Racine Zoo

Okay, so Sunday was free day at the Milwaukee County Zoo. We have a Zoo Pass, so that's not a big deal to us. My son wanted to go to the zoo but we didn't want to deal with the crowds (being free day) so we thought we'd check out the Racine Zoo. OMG - that was a really uninformed decision! Firstly it's not a free zoo anymore (although admission is VERY cheap), secondly none of the concession stands were open, thirdly none of the vending machines were operational... now to get on with the zoo itself: The habitats are very tiny. All the animals seemed sad/depressed. "All" the animals consisted of a lion, a tiger, some mountain goats, a rhino and a giraffe. My sister has more animals (even if they are just fish, dogs & cats)! There was a white tiger or snow leopard (I don't recall) that had cuts on it's nose from trying to stick it through the fencing (you can tell by the pattern of the cuts) -- the reason I don't recall exactly what it was is because that made me so sad/angry that I couldn't look at it. That is the first, last, and only time I will ever visit that zoo. They got our $8 ($4 ea. adult) and we were only there 20 minutes at the most. When we went back to the car my son didn't want to get in the car seat and he was crying "I want to go to the zoo!" -- It was so lame that my son didn't even realize we had been to the zoo. Next weekend, we'll be going to Milwaukee Zoo! more

My family has been traveling to the Racine Zoo for several years. They charge NO admission fee's, but donations are welcome. They have all the basic animals on display & most of them in an outdoor setting. The size is perfect especially if you dont' like crowds and have antsy children. The zoo is also located lakeside so when you are done with your journey thru the zoo we walk down to the beach. It's like a two for one and the least it will cost you is time & gas money. more

The Racine Zoo is a small zoo, yet it offers a great educational experience. it is truly a great place for kids. Highly recommended is the Haunted Trail Tour in late October. It is a terrifying tour through the zoo after dark, although it is not recommended for children under the age of 8. more

A TERRIFIC place to visit! This is one of the last * FREE* Zoo's in the U.S. They have a wonderful assortment of animals in natural, beautiful settings. This zoo is small but perfect for little feet to walk through. It is situated right on the lake and there are bears, lions, monkeys and even a farm animal section where you can feed the goats. A very pleasant place to go. more