Kids can zip across a pond from the top of a 50-foot historic fire tower, then wander over to watch bison graze.
That combo alone got my attention.
The same park lets families walk a treetop trail about 15 feet in the air, with sections passing right above animal habitats.
Elk, prairie dogs, giraffes, and snow leopards all live here too.
I like how one stop mixes quiet animal watching with pure, heart-thumping adventure.
It sits inside a huge forest camp in northeastern Wisconsin, with miles of trails surrounding it.
The zoo stays open every single day of the year, even on holidays.
Little ones under three get in free, and there are smart ways for everyone else to save.
So how does one place keep kids busy from the first bison sighting to the last carousel ride?
The Northern Plains Crew Steals The Show First
Few things make a kid’s jaw drop like a full-grown bison standing just across the fence. At NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, that moment happens in the Northern Plains exhibit.
Bison and elk share this slice of prairie-style habitat with a busy colony of prairie dogs. It’s a little like a nature documentary, only nobody has to sit still on the couch.
I love that these animals are North American natives. Kids get to see creatures that once roamed huge stretches of this continent, right here in Wisconsin.
Bison are the heavyweights of the group, with shaggy shoulders and serious horns. Elk bring the elegance, especially when the bulls show off their impressive antlers.
Then there are the prairie dogs, which basically act as the comic relief. They pop up, look around, and vanish again, keeping younger kids giggling the whole time.
A quick tip helps here. Give your crew time to watch instead of rushing to the next stop, since animal behavior changes minute to minute.
Bring a few questions to spark conversation. Which animal is biggest, and why do prairie dogs keep checking the sky?
Your Wallet Can Relax A Little Here
Let’s be honest about the word free. Regular admission does cost money, but this park offers more ways to save than most families expect.
Children under three get in free every day. That makes it an easy outing for parents with toddlers who might only last a couple of hours anyway.
Winter brings a sweet deal too. Zoo admission drops to half-off during January and February, which is perfect for bundled-up animal watching.
Summer has its own bargain window. On Wednesdays in June, July, and August, admission is half-off from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Memberships make the math even friendlier for frequent visitors. Members get free admission year-round, though some special events are excluded.
Veterans also get in free on Veterans Day, November 11th. It’s a thoughtful way to say thanks.
Once inside, the Discovery Zone costs nothing extra with paid admission. Kids can play there as long as their energy holds out, which might be a while.
My advice is to plan around these deals when you can. A half-price Wednesday evening in July sounds like a pretty great family tradition to me.
Giraffes Will Happily Accept Your Snack Offering
A giraffe tongue is long, dark, and surprisingly grabby. Kids find this out fast at the giraffe feeding opportunity here.
Feeding the giraffes is a paid add-on, and it’s one of the park’s most popular experiences. Seeing those tall necks bend down toward small hands is pretty unforgettable.
Penguins get their moment too. The park offers African penguin feeding opportunities, which feel totally different from the giraffe encounter.
Giraffes are gentle giants towering overhead. Penguins are quick, chatty little birds that waddle with purpose.
Want even more access? NEW Zoo & Adventure Park offers Wild Encounters and Animal Experiences for an extra fee.
Options include an Insider’s Encounter, a Zookeeper Adventure, and Creature Encounters. There’s even a Snow Leopard VIP Experience for big cat fans.
These experiences go beyond regular admission, so check what fits your budget and your kids’ ages. A nervous toddler might prefer watching from a distance first.
Older kids who dream of working with animals could get a real thrill from the behind-the-scenes options. Talk about a field trip that beats the classroom.
Walk Above The Animals On A Treetop Trail
Fifteen feet up is the sweet spot. High enough to feel exciting, but not so high that Grandma refuses to come along.
The Neil Anderson Canopy Tour opened in 2022. It features more than a dozen suspended bridges and platforms strung through the trees.
Here’s the fun part. The tour connects the Adventure Park to the Zoo, so you’re actually traveling between areas while up in the air.
Some sections run alongside animal habitats. Others go directly above them, giving kids a bird’s-eye view few zoos can offer.
Best of all, the canopy tour is open every day of the year, weather permitting. That means a crisp fall afternoon or a snowy winter day could both work.
The tour does carry its own fee separate from basic zoo admission. Many families will find it worth adding for the unique views alone.
Little legs might wobble a bit on the swaying bridges at first. Give them a moment, and they’ll likely be leading the way.
Bring a camera with a strap. Looking down at animals from the treetops makes for photos your friends won’t expect.
Race A Friend Off A 50-Foot Fire Tower
Most zip lines start from a platform. This one launches from the top of a 50-foot historic fire tower, which instantly makes it cooler.
The Dual Racing Zip Lines run side by side, each stretching 1,000 feet. That setup practically begs for a sibling showdown.
Riders sail over a scenic pond at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Screaming is optional but highly likely.
Friendly competition aside, the views are a big part of the fun. Forest and water spread out below as you fly toward the finish.
Timing matters for this one. The Adventure Park usually runs seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Groups can also reserve time in spring and fall. That’s handy for scout troops, birthday parties, or school outings.
I really appreciate that accessible ziplining events are offered too. More kids getting that rush is always a win.
If your family has a cautious member, let them cheer from the ground first. Watching others land safely often turns a firm no into a hesitant maybe.
Brave Climbers Get Three Levels Of Challenge
Seventeen elements, three levels, and one optional free fall. The ropes course at NEW Zoo & Adventure Park doesn’t mess around.
Each challenge tests balance, focus, and a little nerve. Riders stay secured with a Smart Snap safety system the whole way.
That optional finale is the 32-foot QuickFlight free fall. Some kids will charge right at it, while others will politely decline, and both choices are fine.
Not into ropes? The Climbing Tower offers a variety of routes for climbers over age six.
Younger adventurers aren’t left out either. The Kids Kourse is a ground-level course with 10 elements built for ages 3 to 6.
I love this layout because big and small siblings can both feel brave at the same time. Nobody gets stuck just watching.
Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes that move easily. Loose sandals and climbing really aren’t friends.
Since these activities are seasonal, plan your trip for summer if climbing is the main goal. A Wisconsin summer day spent swinging through the trees sounds like a solid plan.
Muddy Hands Are Totally Encouraged Here
Mud kitchen. Dinosaur dig box.
Somewhere, a parent is quietly packing extra wipes.
The Discovery Zone offers free, self-guided play with zoo admission. Kids can explore a nature playground, a magnification station, and a rope tunnel climber.
There’s a balance scale, a scavenger hunt, and habitat puzzle games too. It’s sneaky learning disguised as pure play.
Animal lovers will head straight to the Children’s Petting Zoo. Sheep, goats, alpacas, and even reindeer live there.
Then comes the Endangered Species Carousel. Its hand-painted animal figures represent threatened or endangered species, so every ride doubles as a mini lesson.
The carousel is a paid ride, and so is the Mining Sluice. At the sluice, kids pan for gemstones and treasures to take home.
Honestly, the sluice might cause a small gold rush in your family. Expect little prospectors to inspect every sparkly speck.
Plan some downtime in this area between animal exhibits. Young kids recharge best when they get to run, dig, and get gloriously messy.
Snow Leopards And Red Pandas Never Take A Day Off
Christmas morning, a random Tuesday, or New Year’s Day could all work for a visit because the zoo is open year-round, seven days a week, except for special closures or adjusted hours.
That schedule opens the door to some unusual visits. Snow leopards and red pandas, after all, come from chilly mountain regions.
Beyond the Northern Plains, the animal lineup is impressively wide. Lions, giraffes, African penguins, river otters, and black bears all call the park home.
You’ll also find wallabies, emus, trumpeter swans, and white-tailed deer. Japanese macaques add a playful touch to the mix.
I like how the collection blends faraway species with Wisconsin wildlife. Kids get global variety and a better sense of the animals living near home.
The zoo usually runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Weather can affect which animals are out, so a little flexibility helps.
Bring layers in colder months and a water bottle in summer. Comfortable shoes are a must for the walking loop.
There’s food on site plus a gift shop for souvenirs. Somebody will want a stuffed snow leopard, so consider yourself warned.
A Tree-Planting Camp Grew Into Something Wild
Back in 1950, crews began planting trees at the Brown County Reforestation Camp. In 1952, the first animal pen was built, and the camp began caring for animals including white-tailed deer and timber wolf pups.
From those humble beginnings, the zoo kept growing. It earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums in 1996.
In 2014, the name officially became NEW Zoo & Adventure Park. The Adventure Park addition explains the upgrade.
Here’s a detail I find impressive. It’s one of only a few AZA-accredited zoos in the country running without local or regional tax support for its annual operating budget.
Admissions, memberships, and fundraising keep things going. Brown County, Wisconsin, owns and operates the park.
You’ll find it at 4378 Reforestation Rd, Green Bay, WI 54313. It technically sits in Suamico, just north of Green Bay.
The surrounding camp deserves extra time. Miles of trails welcome hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Picnic areas and trout ponds round out the scene. Pack lunch, finish with a forest stroll, and let the kids fall asleep happy on the drive home.
