Southwick's Zoo in Mendon, MA Worth the Trip?

I live in Medway and I used to take my kids to the Zoo a couple of times a year. It has lots of shadey areas and it's easy to push a stroller and for the kids to walk around. Careful of when you go as lots of schools go on field trips there so it can get a little crowded. Lunch can be purchased as I recall but I always packed a lunch and bought an icecream for a treat.

We used to live that way and LOVED Southwick! It is great for pre schoolers. I suggest packing your own lunch. They don't have much to choose from. And if you travel north of there about 30 min there is Davis's farmland, Bolton Orchards, Nashoba Valley winery. It's a great area I wish we still lived there.

hi L., i loved southwicks zoo. you can get a really close look at all the animals which was great. i will definately be going back there this year. i am in the military so i always ask for a discount at places like that, well the whole family got in for free with my military Id! so if you know anyone that wants to come with you that's in the military, you'll all get in for free. i was very surprised because even in boston it's just a discount..no freebies. have fun!

I have been a couple times and plan to go again this summer with my son (2 1/2) and daughter (24 weeks). My son loved it last year. The year before, it was a little over his head. Definitely a nice small-town zoo. I'd bring lunch...they have stuff to buy, but nothing really healthy. have fun!

Hi L.,
I have a 3 yr old and 2 yr old and both loved it! The monkeys, tigers, leopard, giraffe, crocs, gorillas were all big hits. It's a lot of walking so I'd bring a stroller :)! We took the train ride in the back of the park for a short rest. We did pack a lunch, the food choices are standard...hot dogs, pizza and chicken fingers. We took a ride on the elephants and the ponies which they wanted to do over and over again. We are planning another trip this June!
Hope this helps-

Hi,

I brought my son there last year and we had a great time! We had lunch before going in. I just brought snacks and water with me in my backpack/diaper bag.

My son was almost 3 last year and I found that at zoos, museums,...he had a 2 maybe 2.5 hour max attention span. After that, he could care less about the animals, he just wanted to RUN!!!! They had a small section with rides for the kids as well as a deer sanctuary.

We also went to the Roger Williams Zoo in RI. I would say they're very comparable.

Have fun!

L.,

My kids LOVE Southwick's. It is so worth the trip. It's about 40 minutes for me. You can sometimes get passes from the library, or they have the passes that give you a discount. Sometimes you can even find a coupon in the paper for a free child with a paying adult.

As for food, you can bring your own or buy. If your kids are little and get tired, bring a stroller or a wagon. One summer we brought a wagon when we went with friends and it worked out great. You have a place to store your stuff as you walk around and the kids enjoy the ride.

hi,
My family has been going there every year for 5-6 years. We love it! The Deer forest, playground, animal shows, and pony rides are some of our favorite. Gabby the Gibbon is great! We usually buy lunch cuz hubby hates bringing stuff. My kids are 8 and 4 now. My son has been asking to go again since the last visit last year! You'll have a great time!

Bring some cash if you want to ride the elephant (expensive but interesting).

H.

Hello L.,
My whole entire family, including grandparents & uncles, went to the Mendon Zoo on Mothers Day. We had a fantastic time. I have a 17 month old and she loved it. We spent 3.5 hours at the zoo. There is plenty to do, feed and pet goats, turkeys, pigs, deer, pony, elephant, camel rides, small carnival rides, and the animals are friendly. You can go on their website and print a $2.00 off coupon and or bring you AAA card for a $2.00 discount. It's a little pricey but well worth it. Don't take the train ride, very boring. I think its the best zoo in MA.

Yes it is worth the trip we go every year you can get discount coupons on line sometimes. Besides the animals there are rides and you can ride an elaphant or a camel. We allways have a good time we drive from Arlington. L.