The health and well-being of the animals is our top priority. Do not disturb any exhibit animals by any means, including an attempt to pet, feed, handle, or trap exhibit animals. Be kind to the animals. 

Those who harass or do something intentionally to harm an animal, will be escorted out of the zoo.

Deer Forest: Please follow rules posted at the Deer Forest entrance. Guests must stay on the pathway at all times. Do not run, yell, or chase the deer. Only feed the deer the food available in the forest as outside food can make them very sick. Plastic bags are not allowed in the deer forest or petting zoo.

Foreign objects like coins, rocks, trash, straws, cell phones, or any plastics can create serious health hazards to the animals. 

Never throw any objects at animals or into their habitats, and DO NOT try to feed animals plants growing in the zoo. All animals are on special diets and the incorrect food can make them extremely ill. Do not reach over any barriers to try to give animals objects.

For the health and safety of the animals, pets of any kind are not allowed on zoo property. DO NOT leave pets in your car while you are in the zoo or Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern. 

In compliance with ADA regulations, service dogs are allowed in the zoo. Please refer to our Service Dog Policy for more information.

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, please do not bring bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, heelies, child scooters, and pedal toys to the zoo. You will be asked to leave these items behind.

Visitors must stay on the pathways and cannot cross any fences or barriers. Do not go over, under, between or otherwise cross any guardrail, fence, moat, wall, or other safety barrier. No visitor should sit on, stand on, or hold children over such barriers. 

Do not try to touch the animals. Touching is only permitted within the deer forest (however, please do not touch antlers) and in the petting zoo. This is for the health and safety of our animals and our visitors. Those who cross barriers will be escorted out of the zoo.

Southwick’s Zoo requires all guests to remain on designated pathways at all times. Climbing or crossing barriers or entering restricted areas is prohibited. Visitors found doing so will be escorted out of the zoo.

All animals in the zoo have their own specific diet that is closely monitored and managed by our animal care team and veterinarian. Any food not part of that diet can be harmful, even if it seems like they could eat it, and can make the animal extremely ill.

Feeding of the animals is only allowed in the petting zoo and deer forest, and ONLY with food that is provided by the zoo. 

Important Note: Please do not give deer feed to the goats in the petting zoo, or goat feed to the deer. It makes them ill, only feed them the food available in their area.

Guests must wear a shirt and shoes while in the zoo. 

We also strongly suggest wearing comfortable shoes such as sneakers or boots due to our uneven terrain. We do not recommend wearing flip flops, open toed shoes, high heels, or other similar footwear. 

Please remember that we are a family friendly attraction, clothing with offensive language or imagery is not permitted.

Adults are responsible for the safety of children in their party,  and children must be supervised at all times while in all areas of the zoo including play areas, near/on rides, and in the gift shops. Never leave children unattended. 

Children MUST be accompanied by an adult while in the petting zoo and deer forest.

Our zoo is located on a hill, and some pathways are uneven and bumpy. For your safety, please do not run. Be very careful with strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs.

Alcohol cannot be brought onto zoo grounds, and alcoholic beverages purchased in Galliford’s cannot be brought into the zoo. Southwick’s Zoo is also a smoke-free facility, smoking and vaping are not allowed within the zoo.

Drones are not permitted on or above zoo grounds at any time.

Weapons of any kind or objects that appear to be weapons (toy guns, toy blasters, squirt guns, knives, etc.) are not allowed on zoo grounds.

Southwick’s Zoo is not open year-round. We are open seasonally from early to mid April through October. 

After we close for the zoo season, we typically offer our annual Great Jack O’Lantern Journey and Winter Wonderland events during evenings in October, November and December. Please be aware that, after Winter Wonderland ends, zoo grounds are completely closed until the start of the next zoo season.

Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern, the full service restaurant located at the zoo, remains open year-round. Visit www.gallifords.com for current hours and menus.

Parking is always FREE at Southwick’s Zoo!

Most guests spend between 3 and 5 hours exploring the zoo. With over 850 animals, multiple exhibits, ride attractions, dining options, and seasonal experiences, many families choose to make a full day of their visit.

Your time may vary depending on the pace of your group, special events, and how many attractions you choose to enjoy.

The best time to visit is earlier in the day, especially during the summer and peak seasons. Mornings tend to be cooler, less crowded, and more active for many of the animals.

Visiting earlier also gives you more flexibility to explore at a relaxed pace before peak afternoon crowds arrive.

You can bring your own stroller, and we do have a limited number of rentals available during the regular zoo season. 

We offer the following rentals: 

• Strollers
• Double strollers
• Wagons
• Wheelchairs
• Scooters

Click here for rental information.

Rentals are not available for special events including the Great Jack O’Lantern Journey or Winter Wonderland.

Guests cannot bring outside food (including coolers and full lunches) into the zoo. 

However, smaller items such as small snacks, beverages (i.e. water bottles, juice, coffee, etc.), formula and other childcare necessities, or food required for medical reasons are permitted.

Reminder: Guests ARE NOT allowed to bring food for the animals.

First aid kits are located at all dining and retail venues. A first aid station is available at the main entrance.

Yes, water refill stations are located throughout the Zoo. Staying hydrated is important, especially on warm days, and we encourage guests to take advantage of these stations.

You can find our animal exhibit list here.

Yes, you are welcome to take photos at the zoo.

Important Note: Please do not use any form of flash photography or any flash function on your camera or phone.

Visitors can book birthday parties in the zoo during our normal season. For more information, click here.

We receive a very high volume of donation requests each year, and we try to fulfill as many as we can. Visit our Donation Guidelines page to learn more about how to request a donation of 2 general admission passes for use in fundraiser raffles, auctions, etc. 

Please be aware that all donation requests must be mailed to us with a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and we do not accept requests sent electronically (i.e. email, our contact form, social media, etc.).

Southwick’s Zoo is home to many animals, and sometimes seasonal visitors make their way here too. Here is a guide to Bee Careful as you meet some of the Yellow Jackets visiting the zoo: Please Bee Careful.

Yes, we are handicap accessible! Southwick’s Zoo is built on natural terrain and offers opportunities for every guest to enjoy the zoo. 

For guests with limited mobility, we offer Electric wheelchairs/scooters to rent as well if you do not bring your own.

Southwick’s Zoo is proud to offer sensory-friendly resources in partnership with the Autism Alliance of Metrowest. These materials help guests prepare for their visit, identify quieter spaces, and navigate potential sensory triggers throughout the Zoo. Our goal is to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests of all abilities. If you have specific needs, our Guest Services team is happy to help.

Sensory Bags

Available at the Guest Services window. Visitors can borrow a sensory bag which includes: a ID badge/sticker, lanyard, noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, water timer, squishy toy, gripstick, and social story booklet.

Social Stories

Guests can view and download Social Stories to help prepare for their visit. Click here to view social stories.

Yes, we do offer a room for breastfeeding mothers looking for privacy. 

The room is next to the family restroom, on the left side of the large building located between the petting zoo and the Bactrian camel habitat. The nursing room has two sides divided by a curtain and has rocking chairs and a changing table.

Southwick’s Zoo remains open rain or shine during the normal season (early-to-mid-April through October). If the zoo must close due to severe weather (i.e. blizzard, hurricane, etc.), a notice will be posted on our homepage and social media.

Reminder: While our zoo is open rain or shine, rides, many attractions, shows, and smaller food and retail locations are weather permitting. Certain features may be closed or may close early on rainy days.

All rides and attractions are weather permitting and are subject to availability without notice.

All tickets purchased online are non-refundable, however tickets can be rescheduled for another date! 

The zoo is open rain or shine, but in the event that you are unable to use your date and time specific tickets due to weather, please email our Guest Services at guestservices@southwickszoo.com with your Reservation ID.

Yes, you can find a downloadable zoo map on the Guest Services page.

Yes, there are QR codes posted at the entrance for your convenience.

If you witness inappropriate behavior by another guest, please report it to a member of staff immediately. Zoo staff will be wearing Southwick’s Zoo branded polo shirts.

To ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and animals, Southwick’s Zoo has an outline of safety rules and guidelines that guests must adhere to.

Click here to view our Safety Rules & Guidelines.