If you’re on the hunt for a unique day trip close to Milwaukee, I’ve got the perfect spot that’s bound to be a hit with your kids.
Shalom Wildlife Zoo (also known as the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary) is a working farm that is also a licensed zoo.
Located in the picturesque woods of West Bend, WI, just a stone’s throw away (okay, a 40-minute drive) from Milwaukee, this gem offers an unforgettable adventure that combines a working farm with the a licensed zoo. It’s one of our favorite Milwaukee day trips.
The Experience
Explore a a three-mile loop on foot through beautiful wooded land, where you can spot elk, sheep, camels, ostriches, and even bears (yep, real bears) among many other animals.
And for those who prefer to ride in style, golf carts are available for rent, making the trek enjoyable for little legs and tired parents alike.
Considering the sprawling nature of the zoo, I cannot recommend renting a golf cart enough—especially for those with young kids ($30 for two hours). Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Along the way, you can feed the animals with grain purchased at the beginning of your visit. A word to the wise: heed the signs about which furry friends are open to snacks and which ones are better admired from a distance. (Our family learned the hard way with a certain ostrich, but hey, it makes for a great story!)
At the beginning or end of the walking loop, wander over to the Play and Picnic area located just a hop and skip from the gift shop. Here, you can feed and pet some friendly animals, or let the kids loose on the playground.
Don’t miss the Grizzly Grill for a bite, conveniently placed near the entrance. It’s a fantastic spot to refuel with wraps, sandwiches, and more. Plus, clean bathrooms are always a win in my book.
Practical Details
- Location: The zoo is located at 1901 Shalom Drive, West Bend, WI 53090. A tip from one parent to another: use your navigation and consider screenshotting directions just in case cell service gets spotty.
- Hours: Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but it’s always wise to check their website for the most current hours, especially if you’re planning a visit around holiday times or seasonal changes.
- Admission Costs: Admission is a breeze with straightforward pricing – $12 for adults, $8 for children ages 3-12, and free for the littlest adventurers under 2.
- Extras: Want to make your visit even more memorable? Golf cart rentals are available at $30 for two hours, and for $5, you can grab a bucket of feed to become the most popular humans in the zoo.
Pro Tips:
- Golf Cart Magic: If you’re visiting with young children, take my word for it and rent the golf cart. It’s a game-changer for covering the three-mile loop without the fuss.
- Play and Picnic Area: Facing a wait for a golf cart? No problem. Head west of the gift shop to find an area where kids can feed animals, play, and enjoy a picnic.
- Dine In or Pack a Lunch: Check out the Grizzly Grill for tasty wraps and sandwiches. Or, if you’re looking to save some pennies, bring your lunch and enjoy it at the picnic tables near the “Indian Artifact Museum.”
- Feeding Frenzy: Buying a bucket of feed ensures that you and the kids will be a hit among the animals. Just make sure to heed the signs about which animals are safe to feed.
- Safety First: Speaking from experience, keep a close eye on those signs about animal interactions to avoid any…unexpected memories.
Caution! Pay attention to the signs about which animals you can feed and which ones to keep your distance from. (We had an ostrich-biting and horse-biting incident that is sure to become part of our family lore.)
Note: We share many reader’s concern about the welfare of the animals who reside at Shalom Wildlife Zoo. Check out their Facebook Page to get to know the folks who run the Zoo. They provide frequent updates about the care and well-being of the animals who live there.
Before you set off on your wild adventure, take a moment to visit Shalom Wildlife Zoo’s website for the latest updates and more details. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious newbie to the zoo scene, Shalom offers an enriching experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining.
Happy exploring!
More Day Trip Ideas
100 Best Day Trips From Milwaukee For Families
Related Posts:
6 Zoos & Pettings Farms Throughout Milwaukee
A Family’s Guide to the Milwaukee County Zoo
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
