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1. Fromm Petfest
Every September, the Summerfest grounds are transformed into a pet paradise, with agility courses, dock diving and even a costume contest (the cuteness levels, as you can see, are off the charts). Over 4,000 dogs are brought to the animal amusement park every year, but it’s also cat-friendly, with a “Kitty City” set up just for felines. You can bring your pet to enjoy the fun, or just come and watch all the others. This year’s Petfest is on Sept. 21.
2. Wisconsin Humane Society Camps
The Humane Society is an awesome group – they help animals find new homes all over the state. Plus, the society offers fun summer camps for kids in grades 1-9. Younger kids have Camp Critter and Camp Unleashed, where they do crafts, learn about animals, and of course meet some of the four-legged friends who live at the Humane Society. Older kids can try Junior Veterinary Camp, where they learn more about what it takes to care for animals.
3. Animal Encounters at Discovery World
Discovery World is way more than just a museum – besides all the cool activities and exhibits, it also has an aquarium with underwater creatures like stingrays, jellyfish and even these funny little salamanders called axolotls. And every month, it hosts Animal Encounters, where animal experts show kids the different amphibians and reptiles that live there – you might even get to hold one!
4. Snooze at the Zoo at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Bring a tent for this special event, which lets you sleep over at the Zoo. This year, the Zoo is hosting Snooze nights Aug. 8-10. You get dinner, s’mores around a campfire, breakfast and, of course, the chance to hang out with the animals after hours!
5. Green Meadows Petting Farm
At this Easy Troy farm, you’ll find plenty of animals, and not just the usual ones you see at petting zoos. There are llamas, turkeys, pigs, goats, cows, donkeys, ducks and even alpacas and emus.
6. Bear Den Zoo & Petting Farm
This petting farm has a kangaroo! As if that’s not enough, you can also find lemurs, bunnies, kittens and more here. (Not bears though, despite the name … because that would be crazy.)
7. Havens Petting Farm
Did you know that mini pot-belly pigs are a thing? So are miniature donkeys. And pygmy goats. They’re like the normal version of those animals, but tinier. They’re amazing. You can pet all those (and also a zebra) at this farm.
8. Wisconsin Deer Park
You can probably guess from the name that this park is all about deer. The animals roam free over 40 acres here, and you can pet them, too. Plus, the park has bison, goats, llamas and more.
