Photo: Dave Shapiro
Photo: Mahima Srivastava
Photo: Thomas Wasinski
Northwestern Mutual
★4.1(22 reviews)FreeFarm
🕑 45 minutes to 1 hour at the farm itself, though most families make this part of a longer 3-4 hour zoo visit👶 Best for ages 2-8. Toddlers and preschoolers are at the perfect height to interact with smaller animals, while early elementary kids enjoy learning about where food comes from and animal care responsibilities.🧡 Saved by 50+ families
About
There appears to be a data mix-up here - Northwestern Mutual is actually a financial services company headquartered in downtown Milwaukee, not a farm or petting zoo. The interactive farm area with goats and farm animals you're looking for is likely the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm at the Milwaukee County Zoo, which is a separate location at 10001 W Bluemound Rd. The Family Farm is a wonderful hands-on experience where kids can pet and feed gentle farm animals in a safe, supervised environment.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on goat petting in a walk-through enclosure
- ✓Meeting friendly sheep, chickens, and rabbits
- ✓Learning about daily farm chores and animal care
- ✓Photo opportunities with barnyard animals
- ✓Educational displays about Wisconsin agriculture
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit the Family Farm earlier in the day when animals are most active and before afternoon heat makes them sleepy
- 2.Bring hand sanitizer or plan to use the handwashing stations immediately after petting animals
- 3.Check the zoo's daily schedule for special feeding times and keeper talks at the farm
- 4.The farm can get crowded on weekends - weekday mornings offer the best one-on-one animal interaction
- 5.Wear closed-toe shoes as you'll be walking through farm areas
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather and smallest crowds. Animals are typically more active in cooler morning temperatures, making interactions more engaging for kids.
What to Know
The Family Farm is included with Milwaukee County Zoo admission ($17.75 adults, $14.75 kids 3-12, free for 2 and under). The zoo has ample parking ($18) and multiple food options throughout the grounds.
Seasonal Notes
The Family Farm is open seasonally from late April through October, weather permitting. It's closed during winter months. Summer can be hot with less shade, so spring and fall visits are most comfortable.
Nearby Eats
Within the zoo, try the Flamingo Café or Patio Restaurant for kid-friendly options like chicken tenders and pizza. Outside the zoo, Kopp's Frozen Custard (about 2 miles away) is a Milwaukee institution perfect for post-zoo treats.
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