oxtoby

Nice zoo. Not massive so a nice place for littles to walk. Enjoy their events as well.

Tessa Sliwa

The Racine Zoo has definitely improved over the last couple of years! It’s great for children and adults. The zoo also lies along the shores of Lake Michigan which makes the scenery beautiful! They have a great bird and goat area to pet and interact with the birds!

Samita Slack

Not too many animals to look at for the price & most of the animals wasn't in their cages

Tameeka Watts

Great concert outdoors...Too many dragonflies at night

kyasia and the k squad

It was so fun and I got to see the tigger

Linda Wozniak

Had a great time with hubbies.

Dan Ostick

What a great zoo! Check out this park like place right on the shore of lake Michigan.

William Thomas

Good place to take kids

lundy920

The Racine Zoo is a hidden Wisconsin gem. It sits on the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan right on Racine's North Beach, its the perfect size for little ones, and it has a nice variety of animals. Giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, orangutans, and many more. If you love animals, this zoo is for you!

Desiree Johnson

We rode the train , we seen the animals., first time seeing my family in over a year and it was the best experience the kids loved it. I just think they need to explain things more as far as the stroller situation for young kids and the keys it took me 15 minutes to find a stroller that went to my key. That took away time that I have the stroller but most importantly time away from my son I hadn't seen in over a year. People come here for kids to have fun oh, the people who came here with me where from a different state far away. Our time was limited that was the only thing I regret it other than that awesome. Another thing I'd like to add is why do we have to have bird seed sticks when there used to be a petting zoo where we could pet animals for change? Why did they change this it was very nice.

Amanda Meyers

Love this zoo for a quick trip with the grandkids! unfortunately it's also very outdated and some of the animal enclosures are small while there is so much park-like setting and space for the visitors. I wish they would throw some money at it and revamp. But we still visit frequently it's fun to check it out and support them.

Steven Webrr

Very nice zoo, animals very active, offer military discount

Lori Popelka

Highly recommend! Really nice.

Lisa Isaacson

Beautiful setting for animals. Clean, open. They did an excellent job making it a nice place to live for the animals. Plenty of seating and a nice place to walk.

Enrique Abraham

Perfect for families with young children

Matthew Thielen

Awesome zoo! Love the penguins

Emilio Wilson

Great place to take the little kids to get a closer look at animals of all types. I will definitely recommend you to go see the lions and giraffes exhibits.. plus bring bug stray and money for souvenirs too.

P Jones

It was a nice little zoo. Not so big, not too crowded. Plus, the animals were a little active so was fun to see them moving about.

John

We love this zoo! Have been here maybe 4x over the last 16 years. I would come more often but I live in another state and only come when I visit family in Gurnee, IL. First took my children when they were tiny and just recently again now that they are older teens. They prefer it over the Atlanta Zoo. Racine has a nice size zoo - not too big or small! We will see you again in another 4 years or so!

Sebastian Jankiewicz

It's a nice little small town zoo.

B E

As my kids are young, they enjoyed this place. There are two playgrounds where kids can run out some energy. It was a nice place that we could explore as a family and not so big to where we would have to start carrying kids on shoulders.

Michael Metz

A small but very nice zoo. Fun to visit.

Carol Thiel

Racine really has a nice zoo. The traveling Chinese lights decorations are up right now too, so it makes it even better!

Mookie Bradbury

Great way to spend a few hours. Zoo is small enough to fit into a day but plenty to see.

Mike Oelrich

I go for the giraffe encounters. Feeding Mac and his nephew Jabari, their two adult male Masai giraffes, is a genuine thrill.

Trevor Mumm

Great place and friendly staff

Lawrence Wacker

A very impressive zoo site....clean, beautiful grounds, not too crowded, with quality zoo animals ! In many respects, it surpasses zoos of larger cities. Resting along a bluff, overlooking the Lake Michigan shoreline, you will want to visit again. A fun, and beautiful place.

Ceil T

Beautiful small zoo right on Lake Michigan. Highly recommend the rhino and giraffe experiences where you get to feed them! All staff well informed and very friendly.

Emily Cicerale

This is a great little zoo for it's size and location! Love the kangaroo exhibit and how you can just wander on the path through the enclosure. And they always have great programs, like Roar and Pour, or Winos for Rhinos.

Pat Wilson

Beautiful location and the perfect size for young kids.

Nathan Rabe

Had the best relaxing time with my family and extended family. Our kids loved it!

Angie Brown

So small than I thought but I like the Milwaukee zoo the best because it bigger and more animals for kids to see. Just went car show this afternoon my kids enjoy the car show.

Jason Foster

Great little zoo! A lot of things to do with the kids also.

TIM Banks

Very nice on lake....needs funds tho please

Marsha Connet

A beautiful zoo right on Lake Michigan. Perfect size for small kids to see everything before tiring out.

Mary Ann Ursu

Loved the zoo, people and animal friendly. Looked for t-shirts in the shop and was disappointed that it wasn't better stocked.

Douglas Hamilton

Great place for all ages. The Barnyard Safari area was pretty cool. It was nice to be able to go in with the goats. The Aviary was incredible. Gotta love the Zebras and Giraffes. Had a great time. Don't forget your camera. Photo opportunities throughout.

Selina Ducksworth

Great small zoo, worth the drive. Reasonably priced. The animals are well taken care of. Perfect for younger children. Only zoo you can get up close and person to lions, monkeys etc without feeling rushed by a crowd of people. We love this zoo! Missing a star because is small and not a huge array of animals

Alisa Brantz

We have a zoo membership and go frequently. It is open year-round and they always have wonderful special events for the kids. We have even sent our daughter to summer camp at the zoo and she got to interact with the animals. It is a fantastic local zoo.

Jeanet Lopez

A perfect afternoon with the children! The zoo is small enough that you can visit often to spend a couple hours but big enough to see several different species of animals. And since it's right on the shore of Lake Michigan you can choose to visit the beach afterwards.

Amy Lutkus

It's a nice zoo. I liked it better before they starting charging admission though. I realize it was probably a necessity, just seems like after they did, they got rid of most of what made the zoo so great, and built a bunch of silly playgrounds and things we dont need. It's a zoo, if my kids want to play, I could go to a park for free .it also seems like there are much less animals than there used to be.

Maurice Brown

The staff was fantastic.

Olga Bello

Not A lot of animals or very good habitats . the best was the monkeys that was the saving grace that day. Probably never go again:(

martavion bell

It’s fun need more animals tho

Kory Heal

Vets for $4? Great deal for the whole family

Amanda Ybarra

It's a nice size zoo. It's right on the lake so the views are amazing.

sharon mcclendon

The worst supposed to be zoo there is, I was only able to see 7 different animals and the zoo charged an admission fee, I would like a refund please. If I could give them no stars I would.

BURCU SATICIOĞLU

Not so big but very good little zoo. We enjoy walk around and visit the animals. Also, playground is very good for little ones.

Dean Brady

Fun Father's Day at the Zoo. First time here and it's a nice Zoo for the Family. Small yes, but not the craziness you get at the larger zoos. Parked with 100yrds of the entrance even. Lots a families with small kiddos.

Doreatha Boswell

Nice clean place.

Katie Gonzalez

Nice small town style zoo. Staff is always friendly

Deus Desu

Fun for all ages. friendly staff and tons of active animals to look at and interact with.

Cason Snow

An excellent value for the price of admission and very child friendly.

Angel De Jesus

I would give this place 0 stars if I could. I saw maybe 3 staff and only saw 2 monkeys and 2 lions. Pathetic place to call a zoo. Wouldn't recommend for your kids. It's a waste of money. Go to the milwaukee county zoo instead.

ashlee jensen

We love the lions here and love to watch how they are cared for. I've always had mixed feelings about zoos in general ( the captivity of wild animals not wanting to live in a cage for life). My first visit here was a turn off, i thought it was small, and the animals looked depressed. I talked with my husband about it and he suggested i give it another go, only this time asking lots of questions about each animal. I was surprised and impressed to find out the animals are rescues and they do not breed. We really like this zoo now, are members and are backing the education they do. We love you little Racine Zoo!!!

Monica Nichol

Its a nice small zoo. Cheap admission and friendly staff. The winter rate is cheaper because some of the animals are away for the colder weather, which is perfectly understandable and makes sense.

Julio Santiago

Fun place to visit with little kids

Brianna Carothers

Great zoo, wonderful staff! Good place to take the kids.

Gary Stoodley

Very easy to walk it and a nice collection of animals.

Sarah York

I went with a school group and I really wish they had a place for our lunches to stay safe. I was told they no longer allowed them to stay inside the gift shop but what if it rains? Just a suggestion. Other than that it was nice and very clean.

Jeannette VanKanegan

This is such a cute zoo, that I had no idea existed until Saturday. I attended the Pancakes With Penguins event Saturday morning, then walked around the zoo with my Aunt and uncle. We had so much fun. It was a perfect way to spend a fall Saturday afternoon.

Amanda Baker

I really love zoo's this one is a little on the sad side the animals are not very happy. On the other hand its nice to add in a zoo trip with a pinic with the beach next door so the location is amazing. Parking is another story there is no parking lot so you have to park on the street.

Efrain De La Rosa

Fantastic place to bring the children and family members to enjoy all that is to view.

mitch polonsky

Loved this place!! different Animals and scenery was right on the lake

Jennifer Schaubroeck

Fun for the kids and adults. I wish they had later hours.

Tracy Staadt

Very pleasant small zoo.

Carol Green

The 2nd time this year went to the zoo only to find it closed for a beer fest. Even checked the events calendar that did not show an event for September 14. So disappointed

Catherine Gaudineau

Beautiful zoo but what a shame for the tiger with his very small Land. .. The oran outan is very sad and alone... The 2 rhinos couldn t be here but in one bigger zoo

Greg Benton

Some of the beautiful decorations being assembled for the lantern festival

Humdrum

Probably the best little zoo in the whole Midwest. The zoo is big enough for kids to enjoy and small enough that they won't get over stimulated and tired. The price is very reasonable with rates of $4,for adults and $3 for children. The staff are very welcoming and helpful. The animals are on display at all times and very close to the spectators. There is a walk about exhibit that allows people to have the animals come right up to them. Very fun and the view of lake Michigan alone is worth the price of admission.

David Petricek

The staff was friendly. And the ani.als were lively

Thomas Billman

I am reviewing not the zoo but the current lantern exhibit. Excellent...but buy the tickets online and save a lot.

cwhittier1444

This is a very nice zoo. Small enough to take kids and not walk around all day. Very well laid out and they have people give talks through the day. Have taken many photos of the animals there. I visit a couple of times a year. Right now they have an abundant display of Chinese decorations and statuary while I was there in September 2019.

Al Goldman

Very nice small zoo. Wish we were going to be here for the lantern festival Oct thru Dec.

Sachin Patel

Nice place for kids and adults. Limited animals but it's worth a visit.

Matt Clausen

Very nice small zoo. Perfect for little ones.

Bonnie Mayol

Beautiful zoo with a few exhibits. Off the lake with beautiful views. About 1.5 miles to walk around the zoo. They have about 2 kids play area and a few picnic benches. $28 fee for 2 adults and 2 kids. They have free limited parking in the back or on the street.

Alicia Snuggles

To see wildlife in a quiet city near Lake Michigan is Beautiful. And to Find Events happening at this place often is great too! Enjoy this place as much as you can just like we the people in Racine / Kenosha do!!

Rebecca Granger

We love the zoo I would suggest getting a zoo pass the beginning of the season.

Gail Buskirk

Great place to picnic and spend fun times with my grandsons

Cindy Imhof

Great place for kids!

Camryn Jean

Nicely sized zoo for the size of the town, great playground for the kids and a lot of fun opportunities to get involved with the animals.

Pat Boehme

They have all kinds of events at the zoo. Be sure to check out the Chinese lantern event running thru dec 2019.

Crissy Becklund

Too my grandchildren, totally enjoyed the afternoon.

Sherry Schultz

Perfect for a picnic and taking your little ones. Soooo pretty, too!

Heather Deja

It was nice but I mean come on $6 plus for 3 CANS of soda. Seriously! Next time I will bring my own drinks! And food

TheCHIEF BIGFAITH

Its decent. Spacious. Not too crowded. Not too pricey. But one thing I wish they would do is just spray off the sidewalks with all the goose poop. that's something they could do or should do everyday. one section of the sidewalk near the pond looked like it hadn't been washed for several days. You literally could not walk on it without getting it all over your shoes. please wash the sidewalks. spray them down near the pond.

Victoria Bishop

It has memories not happy how less of animals they were putting Chinese decorations up so to enjoy the natural beauty was hard my son a veteran came in of NC and we were trying to have old and new memories

sandi brill

I heard it's a nice but small zoo. It used to be free, not sure if it is now.

Matt Larson

Really nice neighborhood zoo. I went here a lot as a child and even have a family engraved brick here. During the summer/fall they have a bunch of cool events including the brew fest in September.

Austin Holik

Really nice zoo. Beautiful location on the lake. Lots of animals. And, you can sign up to feed the giraffes!

Dave Butler

Nice zoo and a great venue for a car show.

Brandi Woodard

Lots of space, not lots of animals. Miss the $5 days. Not sure why it's $8, but like that I can bring my own food and drink and have a picnic, free parking too

John Royce

I was here working and the grounds were very well kept animals were beautiful the staff helpful and kind

Brandy Ludlow

Small zoo with awesome features including a playground.

John Weiser

Great night for Wine, Dine and Stein.

Jaz Last

Lovely zoo! I always have so much fun here!

Jen V

Nice mid sized zoo. Perfect day or afternoon trip with the kids. Loved feeding the parakeets!

jgconner2010

So disappointed. What has happened to the zoo that I went to as a kid? The animals, from what they have, looked miserable. Petting farm? What? A mixture of 8 goats & sheep? You can't feed them & they don't want to be touched. No bears. No elephants. No gorillas. No penguins (or any kind of water creatures). No snakes. No deer. Nothing really cool to see. And to top it all off, its not free. $17 for 1 adult & 2 - 6 yr olds to see nothing! Well hey, at least they have a play area for the kids to have SOMETHING to do! Maybe donate the animals and just make it a park. One that stays open and won't kick you out early at 4:30 on a beautiful summer day, because Animal Crackers is starting! What a joke Racine. We left after an hour anyway. We already saw everything... Save your money & head to the Milwaukee Zoo.

Joshua Mayerak

Fun little zoo to enjoy when you want a quick visit.

Laura Knight

Great for young kids. Very walkable. Has a playground and picnic tables, too.

Susan Hawn-smith

Very well kept zoo located on shore of Lake Michigan.

Diana Wells

The animals were up close and happy. The grounds are beautiful and flowers in bloom.

James Leonard

Always a great time at the zoo highly recommend animal crackers and boo at the zoo!

Mike Lyng

Perfect size. Lots to do and see. Staff was excellent.

Natalie Edmond

Just as amazing as it was when I was a child!

Lori Myers

I have come here from chgo suburbs and love everything and the people here

Melissa Milkie

One of the nicest, cleanest zoos I have been to. Highly recommend.

Ashley Baillie

Clean small little zoo. Pricing isn't bad for what you get.

Katy Walker

The Racine zoo is always a great time. I've gone to this zoo ever since I was a kid and now my kids love it too!

Megan Anderson

Beautiful grounds. Since the zoo is right on the lake you get great views of Lake Michigan. I also think because of the location to the lake that the zoo doesn't have that "zoo smell". It's a small park so it's great for toddlers. They have multiple playgrounds for the kids. My only dislike is there is a parking lot for maybe 6 cars. So you have to park on the street.

Michaela Peterson

The little zoo with a big heart. Great place to go with family or just to enjoy the scenery. I love that this zoo is AZA accredited, it shows their dedication to their animals wellbeing and education.

Karen Kroes

great day 4 the racine zoo