Dells Picks · Attractions and tours

Animal parks and farms in Wisconsin Dells

For kids who'd trade a waterslide for feeding a giraffe, the Dells has a surprising number of animal stops: a wildlife park with giraffes and camels, a walk-through deer park, an alpaca ranch, a big cat sanctuary, a crane center and a butterfly house.

These are all on the list from research, not first-hand visits yet. Each card has the season, how long to plan and what to know before you go.

Updated Oct 2026

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A brolga crane at the International Crane Foundation

Photo: Rod from Livonia, Michigan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Researched

International Crane Foundation

Mirror Lake and Ho-Chunk · Seasonal, May to October

Conservation center south of town in Baraboo, the only place to see all 15 of the world's crane species, with exhibits and prairie trails.

Ages:: All ages
Allow:: Guided tours up to 1 hour
Best for:: Nature lovers and birders
Know before you go:: Guided tours run at set times daily in summer and on weekends in spring and fall.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the easy paved walking loop and knowledgeable guides.

Hours

Mon to Sun: 9 am to 5 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Adults
Wheelchair accessible
Seasonal

Website Map and photos (608) 356-9462Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Brilliant Butterflies

Hwy 13 and north Parkway · Seasonal, Memorial Day to Labor Day

Small family-run butterfly house on County H where visitors feed butterflies with sugar sticks and hold caterpillars.

Ages:: All ages
Allow:: About 45 minutes to 1 hour
Best for:: A gentle, short stop for young kids
Know before you go:: Tickets are sold inside the greenhouse; plan on about an hour.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention knowledgeable owners who let kids hold caterpillars.

Kid-friendly
Toddler-friendly
Adults
Seasonal

Website Map and photos (608) 870-0780Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Casacampo Alpaca Ranch

North of downtown · Year-round

Countryside ranch north of town where visitors feed and walk among alpacas and llamas, with tastings for adults and on-site lodging.

Ages:: All ages
Best for:: A calm animal outing that also works for couples
Know before you go:: Hours are not posted on the listings we checked; contact the ranch before driving out.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention tame, well-cared-for animals and a relaxed pace.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Adults
Year-round

Website Map and photos (608) 404-0457Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Country Bumpkin Farm Market and Lil' Bumpkin Play Village

Further out · Seasonal, April to October

Family farm market west of town with a petting farm, large kids' play village, farm train ride, fall corn maze and pumpkins.

Ages:: Toddlers to about 10
Allow:: About 2 hours
Best for:: Toddlers and young kids, especially in fall
Know before you go:: The play village suits kids about 10 and under; the family ticket includes animal feed and the hay ride.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention a large, creative play area that keeps young kids busy for hours.

Hours

Mon to Sun: 9 am to 6 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Toddler-friendly
Seasonal

Map and photos (608) 254-2311Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Timbavati Wildlife Park

Hwy 13 and north Parkway · Year-round; guided tours by appointment outside summer

25-acre wildlife park on the Parkway with about 75 species, giraffe and camel feeding, a petting area, camel rides and a safari train.

Ages:: All ages
Allow:: About 3 to 4 hours
Best for:: Hands-on animal time for young families
Know before you go:: Plan 3 to 4 hours; animal feed is sold separately, and the safari train departs about every half hour.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention being able to feed and pet kangaroos, giraffes and other animals up close.

Hours

Mon to Thu: 9 am to 5 pm
Fri: 9 am to 6 pm
Sat to Sun: 9 am to 5 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Toddler-friendly
Year-round

Website Map and photos (608) 253-2391Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue

Further out · $ · Seasonal, April to early December

Nonprofit sanctuary in Rock Springs for lions, tigers and leopards rescued from neglect or seizure, seen on guided tours.

Ages:: School age and up
Allow:: About 1 hour
Best for:: Older kids and adults interested in big cats
Know before you go:: The cats are most active around morning feeding; there is no touching.

Hours

Mon to Fri: Closed
Sat to Sun: 10 am to 4 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Adults
Seasonal

Website Map and photos (608) 524-5466Updated Oct 2026

Researched

Wisconsin Deer Park

Hwy 13 and north Parkway · Seasonal, mid-April to late October

Long-running 40-acre walk-through park where more than 100 deer roam freely and eat from your hand, with elk and bison in nearby enclosures.

Ages:: All ages
Best for:: An easy, low-cost animal stop with small kids
Know before you go:: Bring small bills for the corn dispensers inside.

From public reviews: Reviewers often mention the deer prefer the corn sold inside over the crackers.

Hours

Mon to Sun: 10 am to 4 pm

Hours change by season. Check before you go.

Outdoor
Kid-friendly
Toddler-friendly
Seasonal

Website Map and photos (608) 253-2041Updated Oct 2026

Questions

Is there a zoo in Wisconsin Dells?

The closest thing is Timbavati Wildlife Park on the Parkway: 25 acres and about 75 species, with giraffe and camel feeding, a petting area and a safari train. The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison is the nearest traditional zoo.

What is the Wisconsin Deer Park?

A long-running 40-acre park on the Parkway where more than 100 deer roam freely and eat from your hand, with elk and bison nearby. It's open about mid-April to late October.

Where can kids feed animals in Wisconsin Dells?

Timbavati (giraffes, camels and a petting area), the Wisconsin Deer Park, Casacampo Alpaca Ranch and the petting farm at Country Bumpkin all let kids feed animals.

What animal attractions are open in winter?

Timbavati lists year-round visits, with guided tours by appointment outside summer, and Casacampo Alpaca Ranch is open year-round. Call ahead in winter. The Deer Park, butterfly house and Crane Foundation are seasonal.

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