Southwick’s Zoo

About

Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts is New England's largest zoological experience, home to over 850 animals from around the world spread across 300 acres of natural terrain. Since opening in 1963, this family-owned zoo has grown into a beloved destination where visitors can get remarkably close to wildlife in settings designed to feel open and immersive.

The zoo features a diverse collection that includes giraffes, rhinos, primates, big cats, and a popular deer forest where animals roam freely and visitors can walk among them. A Galápagos tortoise exhibit, reptile house, and bird aviary round out the indoor experiences. The Earth Discovery Center offers educational exhibits that bring conservation topics to life for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights is the Skyfari ride, a skyride that offers aerial views of the animal habitats below. There's also a guided tram tour that loops through the zoo, giving guests a narrated overview of the grounds and its residents. For families with young children, a playground and kiddie rides add extra fun to the day.

Food options are available throughout the park, from snack stands to sit-down spots where you can refuel between exhibits. The zoo also hosts seasonal events, including a popular fall festival and holiday light displays that extend the visiting season beyond summer.

Plan to spend at least three to four hours exploring. The zoo is open seasonally, typically from April through October, with special events in the off-season. Parking is free and plentiful. Arriving early on weekdays tends to mean smaller crowds and more active animals. Check the zoo's website for current hours, ticket prices, and any special feeding or enrichment schedules that might shape your visit.

Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or introducing a child to their first giraffe, Southwick's Zoo delivers a full day of discovery in a setting that feels more like a wildlife preserve than a traditional zoo.

Accessibility

Southwick's Zoo is built on natural terrain, so guests should be prepared for hills and inclines throughout the grounds. That said, most pathways are paved and the zoo is broadly wheelchair accessible. The zoo recommends electric wheelchairs or scooters for guests with limited mobility, as some grades can be challenging for manual chairs. Electric scooters are available to rent on-site, and manual wheelchair rentals are offered at the entrance.

The guided tram tour accommodates one wheelchair or Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD) per vehicle, making it a great option for guests who want to see the zoo without covering all the terrain on foot. An ADA Accessibility Map is available upon request at the ticket booths and turnstiles.

Visitors have noted that most areas are manageable by scooter or wheelchair, though the area near the giraffe exhibit has a steep incline that can be difficult. The Deer Forest, where guests walk among free-roaming deer, may also present challenges for those with mobility limitations due to uneven ground.

Parking is free, and the lot is close to the main entrance. Contact the zoo directly for current details on accessible restroom locations, companion or caregiver admission policies, sensory accommodations, and any quiet spaces that may be available. Staff at Guest Services can answer specific questions about accessibility features and help plan your route through the zoo.

More accessible places in Massachusetts

• Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Boston)
• Salem Maritime National Historical Park (Salem)
• Peabody Essex Museum (Salem)
• Springfield Armory National Historic Site (Springfield)
• Boston Symphony Hall (Boston)
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (Boston)