Plan Your Day at Southwick's Zoo
From thrilling rides and wild animal encounters to keeper chats and hands-on fun, make the most of your visit with our easy planning guide.
Plan Your Day at Southwick's Zoo
From thrilling rides and wild animal encounters to keeper chats and hands-on fun, make the most of your visit with our easy planning guide.
Explore, Discover, ROAR!
Explore, Discover, ROAR!
Animals From Around the World
Come face-to-face with over 900 animals across more than 160 species! From the wide-open African Plains to the lush Rainforest Room, every path leads to an unforgettable wildlife moment. Lions, giraffes, white rhinos, tigers, monkeys, sloths, and so many more are waiting to be discovered.
So Much to Discover!
- African Plains
- Rainforest Room
- Big Cats (Lions, Tigers)
- Primates
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Birds
- and more!
Family-Friendly Rides & Attractions
Add a little adventure to your day with rides and attractions for all ages. Whether you’re zipping through the trees or gliding above the zoo, there’s something exciting around every corner. Ride tickets are available for purchase at the park.
Mini Note: Ride pricing is posted at each attraction. Combo tickets available online for Skyfari + Train.
More Than a Zoo Visit, Make It Memorable!
Discover interactive moments and educational programs throughout the park that make every visit feel extra special.
Interactive Exhibits & Hands-on Experiences
Mini Tip: Bring quarters for the animal feed machines located in Deer Forest and the petting zoo!
Deer Forest
Hand-feed friendly fallow deer in a beautiful 35-acre forest.
Petting Zoo
Meet and feed goats and barnyard animals.
Bird Shows
Watch magnificent birds of prey soar in our amphitheater.
Keeper Chats
Learn about your favorite animals directly from our expert staff
EARTH Nature Center
Immersive yourself in learning experiences, animal connections, and inspiring spaces
Nature-Themed Playground
Climb, explore, and play while connecting with the outdoors.
Dining & Shopping
From family-friendly dining to zoo-themed shopping, you’ll find plenty of places to eat, relax, and browse during your visit to Southwick’s Zoo.
Dining
Enjoy a variety of casual dining options located throughout Southwick’s Zoo, offering something for every appetite.
Dining at the Zoo
From quick bites and kid-friendly favorites to refreshing beverages and sweet treats, our dining locations make it easy to grab a meal and get back to exploring.
In-park dining options include:
- The Deli: Wraps, soups, salads
- The Creamery: Ice cream, candy-shoppe treats
- The Zebra Café: Burgers, pizza, chicken, fried food
- The Snack Factory: Pretzels, kettle corn, cotton candy
- The Dog House: Hot dogs, french fries, novelty ice cream
Shopping
Southwick’s Zoo gift shops feature a wide selection of souvenirs, apparel, plush animals, toys, and unique gifts for all ages.
Gift Shops & Souveniers
Take a piece of your zoo adventure home with you! Discover souveniers perfect for remembering your visit or finding something special for a loved one.
Gift shops include:
- The Purple Peacock Gift Shop: Animal decor, custom apparel, plushes, Southwick's Zoo merch
- Marangu Trial Outpost: Fine souveniers and gifts, apparel, African momentos
- Jungle Hut: Plush toys, keepsakes
Galliford's Restaurant & Tavern
Looking for a sit-down dining experience?
Located right at the entrance to Southwick’s Zoo, Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern offers full-service dining in a relaxed, welcoming setting. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal before or after your zoo visit.
Tickets
Ready to Visit? Let's Go Wild!
Save time and money by purchasing your tickets online in advance. Choose from date-specific or flexible options, and don’t forget to check out Value Passes for frequent visitors!
Arriving at Southwick's Zoo
Directions to the Zoo
Located in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley, Southwick’s Zoo offers a scenic and accessible destination just minutes from Routes 495 and 146.
Whether you’re visiting from nearby or planning a day trip, you’ll find us at 2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA 01756.
Where to Park
Southwick’s Zoo is proud to offer free parking for all our guests and visitors. Parking is located directly across the street from the zoo, and clearly marked signage and crosswalks will get you where you need to go.
Accessible (handicap) parking spaces are also provided in our main parking lot (while available).
Zoo Map
From must-see exhibits to dining spots and guest amenities, our zoo map helps guide your adventure at Southwick’s Zoo. Use it to explore the park, plan your route, and make the most of your day with us.
Printed zoo maps are also available at the front entrance.
Helpful Tools / FAQ Preview
Directions & Parking
We are located at 2 Southwick Street, Mendon, MA 01756, just minutes away from Routes 495 and 146.
Parking is located across the street from the park, and it is always free to park at Southwick’s Zoo.
Zoo Hours and Calendar
Southwick’s Zoo is a seasonal zoo open from early-to-mid-April through October. Hourly schedules are posted on the Visitor Info page.
In addition to regular zoo operations, we also host several events through the season and two seasonal evening festivals, The Great Jack O’Lantern Journey and Winter Wonderland starting in October.
Please visit our Events Calendar page for event schedules and updates.
Know Before You Go - FAQs & Guest Services
If you have any questions regarding your upcoming visit, please refer to our Guest Services page for a comprehensive list of FAQs.
In addition to FAQs, we have outlined our full list of safety rules & guidelines, as well as rentals information and service dog policy.
If you have a question that was not listed under FAQs, please submit it using our contact form, or email Guest Services at guestservices@southwickszoo.com
Dining & Galliford's Restaurant Info
Southwick’s Zoo offers a variety on in-park dinign options for visitors to enjoy. Please visit our Dining page to find details on each of the zoo’s dining options.
We are also proud to offer a full-service dining option with Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern. Located right at the zoo entrance, Galliford’s provides an opportunity for a sit-down restaurant experience to go along with your zoo visit. Please visit www.gallifords.com for more information and a full menu.
